When Does Winter Start in USA 2017?

By Denise See, Christian Post Contributor Monday, October 09, 2017

Winter is almost here, but when exactly does it start?

In the United States, winter will officially begin on Thursday, Dec. 21. This day marks the beginning of the winter solstice when the days are shorter and the nights are colder. For those who are unaware, the solstice is determined by following the astronomical calendar.

When it comes to meteorological seasons, winter encompasses three months: December, January, and February. Funnily enough, the winter solstice begins on a different date in other parts of the world. In the Southern Hemisphere, it typically starts on June 20 or 21.

The United States, on the other hand, is located in the Northern Hemisphere. The winter solstice in the Northern Hemisphere will also begin on Dec. 21 in the following two years: 2018 and 2019.

Different people have different feelings about winter. For some, it is a time of joy and laughter due to the holiday cheer that comes along with it. Winter means gathering around the fire with loved ones, exchanging and opening presents, having meals together and enjoying each other's company. However, others despise the cold weather and the hardships that it entails.

Before long, though, people can look forward to the spring equinox, which is scheduled to begin on Tuesday, March 20 the following year. Spring is a time where day and night are equal in length. During this period, flowers bloom and nature livens up again.

After that, the summer solstice begins on Thursday, June 21, 2018. This day marks the season when the days are longer than the nights. Kids enjoy the warm weather and beautiful daylight. Families and friends come together for backyard parties and barbecues, and the beaches get filled with people from all over.

Then, the start of the fall equinox arrives, specifically on Saturday, Sept. 22, 2018. Leaves start falling from the trees, and pumpkin-related products start to sprout. People also look forward to Thanksgiving during this period. And, after a while, the winter solstice begins again.