50 Essential December Fun Facts

Over 50 fun facts about December for your enjoyment!

To help you prepare, we’ve created this list of 50 fun facts about December, plus legends, traditions, celebrations, and much more!

About December
Fun Facts About December
Fun Facts for Kids About December
Additional Fun Information About December

Fun Facts About December – About December

December is the twelfth and final month of the Gregorian calendar, which is the calendar system used in most of the world. It is named after the Latin word “decem,” which means “ten,” because it was originally the tenth month in the Roman calendar. However, when January and February were added to the calendar, December became the twelfth month.

December is known for its winter solstice, which occurs on either December 21st or 22nd in the Northern Hemisphere and marks the shortest day and longest night of the year. It is also associated with Christmas and Hanukkah, two major holidays that are celebrated around the world. Many people use December as a time to reflect on the past year and make resolutions for the coming year. Additionally, many cultures and religions have their own celebrations and traditions that take place during the month of December.

Fun Facts About December – 50 Fun Facts

Here are 50 fun facts about December

December is the twelfth and final month of the year in the Gregorian calendar.
The name December comes from the Latin word “decem,” which means “ten.”
December was originally the tenth month in the Roman calendar.
The winter solstice, which marks the shortest day and longest night of the year, occurs on either December 21st or 22nd in the Northern Hemisphere.
In the Southern Hemisphere, December is the beginning of summer.
December’s birthstones are turquoise, zircon, and tanzanite.
December’s birth flower is the narcissus.
The zodiac signs for December are Sagittarius (November 22 – December 21) and Capricorn (December 22 – January 19).
The first day of Hanukkah usually falls in December.
The first recorded celebration of Christmas on December 25th was in Rome in 336 AD.
The song “Jingle Bells” was written in 1857 and was originally titled “The One-Horse Open Sleigh.”
The Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree in New York City is lit in early December and attracts millions of visitors each year.
In Iceland, there are 13 Santas who visit children during the 13 days leading up to Christmas.
In some European countries, December 6th is St. Nicholas Day, when children receive gifts from St. Nicholas.
In many Latin American countries, December 12th is celebrated as the Day of the Virgin of Guadalupe.
December 21st is National Ugly Sweater Day in the United States.
The tradition of kissing under mistletoe dates back to ancient times.
The famous poem “‘Twas the Night Before Christmas” was first published anonymously in 1823.
In some parts of Europe, people leave their shoes out on the night of December 5th to be filled with gifts from St. Nicholas.
The traditional colors of Christmas are green and red.
The Christmas tree was introduced to England by Prince Albert, husband of Queen Victoria, in the 1840s.
The tradition of sending Christmas cards dates back to 1843.
The first artificial Christmas tree was made in Germany in the late 1800s.
In Japan, KFC is a popular food to eat on Christmas Day.
The movie “It’s a Wonderful Life” was released in 1946 and has become a classic Christmas film.
The first day of winter is usually on December 21st or 22nd in the Northern Hemisphere.
The Boston Tea Party occurred on December 16, 1773.
December 7th is National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day in the United States.
The first known game of basketball was played on December 21, 1891.
December 26th is known as Boxing Day in many countries, including the United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia.
December 30th is known as National Bacon Day in the United States.
The longest night of the year occurs on the winter solstice.
In many cultures, December is associated with endings and new beginnings.
The shortest day of the year is on the winter solstice.
December is a popular month for charitable giving and volunteering.
The Hanukkah menorah has nine candles, one for each night of the holiday plus a shamash, or helper candle.
The traditional Christmas meal in England includes roast turkey, vegetables, and Christmas pudding.
December is a popular month for holiday parties and gatherings with family and friends.
Many people make New Year’s resolutions at the end of December to improve themselves in the coming year.
In some countries, December 31st is known as New Year’s Eve and is celebrated with fireworks and parties.
The first day of Kwanzaa, a week-long celebration of African American culture, is on December 26th.
In many parts of the world, December is a popular month for winter sports such as skiing and snowboarding.
December is a busy travel month as many people visit family and friends for the holidays.
The Tropic of Capricorn passes through several countries in December, including Australia, Chile, and South Africa.
The poinsettia, with its bright red and green foliage, is a popular plant during the holiday season.
In some European countries, December 6th is celebrated as St. Nicholas Day with parades and festivals.
December 13th is the feast day of St. Lucia in many Scandinavian countries, where a young girl is chosen to wear a wreath of candles on her head.
In the United States, December 7th is National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day, a day to honor those who died in the attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941.
The first Nobel Prizes were awarded on December 10, 1901.
December 25th is celebrated as Christmas Day in many countries around the world, commemorating the birth of Jesus Christ.

