About December 2026
History & Origins
December comes from the Latin 'decem', meaning ten. It was originally the tenth month. It is known for having the shortest daylight hours in the Northern Hemisphere.
Planning Tips
Christmas falling on a Friday means a guaranteed 3-day weekend. With New Year's Day 2027 also on a Friday, it's a great holiday season for maximizing time off.
Fun Facts about December
- •Turquoise, Zircon, and Tanzanite are the birthstones.
- •The winter solstice occurs around December 21.
- •Christmas Day (Dec 25) is a Friday in 2026.
Key Federal Holidays
| Date | Holiday |
|---|---|
| 2026-12-25 | Christmas Day |