Festivus entered the world of popular culture via Seinfeld in 1997, but it had actually been celebrated for more than 30 years by the episode's scriptwriter Dan O'Keefe's parents. See a clip here. This picture shows a homemade 'Festivus' party. Traditions: airing of grievances, feats of strength, an unadorned aluminium pole. (Winnipeg Sun)

It is well known that in any urban area on Christmas Eve and Day, the Chinese restaurants are the place to get a great meal. The basis for this tradition is conflicted - some restaurant owners claim it stems from when they first immigrated and stayed open to all hours to make ends meet, others point to the Chinese New Year as the more important day to close shop. It has also inspired a nouveau holiday hit - see it here. Traditions: General Tso's chicken, lobster, "exotic" drinks. (Handout)

The Muslim holiday of Eid-Ul-Adha ("Festival of Sacrifice") was celebrated this year on December 8. The holiday happens the day after the pilgrims conducting Hajj, the annual pilgrimage to Mecca, descend from Mount Arafat, and is celebrated in honour of Ibrahim's offer of his son Ishmael as a sacrifice. In this picture, Maryam Hussain, 1 1/2, of Burlington , waits for her dad and other Muslims to finish their prayer. After prayers and speeches, kids played on an indoor midway, and had picnics. Traditions: Perform Eid prayer, sacrifice best domestic animal, visit family, give to those in need. (Ken Kerr, Toronto Sun)

The Phillipines is known for the longest and merriest of Christmas celebrations, beginning December 16 with the misa de aguinaldo ("gift masses"), pre-dawn masses that are said for nine consecutive days. In this photo, parol (Christmas lanterns) are being sold during the Christmas season. The parol is one of the most iconic and beloved symbols of the holiday. Traditions: Saying mass, Christmas breakfast, colourful decorations. (Wikimedia)

Pancha Ganapati is celebrated from December 21 to 25, a Hindu festival created somewhat in response to Christmas, but also to celebrate Lord Ganesha, the Lord of Culture and the Arts, who has the head of an elephant (shown here). Each of the five days centres on a special sidhana (spiritual discipline), focusing on love for immediate family, neighbours, business associates, the arts and the world. Traditions: Family time, offering Lord Ganesha sweets, fruits and incense. (Blair Gable/Ottawa Sun)

Spending your Christmas Day volunteering is one of the most worthwhile ways to get in touch with the spirit of the season. In this picture, volunteers Betty Duperron, Captain Jo Sobool and Cadet Nancy Braye stand amidst over 2000 toys donated to the Salvation Army Community Centre's annual food hamper and toy distribution campaign. Traditions: Toy distribution, soup kitchens, collecting money for charity. (Olivia Kachman/Grande Prairie Daily Herald-Tribune)

Chanukah, the Festival of Lights, is the Jewish celebration that falls around Christmas each year (the Hebrew calendar differs from year to year). The holiday celebrates the miracle of olive oil in the temple in Jerusalem that was only enough to last one day, but instead, lasted eight. Modern day gift-giving appears to have stemmed from Christmas traditions. Traditions:Lighting menorahs, eight days of gifts, eating latkes, spinning dreidels. (Courtesy of Chabad)

Made famous by "The O.C.," Chrismukkah is a celebration for interfaith families, specifically those celebrating both Christmas and Chanukkah. A non-religious holiday that gives families a chance to celebrate really whatever they like. Traditions: Yarmuclaus (seen in this picture), "eight days of presents followed by one day of lots of presents." (Darren Michaels/FOX/Entertainment Pictures)

If Christmas, to you, is simply a commercialized day that really has no meaning, why not treat it like any other day and work? You can also show some sympathy for those who have no choice but to do their jobs when they'd rather be celebrating with their families by putting in the hours and earning time and a half. Traditions: Carpal tunnel syndrome, coffee addiction, commuting. (Comstock Complete)