December

the twelfth month of the year. In the Roman year, which began with March, December was the tenth month; whence the name. December 22d is the winter solstice-the period of shortest day in the northern hemisphere and of longest day in the southern. December 25th is the great holiday of the Christian world. Among the Romans the month was supposed to be under the special care of Vesta, the goddess of the hearth. The idea is a pretty one, symbolical of a season when the warm fireside and a bright flame are particularly acceptable. See Christmas; Calendar