26 Fun Facts About December | More Than Just Snow (2024 Facts)
1. December was originally the tenth month in the early Roman calendar.
The name December originates from the Latin word decem, meaning ten. This is because, in the early Roman calendar, which started in March, December was indeed the tenth month of the year.
It was only after the reformation of the calendar by Julius Caesar that January and February were moved to the beginning of the year, making December the twelfth month, which is where it stands today.
2. December is the seventh and last month to have a length of 31 days in the Gregorian calendar.
In the Gregorian calendar, which is the most widely used civil calendar today, December is the seventh month to have a total of 31 days. It’s also the last month of the year to have this length.
This system was introduced by Pope Gregory XIII in 1582 as a modification of the Julian calendar, to keep the dates of the seasons more aligned with the calendar year.
3. Christmas, celebrated worldwide, consistently falls on December 25th.
Christmas, a beacon of joy and goodwill, consistently lights up December 25th, touching hearts across the globe.
With approximately 2.2 billion Christians participating and many more non-Christians joining in, the ripple effect of this celebration is immense.
4. In the Northern Hemisphere, December has the shortest daylight hours of the year.
December is a special month in the Northern Hemisphere, as it has the shortest daylight hours of the year. This is due to the tilt of the Earth’s axis, which causes the sun to follow its lowest arc across the sky.
The exact date with the least amount of daylight is known as the winter solstice, usually falling on December 21 or 22, marking the official start of winter.
5. December is the most popular month for decorating homes worldwide.
December is universally recognized as the prime month for home decoration around the globe. This tradition is largely linked with the holiday festivities of Christmas and Hanukkah, which involve decking homes with lights, ornaments, and themed decor.
The sight of streets lit up with dazzling lights and houses adorned with festive decorations adds to the unique charm of December, making it a favorite time for many.
6. The zodiac signs for December are Sagittarius (November 22 – December 21) and Capricorn (December 22 – January 19).
The two zodiac signs associated with December are Sagittarius, which covers individuals born from November 22 to December 21, and Capricorn, for those born from December 22 to January 19.
People born under Sagittarius are often described as adventurous and optimistic, while Capricorns are typically characterized as disciplined and responsible.
7. The birthstone of December is turquoise.
For those born in December, their birthstone is a beautiful turquoise. This captivating gemstone is prized for its unique blue–green color and has been valued for thousands of years due to its protective and healing properties.
Turquoise is believed to represent friendship, peace, and good fortune, making it a meaningful gift for December birthdays.
8. The flower for December is the Narcissus.
The flower associated with December is the Narcissus. This vibrant flower, often recognized for its trumpet-shaped center, has a rich symbolic history.
It is often associated with the Greek myth of Narcissus and is seen to symbolize self-esteem, vanity, and wealth.
The Narcissus, with its bright colors and delicate petals, brings a touch of beauty to the wintry month of December.
9. December 14 is Monkey Day, a day to celebrate and promote primate conservation.
Monkey Day falls on December 14 every year, and it’s a unique observance dedicated to celebrating monkeys and other primates. The occasion is not just about recognizing these intelligent creatures, but it’s also about promoting primate conservation efforts.
Many organizations use this day to raise awareness about threats facing primate species and steps that can be taken to protect them.
10. December is the most popular month for engagements, with Christmas Eve being the most popular day.
December, rich in December fun facts, holds the title of being the most popular month for engagements. Within December, Christmas Eve is considered the most favored day for proposals.
The holiday season’s festive spirit, family gatherings, and the ambiance of love and togetherness create the perfect setting for such romantic gestures.
11. World AIDS Day is observed on December 1st.
World AIDS Day takes place on the 1st of December each year. It’s an important day designated to raise awareness about AIDS caused by the spread of HIV infection.
It’s also a time when people worldwide show their support for those living with HIV and remember those who have died from AIDS-related illnesses.
12. The first text message sent was Merry Christmas in December 1992.
The Orbitel 901 phone got its first text message ever. It’s been 30 years since that happened.
An engineer from a company called Vodafone in the UK sent this first text on December 3, 1992. The message was Merry Christmas, sent as a test of the new texting technology.
13. Human Rights Day is observed on December 10th.
December 10th each year marks Human Rights Day. This important day serves as a reminder for people everywhere to recognize and value the fundamental rights that every individual is entitled to, regardless of their nationality, religion, or personal beliefs.
The day promotes equality, justice, and human dignity, acting as a beacon of hope for those facing oppression.
14. December 25, Christmas Day, is the only holiday that is federal holiday in the US.
Christmas Day, falling on December 25 is distinct as the sole federal holiday acknowledged nationwide in the United States. All non-critical government offices close on this day, with all federal employees receiving pay regardless of taking the day off.
This special status highlights the significance of Christmas as a unifying celebration across the country.
15. Festivus, a non-commercial holiday made popular by the TV show Seinfeld, is celebrated on December 23rd.
Festivus is a unique, non-commercial holiday holiday celebrated on December 23rd. This unique celebration was popularized by the hit TV show Seinfeld.
The Festivus for the rest of us, as it’s humorously referred to, involves unusual traditions like the Airing of Grievances and Feats of Strength, giving a playful twist to the festive season.
