I like some months more than others. This isn’t necessarily one of them. But here we are in December, whether we like it or not.
Ah, good old December. The month that smells like cinnamon and nostalgia, doesn’t it? And reindeer farts.
Anyway, we all know that everyone gets festive at this time of year. The twinkling lights. The ugly Christmas sweaters. And all those “way too cheerful” songs on repeat. Mariah Carey can go away as far as I’m concerned.
But what about the things we don’t know about December?
For starters, December used to be the tenth month. Yep. Back in ancient Rome, the year started in March, which made December number ten. That is “decem” in Latin. When January and February got added later, December was bumped to twelfth place but kept its old name. Bureaucracy even in ancient times.
Here’s another something to consider. Even though it’s cold here in Ohio, the Earth is actually closest to the sun in December. We hit our perihelion (fancy word for that closeness) in early January. So, while you’re shivering in your thermal undies and boots, you’re technically basking in slightly stronger sunlight. Go figure.
December is when we celebrate Christmas. But once upon a time, the Romans celebrated Saturnalia in mid-December. Saturnalia was a festival so wild it inspired many of our modern traditions. There was gift-giving, feasting, candles, and even temporary equality between slaves and masters.
How about things over in Iceland? Well, this is the time of year when 13 mischievous Yule Lads still sneak into homes. They either leave treats or rotten potatoes, depending on a person’s behavior.
In Austria, Krampus still lurks on December 5, scaring naughty children. Forget Elf on the Shelf. Krampus is a horned, furry creature from Central European folklore. He is the dark companion to St. Nicholas. While St. Nick rewards good children with gifts, Krampus punishes the naughty ones. He does this by swatting them with birch branches or carrying them off in a sack. He’s part goat, part demon, and completely terrifying. I might have a little Krampus in me from time to time.
Want to know more? “Jingle Bells” was written for Thanksgiving, not Christmas.
The first artificial Christmas tree came from Germany, and it was made of dyed goose feathers.
And the flowers. The poinsettias. Named after Joel Poinsett, a U.S. diplomat who fell in love with the red blooms in Mexico and brought them home in 1828.
So, yes, December is more than just candy canes and wrapping paper. It’s the final chapter of the year. Full of many wondrous things.
May we all find warmth in our hearts and the joy in the small moments. And if you have to be a little bit Krampus, that’s okay. It happens to the best of us.
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“In seed time learn, in harvest teach, in winter enjoy.” —William Blake
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“Snow provokes responses that reach right back to childhood.” —Andy Goldsworthy
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“Kindness is like snow—it beautifies everything it covers.” —Kahlil Gibran
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