Astronomial calendar

An almanac is traditionally defined as a 'calendar of the heavens' because it follows the four seasons through each solstice, equinox, moon phase, dawn and sunset, tide and Spring tides, local traditional events and folklore.

On the arrival of December, the dawn rose this morning at 7.58am with the first sunset of the month closing the day at 4.11pm.

At the end of the month, dawn will rise at 8.17am with the last sunset closing the day at 4.18pm as the evenings start to draw in at the beginning of the Winter season.

Here are some key events, dates and information to make a note of in December.

Moon phases

Tuesday 12 December - NEW COLD MOON in Sagittarius

Wednesday 27 December - FULL COLD MOON in Cancer

Winter Solstice - Friday 22 December

In the garden

Planting and Transplanting - trees and shrubs can still be planted and transplanted

Preparing Borders - dig over empty borders and prepare soil for next year’s planting

Potted Plants - group together in a sheltered spot in the garden to protect them from the harshest Winter weather

Bird Feeders - thoroughly clean feeders, stock up on wild bird food and make sure there is access to fresh, unfrozen water

General Maintenance - carry out repairs, clean out the shed, tidy the greenhouse and mend broken fences

Leaf Composting - build or buy a compost bin for fallen leaves to rot down over the Winter

In the hedgerows

Wild Fruits & Nuts - Crab Apples, Sweet Chestnuts

Wild Roots - Alexanders, Dandelion, Horseradish, Jerusalem Artichokes, Lovage, Rampion, Wild Garlic

Wild Greens - Chickweed, Hairy Bittercress, Dandelion Leaves, Sow Thistle, Wintercress, Yellow Rocket

In the markets

Vegetables - Beetroot, Brussel Sprouts, Cabbages, Carrots, Cauliflowers, Celeriac, Celery, Chard, Chicory, Garlic, Kale, Leeks, Lettuces, Onions, Oriental Leaves, Spring Onions, Parsnips, Potatoes, Pumpkins, Winter Squashes, Spinach, Swedes, Turnips

Fruit - Quinces

Herbs - Chervil, Parsley, Corander, Sage, Rosemary, Bay

Yuletide Decorations

The Winter Solstice, traditionally known as Yule, falls on the longest night and the shortest day of the year. Daylight will become increasingly shorter leading up to the Solstice and as it passes, days will start to get longer.

Yule is one of the oldest winter solstice festivals celebrated in Pagan times with light, fire, and feasting. In ancient tradition, an outdoor evergreen tree would be decorated with fruit and seeds to give thanks and blessings to Nature. A gold star was often added to to represent the Sun's energy and the five elements of wind, earth, water, wood and spirit.

Making a wreath for Yule originated in Pagan cultures. It was a festive occasion to gather greenery and seasonal plants like pine needles, holly or ivy. Anything evergreen was used to represent new life and longeivity.

Why not try decorating a living tree this year and creating a colourful wreath with holly berries, ivy flowers and mistletoe if you are lucky enough to find some. I will you a very Happy Yule!

Moon dates

Don't forget to make a date with the New Cold Moon on Tuesday 12 December and the Full Cold Moon on Wednesday 27 December when you can tune into the beautiful lunar light energies for making plans (New Moon) and taking action (Full Moon).

I look forward to seeing you for a new 'Welcome to the Month' series starting from 1 January 2024.