16. December 28 is known as Card Playing Day, a day to stay in and play a card game.
December 28 bears the unique title of Card Playing Day. This day encourages people to hunker down at home and enjoy a spirited card game.
Whether it’s a simple family-friendly game or a more competitive one with friends, it’s an ideal time to indulge in some fun indoor activities amidst the holiday season’s hustle and bustle.
17. The Christmas song Jingle Bells was originally a Thanksgiving song.
The well-loved Christmas anthem, Jingle Bells, surprisingly didn’t start as a Christmas song at all. It was originally composed for Thanksgiving.
This catchy tune’s transition from Thanksgiving to Christmas illustrates the fluid nature of traditions and the universal appeal of its jolly melody and festive spirit.
18. The first issue of Vogue magazine was published on 17 December 1892.
The iconic Vogue magazine made its debut on December 17, 1892. This initial issue marked the beginning of Vogue’s journey as a leading fashion and lifestyle magazine.
It’s fascinating to think that for over a century, Vogue has been shaping fashion trends and influencing style sensibilities around the world.
19. Did you know 80% of New Year’s resolutions fail by the second week of February?
A surprising fact is that around 80% of New Year’s resolutions don’t make it past the second week of February.
Despite the high hopes and enthusiasm at the beginning of the year, many people find it challenging to stick to their resolutions.
20. In the US, more pizza is consumed during December than any other month.
Did you know December is the ultimate pizza month in the US? That’s right During this festive period, Americans indulge in more pizza than any other time of the year, which is one of the fun facts about December.
Who wouldn’t love a slice or two after a long day of holiday shopping? Pizza businesses see a significant surge in sales, making December a pizza paradise.
21. The movie Titanic was released on 19 December 1997.
Back on 19 December 1997, the epic romance and disaster film Titanic sailed into theaters. This blockbuster movie not only topped the box office charts but also sailed straight into our hearts.
Filled with breathtaking scenes, unforgettable dialogue, and a beautiful love story, it’s no wonder this film made such a big splash during the holiday season.
22. The first issue of Playboy magazine was published in December 1953.
Playboy, the famous magazine, had its start in December 1953. It’s been around for nearly 70 years. Over this long period, it’s played a big role in shaping public opinions and conversations.
The magazine isn’t just about pictures, it’s about the stories and ideas it shares, impacting generations.
23. Thomas Edison made the first demonstration of electric illumination on December 31, 1879.
It’s fascinating to realize that before December 31, 1879, our world wasn’t lit up by electric lights. Thomas Edison, a name synonymous with invention, showcased the first successful demonstration of electric illumination on this date.
The brilliance of Edison’s work forever changed how we live and work, making the world a brighter place.
24. The first game of basketball, a sport invented by Dr. James Naismith, was played in December 1891.
Imagine, it was only in December 1891 when the first game of basketball took place. The sport, the brainchild of Dr. James Naismith, quickly caught on and has been thrilling fans worldwide ever since.
Naismith’s invention has created a global platform for athleticism and competition, making winter nights much more exciting. From neighborhood courts to NBA arenas, his legacy lives on in every bounce of the ball.
25. Walt Disney was born on December 5, 1901.
The creator of Mickey Mouse, the man who dreamed up Disneyland, Walt Disney, was born on the 5th of December, 1901.
His imagination has filled our lives with magic and endless fun. Every time you watch a Disney movie or visit a Disney park, remember, it’s all thanks to a man who was born on a chilly December day.
26. December has been a birth month for many celebrities, including Taylor Swift, Brad Pitt, Nicki Minaj, and LeBron James.
Can you believe that many celebrities like Taylor Swift, Brad Pitt, Nicki Minaj, and LeBron James all have birthdays in December?
That’s right, these iconic stars, who have millions of fans worldwide, all light up the final month of the year with their celebrations.
Maybe there’s a connection between the festive, joyous spirit of December and the remarkable talent these individuals possess.
FAQs
December is the twelfth and last month of the Gregorian calendar. It represents the onset of winter in the Northern Hemisphere and summer in the Southern Hemisphere. December is widely recognized for holidays like Christmas and New Year’s Eve, and special observances like Hanukkah and Kwanzaa. In the Julian calendar, December was the tenth month, which is the origin of its name, derived from decem, Latin for ten.
The name December originates from decem, a Latin term for ten, as it was the tenth month in Romulus’s calendar around 750 BC, which started in March. The unassigned 61 winter days post-December was only included as part of any month when Numa Pompilius, Rome’s second king, adjusted the calendar around 700 BC to introduce January and February at the year’s start.
In the Old English language, December was referred to as ǣrra ġēola or ǽrra geola, which translates to before Yule. Yule was a midwinter festival celebrated by the Germanic peoples. So, ǣrra ġēola represents the period leading up to this festival.
People born in December fall under one of two zodiac signs Sagittarius, for those born from December 1st to December 21st, and Capricorn, for those born from December 22nd to December 31st. Sagittarius is a fire sign symbolized by the archer, while Capricorn is an earth sign represented by the sea goat.
people born in December, under the zodiac signs Sagittarius and Capricorn, are often described as optimistic, adventurous, determined, and disciplined, traits that could be considered lucky. Traditional folklore often associates December births with love and cheer due to the holiday season.
