How Many Days Until December?
December 2025 begins on Monday, December 1, 2025.
About December
December is the twelfth and final month of the year in the Julian and Gregorian calendars and has 31 days. It is associated with the winter season in the Northern Hemisphere, characterized by cold weather, shorter days, and festive celebrations. The month is named after the Latin word "decem," meaning ten, as it was the tenth month in the early Roman calendar.
December: The Month of Festivities
Origin of the Month
December retains its name from the early Roman calendar where it was the tenth month ("decem"). Despite the calendar reforms that shifted it to the twelfth position, the name remained unchanged.
Winter Solstice
The Winter Solstice, occurring around December 21-22, marks the shortest day and longest night of the year in the Northern Hemisphere. It is a time of reflection and celebration as the days begin to lengthen again.
Christmas
December is synonymous with Christmas, a holiday celebrated on December 25th. It is a time for family gatherings, gift-giving, and festive decorations, commemorating the birth of Jesus Christ.
Hanukkah
Hanukkah, also known as the Festival of Lights, is an eight-day Jewish holiday that usually falls in December. It commemorates the rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem and is celebrated with the lighting of the menorah, special prayers, and traditional foods.
December Symbols
Birthstones
Turquoise, Zircon, and Tanzanite. Turquoise symbolizes protection and healing, Zircon represents wisdom and honor, and Tanzanite signifies transformation and spiritual growth.
Astrological Signs
Sagittarius (November 22 - December 21) and Capricorn (December 22 - January 19)
Flowers
Narcissus and Holly. Narcissus symbolizes rebirth and new beginnings, while Holly represents protection and defense.
The Winter Solstice Explained
The Winter Solstice marks the point in Earth's orbit when one hemisphere is tilted most directly away from the Sun. Key aspects include:
- Shortest Day: It features the shortest period of daylight and longest night of the year for that hemisphere.
- Astronomical Start of Winter: Officially begins winter in the Northern Hemisphere (around December 21/22) and summer in the Southern Hemisphere.
- Sun's Lowest Point: The Sun reaches its lowest and southernmost point in the sky at noon.
- Cultural Significance: Celebrated by various cultures throughout history, often associated with renewal, light, and the return of longer days (e.g., Yule, Dongzhi Festival).
- Arctic/Antarctic Phenomena: Marks the midpoint of 24-hour darkness in the Arctic Circle and 24-hour daylight in the Antarctic Circle.
Earth's tilt causes the solstice.
December Holidays & Observances
Christmas
Christian holiday celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ. It is observed on December 25th and is marked by family gatherings, gift-giving, and festive decorations.
Hanukkah
Jewish festival of lights, commemorating the rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem. It is observed for eight nights and days, starting on the 25th day of Kislev according to the Hebrew calendar.
New Year's Eve
Celebration marking the end of the year and the beginning of a new one. It is often celebrated with parties, fireworks, and countdowns to midnight.
Kwanzaa
A week-long celebration honoring African heritage and culture, observed from December 26th to January 1st. It includes activities such as lighting the kinara, storytelling, and feasting.
Saint Nicholas Day
Christian holiday celebrating Saint Nicholas, the patron saint of children. It is observed on December 6th and is marked by gift-giving and festive activities.
December Month-Long Observances
Christmas Season
The period leading up to Christmas, marked by festive decorations, gift shopping, and holiday celebrations.
Advent
Christian season of preparation for the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ. It begins on the fourth Sunday before Christmas and lasts until Christmas Eve.
Winter Season
The winter season officially begins with the Winter Solstice in December, bringing cold weather, shorter days, and festive activities.
Giving Season
December is often considered a season of giving, with many people participating in charitable activities, donating to those in need, and spreading kindness and generosity.
December Activities & Ideas
Holiday Fun
- Decorate your home with festive lights and ornaments
- Host a holiday party with family and friends
- Watch classic Christmas movies
- Participate in a Secret Santa gift exchange
- Visit a Christmas market or holiday fair
Winter Activities
- Go ice skating or sledding
- Build a snowman or have a snowball fight
- Take a winter hike or nature walk
- Enjoy a cozy evening by the fireplace
- Visit a ski resort or go snowboarding
Festive Cooking
- Bake holiday cookies and treats
- Prepare a traditional Christmas dinner
- Make homemade hot cocoa or mulled wine
- Try new holiday recipes and share them with loved ones
- Host a cookie exchange or baking party
Giving Back
- Donate to a local charity or food bank
- Volunteer at a soup kitchen or shelter
- Participate in a toy drive or gift-giving program
- Spread kindness and generosity in your community
- Support small businesses and local artisans
Interesting December Facts
December was originally the tenth month in the early Roman calendar, hence its name derived from "decem," meaning ten.
December is associated with the zodiac signs Sagittarius and Capricorn, representing adventure and discipline.
The first artificial Christmas tree was made in Germany in the 19th century, using goose feathers dyed green.
December is known for its "Cold Moon," the full moon that occurs in December, named by Native American tribes for the time when the cold winter air sets in.