Fun Facts About December Birthday Babies

December babies get to celebrate their big day surrounded by sparkling lights, holiday festivities and maybe even a fresh blanket of snow. Although December comes with a host of gatherings to work around, it also brings built-in cheeriness and warmth. “December is a month of sparkle, celebration and winter magic,” says Olivia Pollock, etiquette and hosting expert at Evite. “From snowy afternoons to twinkling lights, it’s the perfect time for parties that feel just as festive as the season.”

Astrologers say December babies are thought to be playful (Sagittarians) or ambitious (Capricorns). However, as some parents can attest, the stars aren’t always 100 percent accurate. “I’ve always found my [Sagittarius] daughter to be more like what you’d think of a Leo,” says Shari S., a mom of six in Lathrop, California. “She’s very sweet and creative, but also very theatrical and wants the attention on her.” (Insider tip: It could be her moon or rising sign!) Read on to decide if you agree with astrology’s take on December birthdays, and explore fun facts and celebration ideas.

December Birthday Zodiac Sign

The December Zodiac signs are Sagittarius and Capricorn—the archer and the horned goat. Does your December-born have a Sagittarian’s playfulness or a Capricorn’s boss-baby energy? Read on to decide for yourself.

Sagittarius

Babies born between November 22 and December 21 are Sagittarians. The Old Farmer’s Almanac says Sagittarians, symbolized by an archer, are known for their adventurousness, curiosity and playfulness. “Sagittarius kids are natural-born explorers. From the get-go, they’re crawling, climbing and getting their hands into everything,” says Danielle Rothschild, an astrologer and owner of Little Mystic School, an astrology resource for parents. “Parenting a Sagittarius means being prepared for endless questions and a hunger to learn about the world around them.”

Capricorn

Babies born between December 22 and January 19 are Capricorns. The Old Farmer’s Almanac says Capricorns, symbolized by a horned goat, are known for their ambition, loyalty and discipline. “Capricorn babies have big CEO energy,” says Rothschild. “Even when they’re young, they may surprise you with their serious little looks or their determination to master something new. These kids insist on doing things all by themselves long before you expect it.”

December Birth Flower

The December birth flowers are classic and merry, perfect for the holiday season. According to The Old Farmer’s Almanac, The primary December birth flower is the paperwhite narcissus, and its secondary birth flower is the holly. Paperwhite narcissus is a white, trumpet-shaped flower that represents renewal and love. Holly, while not technically a flower, is perfect for December. With its prickly leaves and bright-red berries, it symbolizes protection and peace. Deck the halls…

December Birthstone

According to the Gemological Institute of America, December babies have three birthstones to choose from: turquoise, tanzanite and zircon. Turquoise is an iconic blue-green gem that’s thought to bring peace to the wearer. Tanzanite is a recently discovered stone that dazzles in deep blue and violet hues. Zircon is a gemstone found in a radiant rainbow of colors. In the Middle Ages, it was thought to ward off evil spirits and lull one into deep sleep.

How Common Are December Birthdays?

According to an analysis of births in the US from 1994 to 2014, December is the seventh most common birthday month, with 10,991 average daily births. The most popular birthday in December is December 20, with 12,064 average daily births, and the least popular birthday in December (by far) is December 25, with 6,601 average daily births.

Celebrity Birthdays in December

December babies share a birthday month with several music legends, including Taylor Swift and Britney Spears! Famous December birthdays include:

• Britney Spears (December 2)
• Jay-Z (December 4)
• Taylor Swift (December 13)
• Brad Pitt (December 18)
• Christina Aguilera (December 18)
• Jane Fonda (December 21)
• Samuel L. Jackson (December 21)
• LeBron James (December 30)

Interesting Facts About December Babies

Studies suggest that being born in December can affect things like adult height, sleep timing and eyesight. Read on to find out why. (Hint: Sunlight plays a big role!)

December babies tend to be smaller than summer babies

A 2015 study found that babies born in winter (December, January and February) tend to have a lower birth weight, hit puberty a bit earlier and remain shorter in adulthood than summer-born babies. The researchers hypothesized that season-based environmental factors, like prenatal vitamin D exposure, could explain these growth differences.

People born in December have a relatively low risk of near-sightedness

December babies may have luck on their side when it comes to eyesight (at least compared to babies born in June and July). A 2008 study about birth season and eyesight revealed that people born in winter months were less likely to have myopia (nearsightedness). The researchers who conducted the study believe this phenomenon is due to decreased natural light exposure early in a winter baby’s life.

December-borns may go to bed (slightly) earlier

A 2009 study surveying 5,720 European university students revealed that people born in December tend to go to bed slightly earlier and reach their sleep midpoint earlier than those born in spring and summer. Differing levels of prenatal sunlight exposure may explain these patterns. That said, there’s at most an 18-minute difference in sleep onset timing.

How to Celebrate Your December Baby

December tends to be jam-packed with holiday celebrations, but there are still plenty of ways to make room for your December baby’s birthday bash. “With a little sparkle and a lot of creativity, December birthdays can be every bit as magical as the holidays themselves!” says Pollock.

The chilly nature of December usually calls for indoor gatherings, and you can spice them up based on your child’s interests. To fully lean into December’s cheery vibes, try a cookie-decorating party, an ugly sweater party or a winter wonderland party (or combine all three for extra fun!).

December birthday babies get to combine the cozy holiday season with the joy of their birthdays for extra special fun. There’s so much to celebrate as the parent of a December baby—from the snuggly early days to their big personalities. With all the merriment and warmth that comes with this time of year, a December birthday is sure to be full of magic.

Please note: The Bump and the materials and information it contains are not intended to, and do not constitute, medical or other health advice or diagnosis and should not be used as such. You should always consult with a qualified physician or health professional about your specific circumstances.