Today is the 355th day of 2022 and the first day of winter.

T ODAY’S HISTORY: In 1620, the Pilgrims went ashore at Plymouth Rock.

In 1913, the New York World newspaper published Arthur Wynne’s “Word-Cross Puzzle,” the first crossword puzzle.

In 1937, Disney’s “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs,” the first feature-length animated film, premiered.

In 2012, the Walt Disney Company completed its $4.06 billion purchase of Lucasfilm Ltd.

TODAY’S BIRTHDAYS: Benjamin Disraeli (18041881), British prime minister; Josh Gibson (19111947), baseball player; Joe Paterno (1926-2012), football coach; Jane Fonda (1937- ), actress; Frank Zappa (19401993), musician; Samuel L. Jackson (1948- ), actor; Chris Evert (1954- ), tennis player; Ray Romano (1957- ), actor/ comedian; Florence Griffith Joyner (1959-1998), Olympic track athlete; Kiefer Sutherland (1966- ), actor; Julie Delpy (1969- ), actress/filmmaker; Steven Yeun (1983- ), actor.

TODAY’S FACT: “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs,” derided by Hollywood insiders as “Disney’s Folly” while it was in production, cost Disney Studios an estimated $1.5 million to create. Walt Disney mortgaged his home to help cover the unanticipated expenses.

TODAY’S SPORTS: In 2010, the University of Connecticut Huskies women’s basketball team won its 89th consecutive game, setting a new Division I record for consecutive wins.

TODAY’S QUOTE: “That’s when you know you’re a true married couple: when you have to apologize for what you did in her dream.” -- Ray Romano

TODAY’S NUMBER: 41 adult male passengers on the Mayflower who signed the Mayflower Compact before disembarking on Plymouth Rock.

TODAY’S MOON: Between last quarter moon (Dec. 16) and new moon (Dec. 23).