Fun Facts about December Born Babies
December is such a wonderful time of year to welcome a new bundle of joy. Throughout the month, countries and cultures around the world celebrate various holiday festivities. Regardless of which holidays your family celebrates, these festivities become even more special with a beautiful newborn baby.
What can your child's birth month tell you about your baby? A lot, actually. Here are some interesting facts about December babies that you may want to know.
Baby's first winter
December is the 12th and final month of the year. It has the shortest daylight hours of any month, and it marks the beginning of winter in the U.S. on December 21 or 22. Known as the Winter solstice (or Southern solstice), this date is the shortest day and longest night of the year (though those waiting for Santa Claus on the 24th might beg to differ). Although it's not the coldest month yet, December can certainly bring snow.
Folklore suggests that if it snows on Christmas Day (commonly known as a "White Christmas") then Easter will be warm, green, and sunny.
Meaning of the word 'December'
In Latin, "Decem" means ten. At one time, December was the tenth month on the Roman calendar, because the calendar started with March (there was no January or February at that time). Later, when January and February were added to the calendar, December fell to the twelfth position, but the name did not change. (The other months follow this same rule. For example, October and November get their meaning from the numbers eight and nine, because they were the eighth and ninth months on the original Roman calendar.)
December Holidays & Notable Dates
December is, of course, known for the "big" holidays like Christmas and Hanukkah, but there are a few other notable dates you should know.
National Cookie Day:
Your December-born baby may be too young to enjoy cookies, but that doesn't mean you can't! Enjoy this day with a December baby on the 4th.
Human Rights Day:
Celebrated across the globe on Dec. 10, this day commemorates the adoption of one of the most important human rights documents in modern history: the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in 1948.
National Ugly Sweater Day:
If your baby is born by Dec. 21, you can celebrate this fun holiday together by wearing your most funky winter sweaters.
Hanukkah:
Known as the Festival of Lights, this eight-day Jewish celebration commemorates the re-dedication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem following the Maccabean Revolt. It begins each year on the 25th of Kislev on the Hebrew calendar (typically falling in December, but sometimes November, as it will in 2021 and 2032).
Christmas Eve
Christmas Eve, celebrated on December 24th, is a festive and anticipatory evening that marks the eve of Christmas Day. This day is often spent with family and friends, exchanging gifts, enjoying special meals, and partaking in various traditions to usher in the spirit of the holiday season.
One of the most actively celebrated holidays of the year, Christmas commemorates the birth of Jesus Christ on December 25th.
Christmas:
One of the most actively celebrated holidays of the year, Christmas commemorates the birth of Jesus Christ on December 25th.
New Year's Eve:
Did you forget that the biggest party of the year is actually in December, not January? While the New Year begins at midnight on Jan. 1, most of the celebrations take place on the night of Dec. 31. If you've got a newborn at home, you'll be forgiven for not staying up 'til midnight!
Kwanzaa:
Kwanzaa is a celebration of African cultural and historical heritage, established in 1966 and primarily observed throughout the Americas from Dec. 26 to Jan. 1.
Boxing Day:
Celebrated on Dec. 26, Boxing Day originated in the UK as a public bank holiday and is now generally considered a shopping holiday, much like Black Friday, or a day for contributing to good causes. The name is believed to originate from the European tradition of placing an Alms Box in areas of worship to collect donations to the poor.
Astrological Signs for December
A baby born in December can enter the world under the astrological signs of Sagittarius (November 22 - December 21) and Capricorn (December 22 - January 19). It's common for Astrologers to offer insights into their personalities with the following observations:
Sagittarius Born Baby
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A Sagittarius baby tends to love to ask questions and live for the future as they mature. Sagittarians are also known for their idealism, as well as their impatience. They live to explore and understand their role in the world, and they don't like to be held back.
Capricorn Born Baby
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Individuals born under the Capricorn zodiac sign are characterized by their strong determination, practicality, and helpful nature.
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According to a study conducted in the UK, babies born in December exhibit better behavior compared to those born in other months, bringing a positive note for parents with December born children.
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Similar to a Sagittarius baby, Capricorns showcase ambition, but their approach is marked by a greater emphasis on logic and discipline, leading them to take calculated risks rather than impulsive ones.
