Now that the thick of January has hit, it can be difficult not to feel the creeping of winter blues. After the condensed holiday schedule that occurs between Halloween and New Years, it is hard to find things to look forward to during the dark and cold January weeks. With Valentine's Day nearly a month away, sometimes you have to look to lesser known holidays to inspire excitement. The following are the holidays I intend to take advantage of this winter, and I encourage you all to celebrate as well. There are many holidays, so don't feel obliged to celebrate all of them!
January 13th - Make Your Dream Come True Day
Everyone has a dream, whether it be to marry Justin Bieber or travel the world. Whatever it may be, this is the day to take action. If you have failed before, don't let that hold you back; instead, use today as a stepping stone toward success.
January 15th - National Hat Day
There's this one hat that we all wish we looked good in, but no matter what we wear or how we style our hair, it never seems to work out. Don't let that stop you on the 15th, but instead let it drive your hat-wearing wishes. If you are one of the lucky few that look good in LITERALLY EVERY hat, remember to be practical on this winter day and keep your noggin' warm; maybe show off your strange hat-wearing powers.
January 16th - Nothing Day
Do not strain yourself today. Do not get anything done. Do not feel obliged to anything. Do nothing.
January 19th - National Popcorn Day
Get those kernels popping! Whether that means you take the time to go to the movies or just pulling out your Jiffy Pop, just treat yourself to a nice popped snack.
January 21st - National Hug Day and Squirrel Appreciation Day
My favorite day! Go on out and hug some people, hug your friends, family, crying stranger, everyone! This is the optimal opportunity to let your touchy-feely side out.
Along side with that, why not go out and show your love for the school squirrels - feed them, take pictures, and watch the little fur balls. Maybe give them a little massage.
If you are feeling especially ambitious, you can put both holidays together and hug a squirrel, though be cautious of rabies.
January 23rd - National Pie Day
Apple, pumpkin, chocolate, or lemon meringue, whatever your preference may be, give in to your sweet tooth and enjoy a wonderful dessert. It may not be the mathematical celebration, but that shouldn't stop you!
January 24th - Compliment Day
Spread some love! Let out the wonderful feelings in your heart that your brain represses. Make someone's day and share a compliment, and I'm certain you will feel more inspired just the same.
January 25th - Bubble Wrap Appreciation Day and Opposite Day
When you get that package from Aunt Sue, take advantage of her packing tools and get popping. It sure can relief some stress and bring some noise to the quiet winter days.
Or you can return to your elementary days and say the exact opposite of what you mean, and see how long you can keep it up before you or your friends get frustrated.
January 27th - Chocolate Cake Day
In the fictitious words of Marie Antoinette, "Let them eat cake!" Grab the forks and dig in to that decadent, triple-layer chocolate cake they have in the cafeteria that you have always restrained yourself from buying.
January 31st - Backwards Day
!tnaw uoy revetahw od nac uoy ,sdrawkcab klat ,sdrawkcab tae ,sdrawkcab klaw ,sdrawkcab sehtolc ruoy raeW ?serac ohw ,emoh og ,llams og ,gib og :tnaw uoy sa evitaerc sa teg nac uoy erehw syad eht fo eno si sihT
February 2nd - Groundhog Day
A classic if there ever was one. Watch a rodent look for his shadow. Watch the great Bill Murray movie. Maybe watch some other Bill Murray movies...
February 4th - Thank a Mailman Day
Head on over to the mailroom, and thank everyone in sight.
February 6th - Eat Ice Cream for Breakfast Day
The perfect opportunity to get your icy fill. Aside from your last day on vacation and the last day of the semester, when else do you get such a sickeningly wonderful opportunity.
February 9th - Mardi Gras
Get out your beads and bangles. Eat your fill of fatty foods, because tomorrow the fasting starts. Shake up this Tuesday!
February 11th - Make a Friend Day
It's never too late to make new friends. Even if you feel like your have your group and you don't need anyone else, take this day to go out and meet new people. Strike up a conversation; who knows what make come of it?
February 13th - Get a Different Name Day
A day to try out a new persona. Go out on a whim and just try on that name you always wished your parents had picked instead. If you can't think of one, use an online name generator. Make sure you try out a last name too.
And just like that you have reached Valentine's Day (or Single's Awareness Day, if you wish). Who would have thought that the month would pass that quickly and that there would be so many great days to celebrate in that time? So go out and seize the opportunity. There are so many things to appreciate in the world, so you might as well find a way to enjoy them.
