December closes the year with a run of holidays stacked end to end. Christmas lands on a Friday in 2026. That gives millions of workers a three-day weekend, and it pulls Kwanzaa and New Year's Eve into the same stretch of days off. The month also holds the winter solstice, two birth flowers, and three birthstones. Here is what to know and what to book now.
Name Origin and Basic Facts
December has 31 days. Its name comes from the Latin decem, meaning ten. It was the tenth month of the early Roman calendar. That makes it one of those december facts that catches people off guard, since the month now sits at position twelve. The shift happened when January and February were added to the calendar.
Birthstones and Birth Flowers
Three Birthstones
If you were born in December, your december birthstone options are turquoise, tanzanite, and zircon. Turquoise has a blue-green colour and centuries of use in jewellery. Tanzanite is a recent discovery, found only in Tanzania. Zircon comes in a range of colours, including blue and clear.
Two Birth Flowers
The birth flowers for December are narcissus and holly. Narcissus, often called paperwhite, blooms in winter with white or yellow flowers. Holly is an evergreen shrub with red berries, used everywhere in holiday decorations.
The Winter Solstice
The winter solstice date in the Northern Hemisphere falls around December 21. This is the shortest day and longest night of the year. After the solstice, daylight hours increase. Many cultures hold festivals or rituals around this time to mark the return of the sun. In the Southern Hemisphere, the December solstice is the summer solstice, with the longest day of the year.
Christmas Day
Christmas Day is December 25. In 2026, it falls on a Friday. That hands you a long weekend. Book travel and family gatherings now, because demand will spike. Common traditions include exchanging gifts, attending religious services, and sharing a meal. With the Friday date, some workplaces close early on Christmas Eve or give the following Monday off. Confirm your office schedule before you book anything non-refundable.
Kwanzaa and New Year's Eve
Kwanzaa
Kwanzaa runs from December 26 to January 1. It is a week-long celebration of African American culture. Each day focuses on a different principle, such as unity or creativity. Families light a candle on a kinara each evening and exchange gifts on the last day.
New Year's Eve
New Year's Eve is December 31. It is the final day of the calendar year. Many people celebrate with parties, fireworks, or quiet reflection. December 31 is a Thursday in 2026, and January 1 is a Friday. That makes a three-day weekend for many. Book dinner reservations early. The best spots fill by mid-November.
Year-End Planning Tips
Close Out the Year
- Review your calendar. Look back at the past year to see what worked and what did not. Note any recurring appointments or deadlines you want to adjust.
- Set goals for the new year. Write down two or three priorities for January. Make them personal, professional, or financial.
- Check holiday schedules. With Christmas on a Friday in 2026 and New Year's Day on a Saturday, confirm when banks, post offices, and schools will be closed.
- Book December 2026 travel now. Lock in flights and time off early, especially for the long weekend around Christmas.
- Prepare for winter. In a cold climate, ready your home and car for snow and ice. Stock supplies before the holiday rush empties the shelves.
Doing this now cuts stress and lets you start the new year with a clear plan.
Using a Printable Calendar
Mark the winter solstice date, Christmas, Kwanzaa, New Year's Eve, and your own appointments on a single printed page. A printable monthly calendar gives you a quick reference for the whole month at a glance. Get one, hang it on the wall, and fill it in before December arrives.