We all enjoy holidays and the feeling that comes along with them. Christmas, Fourth of July, Valentine’s-- you name them. But do you ever wish there were just a few more throughout the year? Well wish no more, for all you festive people out there, here is a list of a few national days that deserve a little more appreciation.
1. April 16: National Wear Your Pajamas to Work Day
April 16 is the day after taxes are due in the United States, so what better way to release all the stress from tax season than to wear your pajamas to work?! This way you can sleep in just a little bit longer and who knows, your productivity might go up with all the extra comfort. But before you partake in the festivities, you might want to get your boss’ approval first. Once they are on board, make sure to snap your cutest picture and use the hashtag #WearYourPajamasToWorkDay to see who else has joined the movement for a stress free work day.
2. May 16: National Piercing Day
If you are anything like me, you are always trying to justify getting another piercing. Well don’t worry, because May 16th has your back. This is a day when stores, shops, boutiques and salons across the nation offer special deals on piercings and jewelry so I suggest you grab your friends and head over to your nearest piercing shop to get a few holes in your body in celebration. Here are a few local Atlanta shops: Liberty Tattoo, Studio 219, and Piercing Experience.
3. June 6: National Yo-Yo Day
Yo-Yo’s were believed to have been first invented in ancient Greece and are continued to be a loved toy around the world to this day, but on June 6th collectively as a nation we should dust them off and break out our sweet tricks. Never really got the hang of them? That’s OK There’s nothing a simple tutorial couldn’t help with. And for those of you who are more of a spectator and if you happen to be in the area, you can definitely pay your respect by visiting the National Yo-Yo Museum in Chico, California.
4. July 22: National Hammock Day
Hammocks were developed by the natives of Central and South America for sleeping and are a symbol of rest, relaxation, and easy living. So break out your ENO and lay as your worries melt away. #NationalHammockDay
5. August 17: National Thrift Shop Day
Thrift shops are stores that sell used clothing, furniture, and household items at a bargain price and are most often involved with a charity. These items are donated by members of the public and these stores are often staffed by volunteers. Since saving money is such a priority we should all celebrate this day. There are always hidden treasures and cute finds for cheap, so it is the perfect time to reinvent yourself! Clear your whole schedule for this day and spend some time going store to store browsing through the aisles. Here are a few cool shops in Atlanta: Lost-N-Found Thrift & Consignment, Plato’s Closet, Atlanta Step Up Society Thrift, and Rag-O-Rama. So pop some tags!
6. September 14: National Cream Filled Donut Day
Donuts? Yes. Donuts with cream? Double yes. Whether it be a lemon-filled, chocolate-filled, or my personal favorite jelly filled, go out a treat yourself! If you are up for the challenge you can test out your baking abilities with this sweet recipe. Happy eating!
7. October 17: Black Poetry Day
Poetry has always been a great way to express your feelings and ideas and on October 17th we celebrate the importance of black heritage and all the contributions made by black poets such as Langston Hughes, Maya Angelou, and Nikki Giovanni. On this day, we as a nation can recognize the great accomplishments of these Black Literary heroes. So read some poetry or write some of your own! Personally spoken word poetry is my favorite type so here are a few of my favorite poets: Crystal Valentine, Tucker Bryant, Kai Davis, Tonya Ingram and Propaganda.
8. November 1: National Cook For Your Pets Day
This national holiday is about making your furry friend feel special. You love your pet and think they deserve the best so what is better than a home cooked meal made with love? But please do not just cook anything, consult with your vet because they know exactly what your pet’s nutrition needs are. Things you should not include are chocolate, onions, salt, avocados, and milk based foods. Remember, safety first and Bon Appètit!
9. December 8: Pretend To Be A Time Traveler Day
This day started in 2007 and consist of spending your entire day in costume and character. December 8 is all about how you think a time traveler would react to this time period but the only rule is that you cannot tell anyone you are a time traveler. You can reference things that haven’t been invented yet or pretend not to know what a cell phone is. You can literally do anything, but remember what you do on this day can change the course of history forever. So get creative and lose yourself in the year 2016.
10. January 14: National Vision Board Day
This day is observed annually on the second Saturday in January where we sit down and set our eyes on our goals. Host a party for your family and friends where you set goals and dream out loud. Don’t forget to hang these boards and posters up in a visible place so you can be reminded of all you envision for yourself.
11. February 28: National Public Sleeping Day
February 28 is a day for anyone to confidently take a snooze at the park, on a blanket on the beach, on a bus, the list could go on and on. You could take a little power nap or you could get your full seven hours. Completely up to you. And who couldn’t use a nap in a public place? I know I could especially with finals coming up.
12. March 18: National Awkward Moments Day
Also known as every day for me. But especially on this day we recognize that everyone has had some minor or major faux pas and we finally find the ability to laugh at ourselves which can be hard sometimes. So share your funny and embarrassing stories on social media using the hashtag #AwkwardMomentsDay.
So what are you waiting for? Mark your calendars and get to celebrating! To find more ways to celebrate everyday visit http://www.nationaldaycalendar.com!
