AT THE SECOND HOUR and the 30^th minute of today, the moon was officially full. December’s full moon is known as the Full Cold Moon, a name we have taken from the Native American tradition. It is also known as the Full Long Nights Moon, because during the month of December, when winter cold fastens its grip, the midwinter night is indeed long, and the Moon is above the horizon for a long time. The midwinter full Moon has a high trajectory across the sky because it is opposite a low Sun. Yet another name for this moon is the Moon before Yule, which makes perfect sense, of course. This December we actually have two full moons, this one, and one on December 31, which this year will officially be called the Full Long Nights Moon. How do I know this? I write and record the daily almanac piece entitled The Naturalist’s Datebook, heard exclusively on Martha Stewart Living Radio, Sirius 112/XM 157. Listen up. And see my other TSP almanac pieces here, including a recent piece on how I change my diet at the full moon, as well as at the new moon, each month.

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