December comes from the Latin word decem, meaning “ten.” In Roman times, the calendar only had ten months and began with March. Winter was an inactive period for agriculture and military life; no months were assigned to it until 700 BC. When January and February were added, December was shortened to 29 days. In the subsequent Julian calendar, two days were added to December making it 31 days long.

Here are 10 more interesting facts about December:

1. There are two birth flowers for December: holly and narcissus (paperwhite). Both provide a splash of color for the season. Holly is best known as an evergreen shrub with red berries that appear later in the growing season. Its branches have been used in wreaths and centerpieces. Narcissus is a bulb that blooms beautiful white flowers. It stands for purity and unconditional love and is best grown indoors.

2. December has three birthstones: tanzanite, turquoise, and zircon. All three are best known for their beautiful shades of blue.

3. People born between November 23 and December 21 fall under the sign of Sagittarius, and those born later are under Capricorn. Outgoing and cheerful, Sagittarians are gifted and wise beyond their years. Capricorns are overachievers who make success look effortless even though they put considerable time and care into their careers and relationships.

4. Famous people born in December include Walt Disney on December 5, 1901; Emily Dickinson on December 10, 1886; Frank Sinatra on December 12, 1915; Taylor Swift on December 13, 1989; Jane Austen on December 16, 1775; Brad Pitt on December 18, 1963; Jane Fonda on December 21, 1938; Denzel Washington on December 28, 1954; Tiger Woods on December 30, 1975; and Donna Summer on December 31, 1948.

5. December has been designated National Impaired Driving Prevention Month, Universal Human Rights Month, National Car Donation Month, Learn a Foreign Language Month, Safe Toys and Gifts Month, Read a New Book Month, and National Pear Month.

6. Hanukkah, an eight-day “Festival of Lights,” begins on December 7. Other special holidays include Pearl Harbor Day on December 7, Christmas Day on December 25, and Boxing Day on December 26

7. Fun holidays include National Brownie Day on December 8, International Mountain Day on December 11, National Day of the Horse on December 13, National Maple Syrup Day on December 17, National Roast Suckling Pig Day on December 18, and Underdog Day on December 20.

8. The winter solstice marks the first day of winter in the Northern Hemisphere. This day has the fewest hours of sunlight in the entire year. In 2023, the solstice will occur at 10:27 p.m. on Thursday, December 21.

9. Folklore for the month:

December changeable and mild, the whole winter will remain a child.
Thunder in December presages fine weather.
Frost on the shortest day is said to indicate a severe winter.
December cold, with snow, brings rye everywhere.

10. A December song from a December baby: