16 December Poems
Celebrate December's cold days, Christmas joy, and year's end with heartfelt poems.
Updated November 10, 2025, by Catherine Pulsifer
The last month of the year, December, sees shorter and colder days. But, also celebrates the occasion of Christmas and the end of another year. Let these December poems remind you of this month of the year.
In December
Poet: Lillie D. Chafin
Snowflakes softly drifting down
Over countryside and town,
Give the earth an ermine crown
In December.
Warmth of glowing hearthside fire,
Brightness of winter attire,
Spicy flavors all conspire
In December.
Eyes are smiling, bright and gay,
Hearts are singing all the day,
Joy of Christmas comes to stay
In December.
Poems about Snowflakes
In December, by Christina Rossetti, she shares her view of December as a month full of contrasts. Though it has short, dark days, she focuses on the joy, warmth, and festive spirit it brings. She describes decorating with plants like holly and mistletoe to brighten the season and compares December’s beauty to the soft flowers of spring. For her, the inner light of happiness and love matters more than the lack of sunlight. The poem also reflects on the deeper meaning of Christmas, symbolized by a carol heard by shepherds long ago. Overall, the poet shows how December is both a time of reflection and celebration.
December
Poet: Christina Rossetti
Nay, no closed doors for me,
But open doors and open hearts and glee
To welcome young and old.
Dimmest and brightest month am I;
My short days end, my lengthening days begin;
What matters more or less sun in the sky
When all is sun within?
Ivy and privet, dark as night,
I weave with hips and haws a cheerful show.
And holly for a beauty and delight,
And milky mistletoe.
While high above them all I set
Yew twigs and Christmas roses pure and pale;
Then Spring her snowdrop and her violet
May keep, so sweet and frail;
May keep each merry singing bird,
Of all her happy birds that singing build:
For I've a carol which some shepherds heard
Once in a wintry field.
Seasons Change
Poet: Catherine Pulsifer
December comes, the year winds down,
Fall's bright colors now turned brown.
The frost arrives, the air is clear,
A peaceful close to another year.
The world transforms, yet hope remains,
In frosty fields and snowy plains.
Through nature’s quiet, we understand,
December’s touch is gentle and grand.
Winter’s Beauty
Poet: Catherine Pulsifer
Snowflakes fall, a quiet show,
Covering the earth in a soft white glow.
The trees stand tall in frost so bright,
A December scene, a pure delight.
The days grow short, the nights are long,
Yet in the stillness, life feels strong.
A time to pause, to see, to feel,
December’s beauty is truly real.
Related: Winter Poems
December Brings
Poet: Catherine Pulsifer
December brings us snow and cold
But this month brings us gold.
Christmas with all its fun,
In December it's just begun.
With our schooling we take a break
Decorations and plays we make.
We love this time of year,
A time to spend with those who are dear.
And Christmas brings glad tidings
And lots of Christmas tree lightings.
It is a month with less daylight
But the love of Jesus shines so bright.
Poems About Jesus
D E C E M B E R
Poet: Catherine Pulsifer
D ance around the Christmas tree
E at and be merry and you'll see
C hristmas day gets closer each day
E xcitement is felt by kids in every way
M ake a difference in the lives of those in need
B rotherhood of man is felt, and take heed
E perience the colder weather and the first snowfall
R ejoice the Christ-child was born to save us all!
December’s Balance
Poet: Catherine Pulsifer
The days are full, a bustling scene,
Holidays wrapped in red and green.
Shopping lists and festive cheer,
The busiest time of the year.
But as the evening softly glows,
The chaos fades, the calmness grows.
A fireside crackle, a book in hand,
A quiet moment, simply grand.
Related: Christmas Poems
In "The Queen of the Year" by Edna Dean Proctor, the poet celebrates December as the crowning jewel of the year. While other months have their own beauty—symbolized by snow, flowers, and harvests—December stands above them all. She is portrayed as a majestic queen, adorned with holly and carrying the Christ-child, symbolizing peace and protection during the year's darkest days. The poem emphasizes December's unique joy and spiritual significance, presenting her as a guardian who brings light, hope, and comfort to the world.
The Queen Of The Year
Poet: Edna Dean Proctor
When suns are low and nights are long
And winds bring wild alarms,
Through the darkness comes the Queen of the Year
In all her peerless charms,--
December, fair and holly-crowned,
With the Christ-child in her arms.
The maiden months are a stately train,
Veiled in the spotless snow,
Or decked with the bloom of Paradise
What time the roses blow,
Or wreathed with the vine and the yellow wheat
When the noons of harvest glow.
But, oh, the joy of the rolling year,
The queen with peerless charms,
Is she who comes through the waning light
To keep the world from harms,--
December, fair and holly-crowned,
With the Christ-child in her arms.
December’s Mirror
Poet: Catherine Pulsifer
The year retreats, its story told,
Of dreams pursued, both bright and bold.
