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History
December is the 12th month (and last month) in our modern-day Gregorian calendar (as it was in the preceding Julian calendar). However, it was initially the 10th month of the Roman calendar (until 153 BC). Hence, “December” comes from the Latin decem, meaning “ten.”
In Roman times, the calendar only had ten months and began with March! The winter period was not even assigned months because it was not an active time for military, agriculture, or civil life. The month of December originally consisted of 30 days. After January and February were added to the calendar (around 700 BCE), December was shortened to 29 days. Then, two days were added to December in the subsequent Julian calendar, making it 31 days long.
Astronomical Events
The month of December brings the winter solstice in the Northern Hemisphere. This is the shortest day of the year (the day with the least amount of daylight). In 2025, the solstice occurs on Sunday, December 21.
December’s full Moon, the Full Cold Moon, appeared on Thursday, December 4, reaching peak illumination at 6:14 A.M. EST.
Look skyward on the night of December 13 after 9 P.M. for a chance to catch a glimpse of the Geminid meteors. The Geminid meteor shower is the most active shower of the year.
Holidays and Traditions
6th Saint Nicholas Day
7th National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day
8th Bodhi Day
13th St. Lucia's Day
14th Hanukkah begins
15th Bill of Rights Day
17th Wright Brothers Day
21st Winter Solstice
25th Christmas Day
26th Boxing Day
31st New Year's Eve
"The best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear." -- Buddy the Elf
- Fun facts are from The Old Farmer's Almanac online