Final answer:
The months before the winter solstice in the Northern Hemisphere are characterized by shorter days, less sunlight, and colder temperatures leading to December 21st, the shortest day. Cultures with traditions during this period often held celebrations and built monuments like Stonehenge to mark this time, and the resulting holiday season remains culturally significant today.
Step-by-step explanation:
The months before the winter solstice are often characterized by decreasing daylight and colder temperatures. The winter solstice occurs on December 21st in the Northern Hemisphere, marking the shortest day of the year. Many cultures have developed traditions and celebrations during this period to cope with the lack of sunlight and the cold weather.
For example, ancient structures such as Stonehenge in England were possibly used to anticipate the solstice. Today, holiday celebrations continue to brighten this darkest time of the year.
The Earth's elliptical orbit means that the Northern Hemisphere's winter, and the corresponding lack of sunlight, align with the Earth's closest approach to the Sun in early January. This does not immediately warm the planet, as the air and water on Earth's surface take time to heat up following the longest days of summer, which is why the warmest months are usually July and August, a delay from the June summer solstice.