December brings us the longest nights of the year, but also some of the brightest celebrations.
No matter what religion or practice you follow, the onset of winter highlights the importance of having stories to enjoy while while we wait for longer days and warmer temperatures.
December 1st
Violent Night in theaters.
“An elite team of mercenaries breaks into a family compound on Christmas Eve, taking everyone hostage inside. However, they aren’t prepared for a surprise combatant: Santa Claus is on the grounds, and he’s about to show why this Nick is no saint.”
December 2nd
Freddy streaming on Disney+ Hotstar. If you’ve got the Disney+ bundle, this Indian thriller is available for you to enjoy. If you suffer from dentophobia, be warned.
“The lines between love and obsession blur in this romantic thriller packed with unpredictable twists and sharp turns.”
December 5th
Krampusnacht Holiday.
Not much is known about the origins of the European holiday Krampusnatch, but we do know that it is celebrated the night of December 5th, before the feast of Saint Nicholas. The holiday pays homage to Krampus, the hairy, horned companion of Saint Nicholas who punishes misbehaving children.
December 7th
Full Moon. Known most commonly as the Cold Moon, this moniker comes from the Mohawk’s, as December is the month that colder temperatures set in for most of the US.
December 16th
Mindcage in theaters and VOD.
“When a copycat murderer strikes, Detectives Jake Doyle and Mary Kelly seek help from an incarcerated serial killer called the Artist. As Mary delves deep into the Artist’s brilliant but twisted psyche, she and Jake get lured into a diabolical game of cat and mouse, racing against time to stay one step ahead of both criminals.”
December 17th
Saturnalia Holiday.
“Saturnalia, held in mid-December, is an ancient Roman pagan festival honoring the agricultural god Saturn. Because of when the holiday occurred—near the winter solstice—Saturnalia celebrations are the source of many of the traditions we now associate with Christmas, such as wreaths, candles, feasting and gift-giving.”
December 21st
Winter Solstice
December 23rd
The Pale Blue Eye in theaters. If you don’t have time to catch a movie this month, look for this one streaming on Netflix January 6th.
“Veteran detective Augustus Landor investigates a series of grisly murders with the help of a young cadet who will eventually go on to become the world-famous author Edgar Allan Poe.”
December 24th
Mercury at evening peak. Because Mercury is so close to the sun, it is only visible when it reaches the furthest point from the sun its orbit. Look for it just over the western horizon after sunset.
December 25th
An ancient Roman festival that celebrated the winter solstice and birth of the sun god Sol Invictus. Romans celebrated the holiday with chariot races.
December 31st
New Year’s Eve
Everyday Strange 