December is the twelfth and final month of the year, with 31 days.

For people in the Northern Hemisphere, December marks the heart of winter, with short days and long, cold nights. The winter solstice, which usually falls on December 21 or 22, is the shortest day of the year. After that, the days slowly start getting longer again. In the Southern Hemisphere, December brings summer instead, with warm weather and long sunny days.

December holds many major celebrations. Christians celebrate Christmas on December 25, marking the birth of Jesus. Jewish families observe Hanukkah, an eight-day festival that usually falls in December. Kwanzaa, a celebration of African American culture, runs from December 26 through January 1. Many cultures have their own December traditions involving lights, feasts, and family gatherings, perhaps because people have always found ways to celebrate hope and togetherness during the darkest time of year.

In many schools, December means winter break, a chance to rest and spend time with family before starting fresh in January.