Time to say goodbye to November as we welcome December.
I thought that as December is the twelfth month, I would share twelve December facts with you, I hope you enjoy them. Of course there are many more, so do please share any you know in the comments.
2. December starts on the same day of the week as September starts every year, and ends on the same day of the week as April ends every year.
3. December’s flower is the narcissus or holly.
4. December’s birthstones are turquoise, lapis lazuli, zircon, topaz (blue), or tanzanite, (quite a choice!).
5. If you were born in the month of December you will belong to the zodiac sign of Sagittarius (December 1st to 21st) or Capricorn (December 22nd to 31st).
Sagittarians are represented by the archer and are independent and compassionate, while Capricorns are represented by the goat and are practical and stubborn.
6. In the Northern Hemisphere December contains the shortest days of the year making it the darkest month on the calendar. In places like Alaska, Siberia and the Canadian territories, December is the month when the sun never rises, pitching thousands of people into complete darkness for several days.
7. December brings the winter solstice in the Northern Hemisphere. This is the shortest day of the year (the day with the least amount of daylight). In 2023, the solstice occurs on Friday, December 22. Of course for those living in the Southern Hemisphere the December solstice marks the longest day.
8. Lights are very symbolic to the month of December. Millions of people decorate their houses with twinkling lights at Christmas. Others light candles and place them on the windowsills, (being fire-aware careful of course), and let’s not forget the nine candles that are lit during Hanukkah.
9. Common decorations on a Christmas tree each have their specific meanings. Candles – the light of the world, the Star at the top is a reminder of the first Christmas night and candy canes are to represent the shepherd’s cane.
10. December astronomy facts; the constellation Orion dominates the sky in December. Look southeast to find three stars lined up in a row. This is Orion’s Belt. Also, look out for Sirius, the brightest star in the winter night sky. Look skyward on the night of December 13 after 9pm for a chance to catch a glimpse of the Geminid meteors, the Geminid meteor shower is the most active shower of the year. This year, the Geminids will share the sky with a bright, waning gibbous Moon, which could make it more difficult to see the shooting stars. Try to face away from the Moon to keep its shine out of your field of view.
11. A popular Christmas Carol/Song is "Jingle bells" but it is not a Carol at all! It was composed in 1857, but not for Christmas – it was meant to be a Thanksgiving song!
12. If you go into the woods on Christmas Eve (24 December) an ancient legend states that forest animals can speak in human language on Christmas Eve!
... and sharing a lovely December recipe
Christmas Chocolate Log With Blueberries
A low carb chocolate log, with added blueberries.
Could be perfect for an alternative Christmas (or New Year) dessert.
more details here
~ Wishing you a happy December 2023 ~
We bring a variety of articles and recipe ideas to this blog, and not all may be suitable for you. If you may have any food allergies, or underlying health issues these must always be taken into account. If you are a diabetic and not sure how certain foods may affect your blood sugars, test is best, i.e. use your meter. If you have any concerns about your health, it is always advisable to consult your doctor or health care team.
All the best Jan
23 comments:
I look forward to the days getting longer in a few weeks -Christine cmlk79.blogspot.com
...longer days would be a wonderful gift.
I didn't know that different ornaments had different meanings. But it makes sense that they do. Happy December to you both too.
Te d eseo un buen mes de diciembre y genial receta. Te mando un beso.
A happy December to you. Where has this year gone? And so fast too.
Good to read about December Jan.
Some of these facts are new to me, so thanks for sharing, Jan. That log with blueberries looks delicious.
This December started very cold. Time for chocolate cake.
God bless.
Happy December to you!
The chocolate log looks yummy.
Take care, have a great day and a happy weekend!
The cake looks wonderful!
hugs
Donna
I really enjoyed your post! Can't believe it's already December. I am a December baby and I love torquoise (so glad it's my stone) I'n on the cusp on the 22 of December so I guess I merge both personality types! That chocolate log with blueberries looks amazing.
Wishing you a very nice and festive December.
Hi Jan !! I learned some new things in your 12 December facts. Thank you! I especially appreciated December astronomy facts. “… Orion dominates the sky in December.” Orion is my favorite constellation! 😊 Wishing you and Eddie a fine December! John
Fun reading the December facts.
Yes, I am a Capricorn.
Next week we'll be celebrating Hannukah , "the festival of lights". On eight consecutive nightfalls we light an additional candle in the menorah.
I thought the blueberries was olives.
Coffee is on, and silly me.
Always so informative when I get chance to visit, the chocolate log with blueberries looks divine. Best wishes for the coming season take care Tracey x
Wishing you a great festive season
www.melodyjacob.com
So hard to believe it is December already, I have a couple more boxes to get through to have all my decorations up. That is surprising that Jingle Bells was meant to be a Thanksgiving song.
This is such a wonderful post. That meal with the cranberries is for me. It looks so darn good. Interesting bits about December. The yule log look good too. Anything with blueberries. Have a wonderful weekend.
I always really love your first-of-the-month posts. I always learn something new and reminded of something old! Have a wonderful month!
Feliz mes de diciembre. Besos.
Great read! The insights shared are both informative and engaging. Looking forward to more content like this. Keep up the good work.
Post a Comment