December is the twelfth month of the Gregorian calendar. In Russian language this name had come into use since the 11^th century. It 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 began on 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. There is certain regularity in this period: the brighter the sun shines, the stronger the frosts, and vice versa. The first snowdrifts appear, and the snow squeaks underfoot. In windy weather, the frost weakens.

The tradition of evening get-togethers on long winter evenings dates back to ancient times in Russia. By December, peasants were already finishing their agricultural activities. In those times there were few entertainments in rural areas, but there was a need to get together. People did handicrafts, joked and laughed, sang and danced. December was a time when various festivals and rituals related to the end of the crop harvesting were held in Russia. Carnival festivities were popular, during which people dressed up in costumes and wore masks to celebrate the end of the old year and welcome the new one.
New Year's Eve is nowadays the most significant holiday of December. It symbolises the beginning of a new cycle, rebirth and hope for a better future. In December, people decorate Christmas trees, exchange gifts and celebrate the New Year with family and friends.

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. During these days, people began to prepare for the coming new year and for changes. Koliada is a pagan god of the winter sun, who was depicted either as a baby or a sturdy young man with blond hair and a sword in his hands (thepile of the sword pointing downwards, signifying peace and good neighborhood between Slavic communities and tribes). Pagan celebrations gradually merged with the birthday of Jesus Christ and were celebrated from Christmas to Epiphany. The very custom of caroling during Christmas holidays appeared in Russia only after the Epiphany in 988. Pagan motifs in many carols were preserved, but they were combined with the values and customs of Christianity. Thus, these songs mentioned Jesus, the Mother of God, as well as revered saints. These winter traditions have been preserved in folklore to this day. Now this holiday is mostly celebrated from 6 January, Christmas Eve (from the appearance of the first star in the sky), or 7 January (Christmas according to the Julian calendar) to 19 January, on which falls the Epiphany of the Lord. There are many contradictions in the descriptions of the history of the holiday. What is indisputable is that it fosters an awareness and emotional appreciation of the generations intergenerational connection.

December is here, it is 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 of houses with a luxuriant white blanket, intricate frosty drawings are appearing on the windows. Very soon the merry New Year holidays will come - the time of miracles and accomplishment of wishes. 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 aromatic tea and listen to our favorite melodies.

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

Ref.:
http://blog.norma40.ru/?p=2184
https://ivanovoteks.ru/kak-na-rusi-nazyvali-dekabr-i-pocemu
https://lum-store.ru/kak-nazyvali-dekabr-v-drevnei-rusi-istoriya-i-znacenie
https://dzen.ru/a/X9ImdXJl7RaeSgU-