We hope you enjoyed these fun facts about December!

Fun Facts About December – 25 Fun Facts for Kids

Here are 25 fun facts about December that kids might enjoy:

December is the last month of the year.
December has 31 days.
December is a time of many holidays, including Christmas, Hanukkah, and Kwanzaa.
The winter solstice, which marks the shortest day of the year, occurs in December.
December is a great month for ice skating, snowball fights, and building snowmen.
The first day of winter in the Northern Hemisphere is on December 21st.
The birthstone for December is turquoise, which is often used to make jewelry.
The zodiac signs for December are Sagittarius (November 23rd – December 21st) and Capricorn (December 22nd – January 19th).
Some people believe that the month of December was named after the Latin word decem, which means “ten”, even though it is the twelfth month.
The word “advent” comes from the Latin word adventus, which means “coming”. Advent is the period leading up to Christmas.
In many countries, people decorate Christmas trees in December.
December 6th is St. Nicholas Day in some European countries, where children leave their shoes out to be filled with treats.
December 13th is St. Lucia Day in Scandinavia, where girls wear wreaths of candles on their heads.
In some parts of the world, December is a time for beach vacations and outdoor activities because it is summer there.
Many people make gingerbread houses and other holiday treats in December.
In some countries, people celebrate the winter solstice with bonfires and other traditions.
December 31st is New Year’s Eve, a time for celebrating the end of the old year and the beginning of the new one.
The Twelve Days of Christmas is a popular Christmas carol that counts down the days from Christmas to January 6th.
The famous poem “A Visit from St. Nicholas”, also known as “The Night Before Christmas”, was first published in December 1823.
The Winter Olympics are sometimes held in December.
December 5th is International Ninja Day.
The cartoon character Frosty the Snowman was created in December 1950.
The first successful human heart transplant was performed on December 3rd, 1967.
December 15th is National Cupcake Day.
On December 25th, many people celebrate Christmas Day with presents, feasts, and spending time with family and friends.

We hope you enjoyed these fun facts about December!

Fun Facts About December – December Legends

In addition to the fun facts about December, December is a month that is rich in myths and legends. Here are a few examples:

Santa Claus: Santa Claus is the most famous legend associated with December. According to tradition, Santa Claus is a jolly old man who brings gifts to children on Christmas Eve. He is said to live at the North Pole with his elves, who help him make toys for children all year round.
Krampus: In some parts of Europe, there is a legend of Krampus, a demonic creature who punishes naughty children during the Christmas season. He is often depicted as a horned, cloven-hoofed creature with a long tongue and sharp teeth.
The Yule Log: The Yule Log is a tradition that dates back to ancient times. It was believed that burning a large log on the winter solstice would bring good luck and fertility in the coming year.
The Three Wise Men: According to the Christian tradition, the Three Wise Men, also known as the Magi, visited baby Jesus on December 25th. They brought gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.
Hanukkah: Hanukkah is a Jewish holiday that is celebrated in December. It commemorates the miracle of the oil, which lasted for eight days when there was only enough for one day in the Temple.
The Snow Queen: The Snow Queen is a fairy tale by Hans Christian Andersen. It tells the story of a magical queen who kidnaps a boy and takes him to her frozen palace.
La Befana: In Italy, there is a legend of La Befana, a witch who visits children on Epiphany Eve (January 5th) to deliver sweets and gifts to the good children and coal to the bad ones.

These are just a few examples of the many legends associated with December. Each culture and tradition has its own unique myths and stories that add to the magic and wonder of the holiday season.

Fun Facts About December – December Traditions

In addition to the fun facts about December, there are many traditions associated with December. Here are some of the most common ones:

Christmas Trees: One of the most popular traditions during December is the Christmas tree. Families often put up a tree in their homes and decorate it with lights, ornaments, and garlands.
Advent Calendars: Advent calendars are a popular way to count down the days until Christmas. They usually have 24 or 25 doors, one for each day leading up to Christmas, and behind each door is a small treat or surprise.
Lighting Candles: Lighting candles is a tradition in many cultures during December. It can represent the coming of light during the darkest days of the year and is often associated with religious celebrations.
Holiday Foods: Many families have traditional foods they make during the holiday season. For example, in the United States, turkey and ham are popular dishes for Christmas and Hanukkah. In some parts of Europe, people make gingerbread and other holiday treats.
Gift Giving: Giving gifts is a popular tradition during December. People often exchange presents with friends and family, or donate to charities to help those in need.
Caroling: Caroling is a tradition where people sing Christmas songs door-to-door or in public places. It is a way to spread holiday cheer and bring people together.
New Year’s Eve: New Year’s Eve is celebrated on December 31st in many cultures. It is often a time for reflection on the past year and making resolutions for the new one. Many people also celebrate with fireworks and parties.

