Sheryl Mayfield, age 9, of Reno, Nov., for her question:

HOW DID DECEMBER RECEIVE ITS NAME?

Although December is the 12th and last month in our calendar, it was the 10th month of the year in the Roman calendar back in ancient times. The name for the month comes from the Latin word "decem," which means "ten." At one time December only had 29 days but Julius Caesar added two more, placing the month among the longest.

In the northern half of the world, December is the month when winter starts. This day comes on December 22 this year and it is the shortest day of the year. The sun reaches the solstice, when it appears to have gone farthest south. In the Southern Hemisphere, this is the first day of summer and it is also the longest day of the year.

Because Christmas arrives on December 25, the entire month seems to have a special holiday spirit and sparkle for most people. There are lots of parties and celebrations this month and for most students December is also the time to enjoy a vacation.