It's December 2023

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.

1. December is the twelfth and last month of the year in the Gregorian calendar and one of seven Gregorian months with the length of 31 days.

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!

Facts above from here and here and here

... 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