Introducing Deaf December

In arguably the most Christmassy-looking city in England, today is the day you cannot find a single Advent calendar in York. - It seems everyone (and their dog), has realised that tomorrow they are due for their once-a-day treat that counts down the days until Christmas.

As I walked home, I knew I wasn’t disappointed. I knew I was a little tired of the usual traditions; instead of just counting down the days, I wanted to be a part of something that brought joy and connection leading up to Christmas. With failing to acquire an advent calendar, I took it as a sign to finally do something a little different!

I have been thinking about creating a themed Advent calendar for anyone who wants to read along for a while. When I am not working, I enjoy researching anything and everything that piques my interest. I’ve found that having a wide variety of knowledge has always helped me, and I wanted to share some of it in hopes it would bring a new perspective to others also.

So, out of all the themes I could have written about this year, why did I choose “Deaf December”?

To clarify, Deaf December is for everybody who wants to read it. You don’t have to be Deaf to appreciate the stories that will come in the following days.

This year, there has been many encounters and trials that led me to choosing this theme, I chose it because I need to be reminded that wonderful things are possible. I do not want to reflect on another tired tale of discrimination and the feeling of injustice that often accompanies it. I have always felt that Advent is a time for hope and excitement, leading up to coming together to share warmth and stories of the years gone by.

Stories are a special kind of magic.

For me right now, stories have given me hope of what the future could look like for a Deaf person, and the Deaf community. I love stories that are handed from one Deaf person to another, stories about Deaf people adventuring, seeking success, being enthralled in wonder, and falling in love, despite all the odds of what the world throws at them. I want to share these stories with you this Advent, because I strongly believe these stories should be retold again and again like an anthem.

If you have them, I hope you share these stories with your Deaf family and friends this Christmas, after all, they might be the next legendary story!

I hope you enjoy reading Deaf December,

- Francesca

Deaf December will start on the 1st of December 2025