Anglo-Saxons called it 'Winter monath'. After many Anglo-Saxons became Christians they called it 'Heligh monath' or holy month.

The month was originally the tenth month of the Roman calendar until King Numa Pompilius added January and February in around 713bc. It's name originated as the latin word 'decem' means ten.

December is the twelfth month of the year in the Gregorian Calendar and is one of seven months with 31 days.

December's birth flowers are the narcissus and holly.

The average global land and ocean temperature for april in the 20th century is 12.2°c, making it the third coldest month of the year.

December is the month with the shortest daylight hours of the year in the Northern Hemisphere and the longest daylight hours of the year in the Southern Hemisphere.

In the United States, it is Drunk and Drugged Driving Prevention Month and Stress Free Family Holiday Month. It is also National Political Correctness Awareness Month.

December's birthstones are the blue turquoise, apis, lazuli and zircon. In 2002, tanzanite was added to the modern birthstone list for December.

Starts on the same day of the week as September.

December ends on the same day of the week as April.