According to the UUA website, Chalica is a week-long celebration of our Unitarian Universalist Principles which now includes the 8th principle. The holiday first emerged in 2005 out of a wish to have a holiday organized around Unitarian Universalist values.
Chalica is often celebrated on the first Sunday in December and lasts eight days but some folx celebrate it in the first weeks of January. Each day, a chalice is lit, and the day is spent reflecting on the meaning of that day’s principle and doing a good deed that honors that principle. Not all Unitarian Universalists celebrate Chalica, but it has a growing following. There is a Chalica Facebook page, blog, and many Chalica-themed videos on YouTube. There is also a Chalica guidebook written by Meredith Plummer, Director of Lifespan Faith Development at First Unitarian Church of Cincinnati.
Living out our UU values sounds like a fun way to start the new year. Look for ideas on our Facebook page during the first week in January. May your new year be bright and filled with love, joy and a commitment to living your values.