Lessons linger, joy and strife,
Each moment carved the shape of life.
In December’s glow, I pause to see,
What was, what is, and what could be.
The past’s soft whispers gently chime,
A year reflected, a gift of time.
Month Poems
A New Year Beckons
Poet: Catherine Pulsifer
December drapes the earth in white,
A fleeting pause before new light.
Memories stir of winters gone,
Their echoes weave the yearlong song.
Yet hope stands firm, the future near,
A fresh beginning, free of fear.
Resolutions spark and brightly gleam,
December cradles next year’s dream.
In "The 12th Month" by Catherine Pulsifer, the poet reflects on December as a time of mixed emotions. While the shorter, darker days may bring some fear, the bright Christmas lights and cozy moments offer comfort and joy. The poem captures December’s dual role as both the conclusion of the year and a time of celebration. It ends with a hopeful note, as friends come together on New Year’s Eve to bid farewell to the old year and welcome the fresh start of a new one.
The 12th Month
Poet: Catherine Pulsifer
December the 12th month of the year
Brings happiness and fear.
Fear of shorter days,
Oh, drive the darkness away.
But happiness is found in the Christmas lights
Oh, how they shine and they are so bright.
The days are getting colder but snuggle up we do
The cuddly blanket is warm and soft too.
December marks the end of the year
We spend the 31st with friends who are dear
We celebrate as the end draws near
And the beginning of a brand new year.
Related: New Year Poems
Winter’s Arrival
Poet: Catherine Pulsifer
December whispers, winter’s here,
Frosty mornings crisp and clear.
The shortest days, the longest nights,
Bring cozy warmth and twinkling lights.
December Quotes
The Christmas Spirit
Poet: Catherine Pulsifer
Garlands hung and candles glow,
The joy of giving starts to show.
Laughter fills the frosty air,
December’s magic is everywhere.
A Time to Reflect
Poet: Catherine Pulsifer
The year’s last page begins to turn,
With lessons taught and goals to yearn.
In December’s chill, a fire ignites,
Dreams of new days and brighter nights.
December’s Chill
Poet: Catherine Pulsifer
The air is cold, the frost is near,
December marks the end of the year.
Bundled up, we face the freeze,
A season shaped by winter’s breeze.
Season of Joy
Poet: Catherine Pulsifer
December brings a cheerful tone,
A time of love where hearts have grown.
With family close and laughter bright,
The month is filled with pure delight.
Popular Pages:
January Poems - As December ends, January opens the door to new beginnings. Read poems that celebrate hope, renewal, and the promise of a fresh start.
Quotes about Snow - If December’s snowfall touches your heart, enjoy these quotes that capture the beauty and peace found in every snowflake.
Winter Quotes- Carry the spirit of December with you through these winter quotes that remind us to find warmth and joy in the coldest days.
Winter Poems for Kids - Share December’s magic with children through playful winter poems that bring laughter, imagination, and joy to young hearts.
October Poems - Look back to October, when autumn’s colors begin to fade and the whispers of December start to appear in the air.
September Poems - Return to September and feel the gentle change that begins the journey toward December’s peaceful beauty.
Spring Poems - After December’s chill, spring reminds us that every ending is followed by new life. Explore poems that celebrate hope and renewal.
Conclusion
As December wraps the year in its quiet beauty, we are reminded of both reflection and anticipation. It is a time to cherish memories, celebrate love, and welcome the promise of what is to come. Let these December poems fill your heart with peace and hope, guiding you gently into a bright new year filled with joy and gratitude.
Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to questions about December.
What are some common themes in December poems?
December poems often explore themes such as winter's cold beauty, the holiday season (especially Christmas), reflections on the year's end, and the warmth of family and togetherness despite the chill outside.
Why is December a popular subject for poets?
December represents the closing of a year, a time of reflection, and the celebration of holidays like Christmas. The contrast between the cold, dark days and the warmth of festive lights and love makes it a compelling month for poetic expression.
Can December poems be used for Christmas cards or greetings?
Yes! Many December poems focus on the joy and spirit of Christmas, making them perfect for adding a thoughtful and seasonal touch to Christmas cards or holiday greetings.
What are some famous December poems?
Famous poems about December include Christina Rossetti's "December" and other classic works by poets who write about the beauty of winter, the quiet moments of reflection, and the festive season.
How do December poems reflect the end of the year?
Many December poems reflect on the passing year, its joys and challenges, and look forward to the new year with hope and anticipation. The poems often mix nostalgia with optimism for what’s to come.
Are there any copyright restrictions on these poems?
Yes, all of our poems are copyrighted. However, if you wish to use one of our poems for personal use you have our permission and they are free to use. However, if the poems are for commercial use please contact us for guidelines and permission.
Can I submit a December poem to be published:
Yes, see our submission guidelines, how to submit, and the review process on our submit a poem page.