All About December
December is the 12th and last month of the calendar year and marks the start of the winter holiday season with Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanza and New Year’s Eve all happening during this festive time of the year. The name, “December”, originated from its position on the Roman calendar. The word “decem” means “ten”, which is how the Roman calendar was arranged in the past. Teach your kids all about December by sharing a few of these fun facts about the month!
The Winter Solstice
December is the month in which the winter season begins under the disguise of the Winter Solstice. There are two solstices that occur each year and is defined as an astronomical event when the Sun reaches its highest or lowest point in relation to the celestial equator. These solstices usually occurs on the 21st or 22nd of the month. Each year, this natural phenomenon marks the start of a new season when the sun appears at noon at its lowest altitude above the horizon.
The Birthstone
Those born in the month of December are often associated with the birthstone of turquoise. Turquoise is a natural element that has been valued for its beautiful, ornamental blue-green color.
The Zodiac Signs
There are two astronomical signs assigned to those born during this winter month. Those born during the beginning of the month (November 22 - December 21) are under the sign of Sagittarius, while those born during the remainder of the month (December 22 - January 19) are Capricorns.
The Birth Flower
While the flower that is most commonly associated with the month and holiday season is the festively colored red poinsettia, the official flower of the month is in fact the narcissus or daffodil, which symbolizes sweetness. The color of this flower ranges from white to yellow and has been engineered to bloom in a variety of colors and types during the recent years.
