It's that boring time of the year where we aren't waiting in anticipation for the next holiday to strike. Sure, there's Valentine's Day and Easter, but these holidays aren't as demanding as Halloween, Thanksgiving and Christmas, especially in the way that they fall one after the other. Many of us are at that age where we no longer celebrate snow and, well, we need something to look forward to. Look no further. While this list isn't necessarily a conglomerate of real holidays, they are unofficial holidays, and they'll give you 16 new reasons to celebrate.
1. Chocolate Cake Day
Yes, folks, it is indeed a real day. Celebrated on the 27th of January, Chocolate Cake Day is when you should absolutely treat yourself. If you're not a fan of chocolate, no worries. Regular National Cake Day is celebrated on November 26th.
2. Library Lovers Day
Support your local libraries by appreciating librarians and library workers on February 14th! Library Lovers Day may also fall on Valentine's Day, but remember that you can always get a blind date with a book!
3. Proofreading Day
Shout out to all the professors, the teachers, the English majors, friends and parents who proofread all of our papers, assignments and sometimes our most menial writings like memos, e-mails and text messages. Thank a proofreader on March 8th.
4. Napping Day
Although most of us consider napping day every day, there is an actual appreciation day for it. March 13th is the day to take off of work and sleep the day away.
5. Grilled Cheese Day
I suggest trying out all the different kinds of grilled cheese you can on April 12th. Try different cheeses, try different breading, throw in some meat if you'd like, tomatoes or no tomatoes and mustard or pickles too.
6. Lost Sock Memorial Day
If you're a college student, you know you'll never have another pair of socks unless you buy new pairs. Pour one out for all the socks we'll never see again on May 9th. Farewell campus laundry room, we'll never forget you stealing our socks.
7. International Panic Day
Ironically enough, this day takes place on June 18th, the same day as International Picnic Day. Though perhaps you can have a picnic while you're panicking. International Panic Day is a 24-hour-period in which you are allowed to wig out about anything you feel you need to. I feel like my entire life is International Panic Day sometimes, don't you?
8. Sidewalk Egg Frying Day
On July 4th, the only thing you can celebrate is Sidewalk Egg Frying Day. OK, so for Americans, it's also Independence Day, but let's focus on the important things. Unfortunately, most sidewalk is made of concrete which is a terrible conductor. Try hood of your car egg frying or tin foil on sidewalk egg frying.
9. Pluto Demoted Day
Still bitter about that one time the International Astronomical Union condemned Pluto and named it a Dwarf planet? August 24th is a day for you then, pal. Although there has been some speculation about Pluto being a planet again, know that it was always a planet in our hearts.
10. Crush A Can Day
In honor of recycling, it is not strange to host a crush-a-can-party on September 27th. Gather a bunch of cans and a bunch of friends and get to crushin' those cans! Crush the cans out of anger, frustration or stress and given the events of 2016, I'm sure you won't run out of ideas.
11. International Skeptics Day
On October 13th, don't try to convince your local skeptic of anything, because it's International Skeptics Day. Celebrate by being skeptical of just about anything you hear or read. A skeptic probably created this day, but you should probably be skeptical of that, too.
12. Sadie Hawkins Day
Everyone knows Sadie Hawkins usually celebrates the breaking of norms via women asking men out. Usually, it appears in the form of a dance. However, given the times, it's kind of like every day could be Sadie Hawkins Day. Regardless, if you're looking for a sign on November 13th, this is it. Ask that person out! You can do it!
13. Pretend To Be A Time Traveler Day
Okay, we're not all Doctor Who, but if we were, we'd definitely be Doctor Who on December 8th. Celebrate the day by watching all your favorite time traveling movies and shows. I recommend "Back to the Future," "Hot Tub Time Machine" and "Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban."
14. Festivus (for the rest of us)
Calling all fans of "Seinfeld," it's time to have your Festivus party on December 23rd. Created by the character George Costanza's father, Festivus is to combat the crazy commercialization of the Christmas season. Tell your friends how they've disappointed you this year, have a wrestling match and follow the traditions of the holiday.15. No "L" Day
So, maybe this holiday falls on Christmas Day, formally known as December 25th. Luckily, there are no "L's" in Christmas. You can still celebrate the day. However, anything else having to do with the letter "L," well you'll just have to skip it. It's a heck of a good time!
16. Pepper Pot Day
OK, what the heck is a pepper pot? Turns out, it's a stew or soup made of tripe, pepper and vegetables. Often a delicacy in Philadelphia, it was unfortunately discontinued by Campbell's soup in 2010. Many people suggest an alternative in the Polish dish titled 'flaczki'. Otherwise, there may be a BookBinder's Seafood Pepper Pot sold at Acme. If you're looking for that homemade taste, however, here is a recipe.
Happy celebrating!