January is the first month of the year in the Gregorian and Julian calendars. It has 31 days, one less than February. January is named after Janus, the Roman god of beginnings. The first day of January is called New Year's Day or Boxing Day in some countries. Many people take this time to reflect on the past year and set goals for the upcoming one. The winter solstice also falls in January, marking the longest night and shortest day of the year. In English, "January" is pronounced with a long "a" sound.
