‘Tis the season for tunnels, meteorites, anesthesia and more

When we enter December, most people have holiday fun on their minds. But there’s plenty more associated with this final month of the year than roasting chestnuts, mistletoe and holly jollity. 

December was actually the 10th month of the year in the Roman World. That’s where the name comes from: “Decem” is the Latin word for “ten.”

The month has expanded and contracted during its long history. First, it was 30 days. Then it shortened to 29 days after the addition of January and February to the calendar, circa 700 BCE. When the Julian calendar came along, the month gained two days, making it 31. 

As most people know, the Northern Hemisphere experiences the winter solstice in December (Wednesday, Dec. 21 this year). It’s the shortest day of the year in terms of daylight. The same day marks the commencement of summer in the Southern Hemisphere. 

A lot has happened in December during the long march of human history. On Dec. 1, 1990, the engineers digging the tunnel under the English Channel broke through and reached the European mainland. 

Dec. 5, 1901, was the birthday of Walt Disney, whose influence on our culture can hardly be overstated. 

Anesthesia made its debut on Dec. 21, 1846, in London. (Raise your hand if you’re glad you’re not conscious and fully sensible when the surgeon starts cutting.)

A giant fireball entered earth’s atmosphere and crashed in Connecticut on Dec. 14, 1807 – the first recorded meteorite impact recorded in the New World. It appeared to be two-thirds the size of the full moon as it streaked across the sky and emitted sonic booms audible 40 miles away.

The Louisiana Purchase from France became official on Dec. 30, 1803, doubling the size of the United States land mass. It was a good deal, too: a mere $15 million. 

Finally, the Bill of Rights went into effect Dec. 15, 1791, giving us the first 10 amendments to the Constitution.

No, you probably won’t deck your halls and throw parties to mark any of these December dates. But they’re worth remembering anyway. By the way: Happy holidays!