When does winter start? 

Asking “When does winter start?” is a cute and common question that you’ve probably gotten from your kids since they could talk. It might pop up at school as you discuss seasons or plan for holiday breaks. Use this quick guide to become the go-to expert on winter for your family.

Mark your calendar: The official start of winter

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The start of winter brings a shift in weather, daylight hours, and often, family routines. But it’s more than just a December date. Knowing when winter begins can help families prepare for changes and make the most of the season. Winter officially starts on the Winter Solstice, which usually falls on December 21st or 22nd in the Northern Hemisphere. This date marks the shortest day and longest night of the year.

By this time, colder weather has usually set in, and snow might be falling in some parts of the country. But why does winter start on the Winter Solstice? The answer lies in Earth's tilt. During the Winter Solstice, the earth is tilted at its farthest point away from the sun, which is why we experience shorter days and longer nights. As a result, temperatures drop (or drop even more), and winter officially sets in.

But wait… there's more!

While winter officially begins on December  21st or 22nd, many people consider December 1st to be the unofficial start of the season. In part, that’s because winter is often associated with the onset of winter activities and holiday festivities. Many cultures and religions celebrate holidays such as Hanukkah, Christmas, and Kwanzaa in December. 

Some families, and certainly retailers, have even begun to embrace Thanksgiving as the gateway point between winter and fall. With the rise of retail sale events like Black Friday and Cyber Monday, Thanksgiving is becoming increasingly popular as the “new unofficial” kickoff to winter.

Embracing winter as a family

Here are some fun ways to welcome the winter season together:

1. Explore winter sports: Whether it's skiing, snowboarding, or ice skating, winter is a great time to enjoy outdoor activities.

2. Cozy indoor activities: From reading together to playing board games, winter encourages cozy indoor bonding time.

3. Learning opportunities: Use the start of winter as a teaching moment about seasons, climate, and the earth's rotation. 

4. Create a winter bucket list: Ask your kids what they want to do this winter and create a fun list of activities for the whole family to enjoy.

5. Embrace “hygge:” This Danish concept of finding coziness in simple things, like hot cocoa and snuggling under blankets, can make winter feel extra special. Bonus points if you know how to pronounce hygge!  

6. Winter meals: Use this season as an opportunity to whip up some winter-inspired recipes. From hearty soups to warm beverages, cooking together is a perfect family activity.

7. Arts and crafts: Engage your kids in creating winter-themed crafts like homemade snow globes, paper snowflakes, or DIY bird feeders.

8. Charitable acts: Teach your kids the value of compassion and giving back by participating in winter-specific charitable activities such as a coat drive or volunteering at a local shelter or kitchen.

Let’s find the cozy in colder temperatures and darker days! The start of winter can be a magical time for families to come together and create cherished memories. Next time someone asks “When does winter start?” embrace the change in seasons and make the most of what it has to offer.