Too often I hear people wishing others Merry Christmas, without truly knowing if they celebrate Christmas. Not everyone does celebrate Christmas, and it is ignorant to assume that because you celebrate Christmas, everyone else does too. No, this isn't a matter of being politically correct; it's a matter of respecting someone's beliefs and values whether you agree with them or not. There a vast number of holidays out there, both religious and secular. Here are some holidays besides Christmas that you can celebrate this winter.

1. International Monkey Day - December 14th

Monkeys have been my favorite animal since elementary school. Why not devote a whole day to their existence by visiting the zoo, and even appreciating all of the other animals too? There is no better day to do so than International Monkey Day.

2. Bill of Rights Day - December 16th

This year marks the 225th anniversary of the Bill of Rights. Celebrate the freedoms that we all hold so dear in honor of the Bill of Rights this December.

3. Bake Cookies Day - December 18th

A day to not only enjoy wonderful fresh-baked cookies, but also to do the baking. This can be a fun activity to partake in during the coldness of December. Here's an amazing list of easy cookie recipes to try out!

4. Winter Solstice - December 21st

The Winter Solstice is the shortest day of the year. Whether you choose to celebrate the true start of winter by making a snowman, or by staying inside with a warm blanket, remember to treat yourself, because on this day you won't have as much daylight to do so.

5. National Eggnog Day - December 24th

A day to indulge in the heavy delicious goodness that is eggnog. Whether it's plain warm eggnog, or an eggnog latte from your favorite coffee shop, enjoy some extra calories today to celebrate.

6. Hanukkah - December 24th at nightfall

Hanukkah is an eight-day celebration that starts this year on the 24th at nightfall. It is a Jewish religious holiday and a good time to either celebrate your faith or learn more about Hanukkah if you don't already know what it truly celebrates.

7. Kwanzaa - December 26th

Kwanzaa is an six-day celebration that starts on the 26th of December. It is not a religious holiday, but is celebrated by many African American people and other people of African descent around the world. It is a week spent celebrating heritage, culture and traditions.

8. Make Cut-Out Snowflakes Day - December 27th

A day to embrace your inner craftiness, and celebrate (even if you hate it more than anything) the winter wonderland all around you.

9. New Year's Eve - December 31st

Your day to forget about all of the resolutions you plan on starting (and probably not finishing) during the new year. Indulge in a bit of fun and good food, and spend time with friends to close out the year. Remember the good times and the bad, and leave them in the past as a new year starts.

10. New Year's Day - January 1st

After waking up and realizing how many calories you truly ate last night, try to get yourself off on the right track to have a successful year. Try to make resolutions you can stick to, and ones that aren't completely new. Remember to start small and work your way up from there.

11. Festival of Sleep Day - January 3rd

A day to relax and rejuvenate after a long December. Get a couple of extra z's on this day. Only get out of bed today when you want to or need to. If you can't celebrate on the third, find a day that works for you! I hope you sleep like a baby.

12. Trivia Day - January 4th

Celebrate the day with some fun facts, and learn something new. Stay in and play some Trivial Pursuit and eat some good food to celebrate.

13. Bubble Bath Day - January 8th

Enjoy a bubble bath to indulge in a bit of self-care, and remember to relax. Forget about the 30 tasks you have to do once you get out of the bath and focus on the relaxing feeling you have in the moment. It isn't January 8th without a bubble bath!

14. Friday the Thirteenth - January 13th

Have yourself a bit of October during January by celebrating Friday the 13th. Whether you're a fan of scary movies or prefer Charlie Brown and the Great Pumpkin, enjoy some leftover Halloween candy that you should have gotten rid of a month ago and celebrate the spookiness of Halloween and Friday the 13th as you stay inside to avoid any bad luck.

15. Dress Up Your Pet Day - January 15th

Celebrate a bit more of Halloween in January by dressing your pet up. (Side note: I do not suggest dressing up your pet beta fish. It won't end well.) No fear if you don't have a pet; just borrow a friend's. Who doesn't love a cute animal in a cute costume? Of course, make sure that the costume in no way harms the animal!

16. Martin Luther King Jr. Day - January 16th

On the 16th of January remember all of the progress that this country has made while striving for racial equality. Remember those that were lost in the fight for equality, and look to the future at all the things that still need to be done. Celebrate all that Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. stood for.

17. National Popcorn Day - January 19th

Eat some popcorn on the 19th to celebrate National Popcorn Day. I didn't know that this day existed until now, but now I wonder how I survived without it. Eat a bag, or two, or three of your favorite popcorn in celebration.

18. National Hugging Day - January 21st

As if you need more of a reason to give your loved ones a hug. Hugs are not only meaningful, but have many health benefits. Show your friends and family how much they mean to you by giving them a big hug to celebrate.

19. Compliment Day - January 24th

Compliments are amazing. They are wonderful to receive, give or even just witness. You never realize how much your words can impact someone until you actually start. Take the time to compliment as many people as you can today. Maybe you'll even receive a compliment or two back.

20. Chocolate Cake Day - January 27th

As if you needed any more reasons to indulge in a warm rich piece of chocolate cake. The calories don't count since it's Chocolate Cake Day right?

21. Chinese New Year/ Spring Festival - January 28th

The Chinese New Year is the most important holiday in China both economically and socially. It starts on the 28th this year. It's a time to celebrate with family, and enjoy some good food.

Whether you celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah, the Chinese New Year, or Kwanzaa, there are also plenty of other holidays to celebrate during winter! Happy Holidays!