These are just a few examples of the many traditions associated with December. Each culture and family has their own unique customs that add to the magic of the holiday season.

Fun Facts About December – December Around the World

In addition to the fun facts about December, December is celebrated in many different ways around the world, often with a focus on religious and cultural traditions.

Christmas: Christmas is one of the most widely celebrated holidays in December, particularly in countries with a Christian heritage. It is typically celebrated on December 25th and involves various customs such as decorating a tree, exchanging gifts, attending church services, and enjoying special holiday foods.
Hanukkah: Hanukkah is a Jewish holiday that is celebrated in December. It typically lasts for eight days and involves lighting candles on a menorah, eating traditional foods like latkes and sufganiyot, and playing dreidel games.
Kwanzaa: Kwanzaa is an African-American holiday that is celebrated from December 26th to January 1st. It is a time to reflect on African culture and traditions, and involves lighting candles on a kinara, giving gifts, and sharing stories and food with family and friends.
Diwali: Diwali is a Hindu holiday that is celebrated in December or November. It is also known as the “Festival of Lights” and involves lighting diyas (oil lamps), decorating homes with rangolis (colored designs), exchanging gifts, and enjoying traditional foods.
St. Lucia’s Day: St. Lucia’s Day is a holiday celebrated in Scandinavia on December 13th. It is named after St. Lucia, a Christian martyr, and typically involves young girls wearing white dresses and wreaths with candles on their heads, singing songs, and serving traditional holiday foods.
Las Posadas: Las Posadas is a Mexican holiday that is celebrated from December 16th to 24th. It reenacts the journey of Mary and Joseph to Bethlehem and involves processions, singing, and breaking piñatas filled with treats.

These are just a few examples of how December is celebrated around the world. Each culture and tradition has their own unique customs that make this time of year special and meaningful.

About December – December Symbols

In addition to the fun facts about December, there are several symbols associated with December. Here are some of the most common:

Christmas tree: One of the most iconic symbols of December is the Christmas tree, which is often decorated with lights, ornaments, and tinsel.
Holly: Holly is a plant that is often used for holiday decorations, thanks to its bright green leaves and red berries.
Mistletoe: Mistletoe is another plant that is often associated with the holiday season. It is believed to bring good luck and is often used in Christmas decorations.
Snowflakes: Snowflakes are often seen as a symbol of winter and December, thanks to the cold weather and possibility of snow.
Candles: Candles are often used for holiday decorations, and are seen as a symbol of warmth and light during the dark days of December.
Reindeer: Reindeer are often associated with the Christmas holiday, thanks to their role in pulling Santa’s sleigh.
Stars: Stars are often used in holiday decorations, and are seen as a symbol of the Star of Bethlehem, which led the wise men to the baby Jesus.

These symbols are just a few examples of the many things that are associated with December and the holiday season.

About December – Quotes

In addition to the fun facts about December, here are some quotes about December:

“December, the month of the lights; an oasis of horror in a desert of boredom.” – Unknown
“December, the month of expectation.” – Emily Dickinson
“December is a bewitching month.” – Jo Walton
“December is the month of giving, loving, and sharing.” – Unknown
“December is a time for stories, for fireside chats, and for memories that warm the heart.” – Unknown
“December is a month of great expectations.” – Unknown
“December is a month of contrasts, of darkness and light, of warm fires and cold winds, of family and solitude.” – Unknown
“December is the time for celebration, for reflection, and for gratitude.” – Unknown
“December is the month when we open our hearts and wallets to those in need.” – Unknown
“December is a month of hope, a time to look forward to a brighter future.” – Unknown

We hope you have enjoyed these fun facts about December!

Check out These Fun Facts for Other Holidays

President’s Day, Mardi Gras, Day Light Savings Day, St. Patrick’s Day, April Fools Day, Mother’s Day, Easter, Arbor Day, Cinco de Mayo, Memorial Day, D-Day, Juneteenth, Father’s Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Patriot Day, Columbus Day, Halloween, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year’s Eve, New Years Day, Groundhog Day

Check out These Fun Facts for Other Days and Dates

February, March, April, May, Tax Day, Year of the Rabbit, Winter Solstice, Summer Solstice, Spring Equinox, Fall Equinox, June, July, August, September, October, November