Mild December Followed by Chilly Start to 2012

All you have to do is examine the map below for proof. Realizing the image doesn't exactly look clear cut, all you need to know is that the darker orange, red and brown shadings in the Midwest, Northeast and South represent where temperatures are running well above average in December (through the 27th). 

http://www.weather.com/outlook/weather-news/news/articles/mild-december-chilly-new-year-start_2011-12-28