December 21 Or December 22. Usually.

It's almost automatic, isn't it? Once we're past November, and December has begun, we seem to universally agree that now, it's "winter." Except it isn't. Well, not technically anyway. The winter solstice (in the Northern Hemisphere) is the actual beginning of the winter season. That means that it's the shortest day of the year, determined by the point at which the North Pole is farthest from the sun during its yearly orbit. This is also called the astronomical beginning of winter. This usually occurs on December 21 and sometimes on December 22. Every once in a great while, it occurs on December 23 or even December 20, but those are rare. Still, we do acknowledge that the reference to the month of December as winter is common enough now that it has been coined the meteorological start of winter. Either way, it was a great excuse for us to incorporate the word, "usually" into our title, thereby making it a thing. Bet it gets your students' attention, huh? It also makes it a prime cross curricular topic for discussion. Toward this end, we are also including it as a topic for one of our Diving Deeper Into The Music interactive learning assessments. This extra will help you spotlight the subject topically and musically if you wish.

Musically, the song has a driving and energetic rock groove that invites toe tapping, head bopping, and maybe even a little shoulder bouncing. The lyrics say exactly what the situation is, so it's very clear to singers and audience members alike.

Initially sung in unison, note that the introduction at the beginning is only two bars long, so singers should be ready to go right away. There is an optional second part that joins in at the bridge (measure 13). It continues through the chorus and then into the D.S. at measure 3. Note that it is actually sung higher than part 1 here, which is a fun thing to look forward to. To help you teach part 2, we have isolated it and put it on our web site for free.

If you use this one for a performance, add a few winter extras like hats, gloves, or scarves for color and interest. Other winter props could work, too. Just be mindful of safety and comfort. (No one likes wool scarves under hot stage lights.)