What is the sum of the dates in december that were against the atlanta flames before game 40?
CREATE TABLE table_44812 (
    "Game" real,
    "December" real,
    "Opponent" text,
    "Score" text,
    "Record" text
)
SELECT SUM("December") FROM table_44812 WHERE "Opponent" = 'atlanta flames' AND "Game" < '40'
Below are sql tables schemas paired with instruction that describes a task. Using valid SQLite, write a response that appropriately completes the request for the provided tables. ### Instruction: What is the sum of the dates in december that were against the atlanta flames before game 40? ### Input: CREATE TABLE table_44812 (
    "Game" real,
    "December" real,
    "Opponent" text,
    "Score" text,
    "Record" text
) ### Response: SELECT SUM("December") FROM table_44812 WHERE "Opponent" = 'atlanta flames' AND "Game" < '40'