All About December

December is the twelfth and final month of the year in the Gregorian calendar, with 31 days. Its name comes from the Latin word “decem,” meaning ten, as it was originally the tenth month in the ancient Roman calendar. December marks the beginning of winter in the Northern Hemisphere and summer in the Southern Hemisphere, and is widely associated with holiday celebrations around the world.

December Quick Facts

• Month Number: 12th month of the year
• Number of Days: 31
• Season (Northern Hemisphere): Winter (begins with the Winter Solstice)
• Season (Southern Hemisphere): Summer (begins with the Summer Solstice)
• Birthstone: Turquoise, Zircon, and Tanzanite
• Birth Flower: Narcissus (Paperwhite) and Holly
• Zodiac Signs: Sagittarius (until December 21) and Capricorn (from December 22)

Notable December Events & Holidays

• December 1: World AIDS Day
• December 3: International Day of Persons with Disabilities
• December 10: Human Rights Day
• December 21 or 22: Winter/Summer Solstice (date varies slightly by year)
• December 24: Christmas Eve
• December 25: Christmas Day
• December 26: Boxing Day (UK, Canada, Australia, and other Commonwealth countries)
• December 31: New Year’s Eve
• December (variable): Hanukkah (Jewish, date varies by lunar calendar)
• December (variable): Kwanzaa (December 26 – January 1)
• December is also: Universal Human Rights Month, National Impaired Driving Prevention Month, and Seasonal Depression Awareness Month