December: More Than Festive and Sparkly

December brings snow, twinkling lights, festive songs, and the magic of St. Nick. But beyond the celebrations, the month has witnessed historic phenomena and events worth remembering.

The 1807 Meteorite Shower: Space Invaders of the Past

On December 14, 1807, in Weston, Connecticut, a blazing fireball lit up the early morning sky. Witnesses described it as two-thirds the size of the moon, with sounds resembling cannonballs rolling on a wooden floor. Explosions followed as the meteor shattered upon entering Earth’s atmosphere at 65,000 mph, scattering fragments across snow-covered fields.

One meteorite, weighing 36.5 pounds, became the cornerstone of Yale University’s meteorite collection. Skepticism surrounded meteorites at the time, with even Thomas Jefferson doubting the phenomenon. However, the Weston event, alongside studies in Europe, helped solidify meteorites as a scientific reality.

December’s Celestial Show: The Geminids

Missed the 1807 fireball? December offers plenty of meteor showers, including the spectacular Geminids, peaking on December 13. Unlike most showers originating from comets, the Geminids come from an asteroid, providing bright, colorful meteors. The best viewing will be after 9 p.m., with optimal conditions before the moon rises around 1 a.m.

Historical December Highlights

- December 11, 1620: The Pilgrims landed at Plymouth Rock.

- December 16, 1773: The Boston Tea Party sparked the American Revolution.

Celebrations and Observances

- National Day of the Horse (December 13): Established in 2004, this day honors the horse’s role in shaping U.S. history, from transportation to ranch work and therapy.

- National Underdog Day (3rd Friday in December): Celebrates the triumphs of underdogs, from sports teams to unsung heroes.

Candy Cane Chronicles

December 26 is National Candy Cane Day, celebrating a Christmas icon with origins in 17th-century Germany. Initially crafted to calm children during long church services, the candy cane evolved into a striped holiday treat. Bob McCormack and Gregory Keller modernized production, making candy canes a festive staple.

Today, candy canes come in various flavors, from classic peppermint to quirky options like bacon or pickle. A standard 6-inch candy cane contains 50-60 calories per serving, though some might wonder how two servings fit into one candy cane.

Fun fact: The longest candy cane, made by pastry chef Alain Roby, measured 51 feet!

A Month of Wonder

Whether gazing at meteors, reflecting on history, or savoring a sweet treat, December offers more than holiday cheer—it’s a time to marvel at the extraordinary moments woven into the season.