6 Surprising Facts about the First Day of Winter

The first official day of winter is December 21, 2018…astronomically speaking.  This day is also called the winter solstice and it is when we, in the Northern Hemisphere, experience the least amount of daylight during a 24 hour period.  As many of us have been making the commute to and from work in the dark for a few weeks now, this is probably common knowledge.  However, there are some things you may not have known about the first day of winter.

6 Surprising Facts about the First Day of Winter

1. There are actually TWO first days of winter:

There is an astronomical first day of winter and a meteorological first day of winter.  The meteorological first day of winter begins on December 1.

2. The first day of winter is usually not the coldest day of the year.

Even the though sun is at it’s most southern point on this day, the Earth continues to retain some of its heat for a little bit.

3. Some people think England’s famous Stonehenge may have been built in celebration of the winter solstice.

4. The first day of winter has some other historical significance as well.

December 21st is actually the day that the pilgrims arrived at Plymouth

5. The first day of winter does not always happen on December 21.

It can occur anytime between December 20 and December 23.  This is because of the difference between the tropical year (the amount of time it takes the sun to circle to the exact same spot on the early) and our commonly used Gregorian calendar year.

6. The winter solstice can affect people’s moods.

Around the winter solstice is when SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder) typically sets in.

At FLAME we are there with you this winter-shoveling snow, bundling up for the cold, and bemoaning the long days without daylight.  We are also here to help you out and make your home as comfortable as possible.  For more information, contact us!