December: Winter Begins

On what date in December does winter begin? Well, that depends on whom you ask. In the Northern Hemisphere, meteorologists commonly count winter from December 1. Astronomers will tell you it begins with the winter solstice, the shortest day of the year (December 21 or 22). Of course, in the Southern Hemisphere, winter begins in June.
Whenever winter begins, it’s a season with its own stark beauty, holiday spirit, and opportunities for ice and snow sports in many areas. Enjoy poetry, images, and videos of the season.

Winter Banner

Use this banner on social media to share our winter teaching resources collection.

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Winter Photos

Gallery of winter photographs from the ClipPix ETC website.

Winter Clipart

Gallery of winter clipart illustrations from the ClipArt ETC website.

Sleds and Sleighs Clipart

Gallery of sleds and sleighs clipart illustrations from the ClipArt ETC website.

Winter Clothing Clipart

A gallery of winter clothing illustrations from the ClipArt ETC website.

Winter in Verse

“This winter air is keen and cold, and keen and cold this winter sun…” Do you feel a chill in the air? This collection brings together the imagery and power of Winter, as depicted in poetry from the Lit2Go website.

"Snow-Bound" by John Greenleaf Whittier

This winter poem by Whittier chronicles a rural New England family as a snowstorm rages outside. It captures a rapidly-disappearing lifestyle. Audio available from the Lit2Go website. Duration: 30:06. Also available as a PDF.

Winter Sports Clipart

Gallery of winter sports clipart illustrations from the ClipArt ETC website.

Winter Video Clips

Gallery of winter video clips from the ClipVideo ETC website.

Inclination of Earth on Solstices

An illustration of the Earth’s inclination on the summer and winter solstices from the Maps ETC website.

Snow Clipart

A gallery of snow illustrations including many examples of snow crystals from the ClipArt ETC website.

"The Woods in Winter"

A poem by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow about the piercing chill of winter. Listen on the Lit2Go website. Duration 1:38. Also available as a PDF.

"When Winter Darkening All Around"

A poem about winter and the hope of spring by Paul Laurence Dunbar from the Lit2Go audiobook collection. Duration 1:02. Also available as a PDF.

Winter Olympics Dolls

Stuffed fabric dolls (Kristin and Håkon) from Norway that served as the mascots for the 17th Winter Olympics. Photos from the ClipPix ETC website.

Doll in Winter Clothing

Beautiful porcelain doll from China. She is wearing a gold kimono with a brocade obi (sash). She has a lovely blue brocade coat with white fur trim. Her hat is also white fur, with a jewel in the front. She has a hand painted face on a ceramic head, and her hair is in the traditional geisha hairstyle. She is holding a black stick with red tassels. A small wooden sign says “Dong” or “Winter” in Chinese. From the ClipPix ETC website.