December is the twelfth month of the Gregorian calendar. In the Russian language this name had come into use since the 11^th century. December is the first month of the actual calendar winter, the month of the shortest days, darkest and longest nights. Under Peter the Great, since 1700, when chronology changed and began from January 1, – December became the twelfth month of the year.

In December, in the early winter, the cloudy sky is rarely illuminated by the sun, as there are no strong frosts yet. Certain regularity exists in this period: the brighter the sun shines, the stronger are frosts, and vice versa; in windy weather, frosts weaken.

The tradition of evening get-togethers during long winter evenings in Russia dates back to ancient times. By December, peasants were already managing field work – entertainments in villages and hamlets in those days were few, but the need to get together existed. The villagers did handicrafts, joked and laughed, sang and danced. December was the time when various festivals and rituals took place in Russia, including those related to the end of harvesting.

Another significant event in December is the onset of the winter solstice. On this day, which falls on 21 and 22 December, comes the longest night of the year. In these days, people began to prepare for the coming new year and for changes.

December has come – it's time to feel the frosty breath of winter. Every day it is getting colder. Snow has already started to cover the ground, trees and roofs with a luxuriant white blanket, intricate frosty drawings are appearing on the windows. Very soon the merry New Year holidays will come - a time of miracles and fulfilment of wishes. We will be happy to give and receive gifts, go for walks and visits, go sledging, skating or skiing... And we will definitely wrap ourselves in warm scarves and rush from the cold streets to cosy homes to enjoy a cup of warm, fragrant tea and listen to our favourite tunes. And we will certainly wrap ourselves in warm scarves and hurry from the cold streets to cosy homes to enjoy a cup of warm aromatic tea and listen to our favourite tunes.

We will be happy to give and receive presents, go for walks and visits, go sledging, skating and skiing.... And we will certainly wrap ourselves in warm scarves and hurry from cold streets to cosy homes to enjoy a cup of warm fragrant tea and listen to our favourite tunes.

Musical compilation "Welcome, Jolly Winter" is posted in the museum Musical Library.

Covers:
Musical box for storing cigars. Switzerland. The 19^th century
Enamel miniature "Winter troika”. Fragment of a matchbox. Egor Cheryatov gold and silverware factory. Russia, Moscow. 1899-1908