December Birthstones & Flowers
The birthstone of December is turquoise. Considered one of the oldest stones in history, this blue-green stone is mined all over the world, including right in the United States. Known as the symbol of wisdom and protection, turquoise was used in jewelry to provide power, luck, and protection. One legend suggests that those who wear turquoise will always have a friend.
The birth flower of December is the narcissus, also known more commonly as the daffodil. Though it may seem odd that a Spring flower represents December babies, it won't seem so odd when you understand the Victorian meaning of the flower rebirth and revival which is the perfect flower for those thinking about the future, like Sagittarius.
Seasonal Personality Traits
Not everybody believes in astrology, but research shows that babies born in specific months can indeed predict some potential personality traits. It all has to do with the seasons and how humans have evolved over the last several millennia.
For example, the abundance of food and nutrients at the end of the year's harvest is believed to have benefits on health and personality that may influence your baby even today! In 2017, Time magazine highlighted this research, saying that early-December babies can grow up with lower levels of depression and bipolar disorder, as is the case for other fall babies.
However, those born in late December tend to share characteristics with winter-born babies, presumably because the nights are longer. This could include more depression and a higher risk for more extreme mood disorders. Keep in mind this research is still in its infancy, and there are numerous other factors that will influence your happy baby's personality.
Famous People Born in December
Was anybody famous born on the same day as your December baby? You bet! From Hollywood celebrities born in December to historical figures, here are some December birthdays you may recognize:
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December 4, 1969: Jay-Z (Shawn Corey Carter)
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December 5, 1782: Martin Van Buren
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December 10, 1830: Emily Dickinson
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December 12, 1915: Frank Sinatra
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December 18, 1947: Steven Spielberg
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December 21, 1935: Phil Donahue
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December 24, 1974: Ryan Seacrest
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December 25, 1642: Sir Isaac Newton
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December 28, 1856: Woodrow Wilson
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December 30, 1975: Tiger Woods
And here's another fun fact: a 2011 study found that more dentists have birthdays in December than any other month. Who knew?
Significant December Historical Dates
You don't have to be a history buff to know that your baby's birthday has historical significance. It's just another fun fact that you'll enjoy sharing with family and friends over the years.
Here are some of more significant dates in December history:
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December 1, 1955: Rosa Parks refuses to give up her seat on a public bus to a white man and is subsequently jailed. Her courage that day would eventually earn her the title of "the mother of the civil rights movement."
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December 7, 1941:Pearl Harbor, the U.S. naval base outside Honolulu, is bombed in a surprise Japanese air attack. The attack led to the United States entering World War II.
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December 15, 1791:The first amendment to the U.S. Constitution is enacted with the Bill of Rights, guaranteeing personal freedoms and rights to citizens.
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December 21, 1937: Disney's "Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs," the first full-length animated feature film, premiers at theaters.
Your Baby's First Milestones
It won't be long now! While your newborn may seem so tiny and, well, baby-ish he/she will start reaching big development milestones pretty fast. Here's a rough timeline:
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Smile: A December born baby will likely show their first real smiles (not the gassy kinds) by February or March (6 to 12 weeks).
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Laugh: Here come the giggles. Between April and May (about 4 to 5 months), your baby's first big laughs will begin to erupt.
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Crawl: Between July and October of next year, your December baby will probably be on the move. Most infants begin crawling in about 7 to 10 months.
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Talk: Your little one could be saying her first words before the end of spring! While every baby is different, babies generally form their first words in about 6-7 months.
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Walk: Get the camera ready. In about 9 to 15 months (likely sometime next fall for December babies), your baby could be taking his/her first steps.
Summary About December Born Babies (Our Disclaimer)
It's important to remember that December astrological signs, birthstones, and birth flowers are symbolic and do not necessarily align with the personality or characteristics of an individual. Likewise, research presented in this article is not meant to be all inclusive and only provide for additional context.
Each person is unique and should not be judged or generalized based on their month of birth. Every baby will grow into their own individual self, with their own unique characteristics, strengths, and weaknesses—that's what makes us all special.
Baby's first gift? A diaper cake, of course!
If you're planning a baby shower, or searching for unique gifts for the parents, then be sure to check out our handmade diaper cakes.
You'll find styles and sizes for every budget. Each is made to order, by hand, with real Pampers diapers and topped with extra gifts for baby and his/her parents. Diaper cakes make great gifts for anyone expecting a baby, and the beautiful arrangement makes them perfect for baby showers.
Congratulations on your new bundle of joy!
