The Holidays of Tomorrow

National Cookie Exchange Day: A Sweet Celebration! Get ready to indulge in the sweetest celebration of the year – National Cookie Exchange Day ! Falling on December 22nd, this festive holiday is a delightful way to spread joy, bake some love, and share the yummiest treats with family, friends, and neighbors. As the holiday season approaches, our thoughts turn to cookies – crunchy, chewy, soft, or crispy, who can resist the allure of a warm, fresh-baked cookie? The origins of National Cookie Exchange Day date back to the 1970s, when a clever hostess in the United States came up with the idea of hosting a cookie exchange party. The concept quickly gained popularity, and today, it's a beloved tradition practiced by people all around the world. So, how do people celebrate this sweet occasion? It's quite simple, really! The idea is to bake a large batch of your favorite cookies, package them beautifully, and then exchange them with friends, family, or coworkers. It's a won...

Forefathers' Day: A Celebration of Pilgrim Heritage December 22nd, 2024, marks a special day in American history – Forefathers' Day ! This holiday commemorates the brave Pilgrims who set sail on the Mayflower in 1620, seeking a new life in the New World. As we approach this momentous occasion, let's dive into the fascinating history behind Forefathers' Day and explore how people celebrate it today. A Brief History The story begins in 1620 when a group of English Separatists, later known as the Pilgrims, embarked on a perilous journey across the Atlantic. Led by William Brewster and William Bradford, they sailed on the Mayflower, a 106-foot-long ship, from Plymouth, England to modern-day Massachusetts. After 66 days at sea, they landed at Plymouth Harbor in December 1620. The Pilgrims' arrival marked the beginning of European settlement in what is now the United States. Fast-forward to 1769, when a group of descendants from those early Pilgrims formed the Ol...

Oh, yeah! December 22nd, 2024, is just around the corner and you know what that means... it's National Short Person Day! Finally, a day dedicated to all the vertically-challenged folks out there (yes, I'm one of them!). If you're under 5'6" (168 cm), this is your time to shine! History of National Short Person Day This wonderful holiday has been around since 2007 when a group of, you guessed it, short people decided to create a day to celebrate being short. They wanted to break free from the stereotypes, the jokes, and the constant requests to get stuff from the top shelf (guilty as charged!). The founders believed that being short has its own set of advantages, like being able to fit in tight spaces, having lower centers of gravity (hello, better balance!), and being more agile. Traditions of National Short Person Day Since its inception, National Short Person Day has become a day to embrace and celebrate shortness in all its forms. Here are some fun tradi...

Mathematics Day, oh how I adore thee! It's a time to celebrate the magic, the beauty, and the complexity of numbers and patterns that govern our universe. And the best part? It's just around the corner, on December 22nd, 2024! So, you might wonder, what's the big deal about Mathematics Day ? Well, let me enlighten you! Did you know that this special day is dedicated to the Indian mathematician, Srinivasa Ramanujan, who was born on December 22, 1887? This mathematical genius made groundbreaking contributions to number theory, infinite series, and continued fractions, leaving an indelible mark on the world of mathematics. In 2011, the Indian government declared December 22nd as National Mathematics Day to commemorate Ramanujan's 125th birth anniversary. Since then, it has become an annual celebration, not just in India but globally, to promote mathematics, encourage young minds, and recognize the importance of math in our daily lives. Traditions and Celebrations ...

Abilities Day: A Celebration of Empowerment and Inclusion As we approach December 22nd, 2024, people around the world are gearing up to celebrate Abilities Day , a holiday that shines a beacon of hope and empowerment for individuals with disabilities. This remarkable occasion is a testament to the human spirit, highlighting the incredible achievements and contributions of people with diverse abilities. Historical Background The roots of Abilities Day can be traced back to the 1980s, when disability rights activists began advocating for greater inclusion and accessibility in society. As awareness and understanding of disability issues grew, the need for a dedicated celebration became apparent. In 2005, the United Nations declared December 22nd as the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, and Abilities Day was born. Traditions and Celebrations From festive parades to inspiring art exhibitions, Abilities Day is marked by a range of vibrant events and activities. Peopl...

Oh, December 22nd, 2024, get ready to indulge in the sweet and nutty goodness of National Date Nut Bread Day! For all you bread enthusiasts out there, this holiday is a dream come true. But before we dive into the celebrations, let's take a step back and explore the rich history behind this tasty treat. A Brief History of Date Nut Bread Date nut bread has its roots in the Middle East, where dates were a staple food in ancient times. As trade routes expanded, dates found their way to other parts of the world, including the United States. The first date nut bread recipes emerged in the early 20th century, particularly in the 1920s and 1930s. These early recipes typically used chopped dates, walnuts, and pecans, which gave the bread its signature texture and flavor. Traditional Recipes and Ingredients While modern recipes may have evolved, traditional date nut bread recipes typically call for the following ingredients: Dates, of course! Chopped or pitted, they add natur...

December Solstice 2024: A Celestial Celebration! The longest night of the year is just around the corner, and with it comes the magical December -solstice">December Solstice , falling on December 21st, 2024! This ancient celebration marks the winter solstice in the Northern Hemisphere, a time of renewal, hope, and feasting with loved ones. Throughout history, the December Solstice has been observed by various cultures around the world, each with their unique twist and traditions. The ancient Romans, for instance, celebrated Saturnalia during this time, a festival honoring Saturn, the god of agriculture and time. It was a period of gift-giving, feasting, and merriment, where social norms were turned upside down, and masters served their slaves. In Northern Europe, the Celts and Druids marked the solstice with the festival of Yule, a time to celebrate the rebirth of the sun and the coming of longer days. They would light bonfires and candles to symbolize the return of light ...

The First Day of Winter: A Magical Time of Year! December 21st, 2024, marks the beginning of winter in the Northern Hemisphere, and we couldn't be more excited! The First Day of Winter , also known as the Winter Solstice, is a significant event that has been celebrated for thousands of years. It's a time to cozy up, get festive, and mark the beginning of the longest night of the year. So, let's dive into the history behind this special day... The Winter Solstice has been an important date since ancient times. In many cultures, it was believed that the winter solstice marked the rebirth of the sun, as the days would slowly start getting longer again. The ancient Romans, for example, celebrated Saturnalia, a festival in honor of Saturn, the god of agriculture, from December 17th to 23rd. It was a time of feasting, gift-giving, and merriment. Traditions and Celebrations Today, people around the world celebrate the First Day of Winter in various ways. In the Northern...

December 21st, 2024, is just around the corner, and you know what that means... National Hamburger Day is almost here! I mean, what's not to love about a day dedicated to juicy patties, crispy buns, and all the toppings your heart desires? But before we dive into the delicious details, let's take a step back and explore the origins of this tasty holiday. National Hamburger Day has its roots in the early 20th century, when German immigrants brought their own variations of ground meat patties to America. One of the most famous early burger joints was Louis' Lunch in New Haven, Connecticut, which has been serving up classic burgers since 1895! Fast-forward to the mid-20th century, when the modern hamburger as we know it today started taking shape. The introduction of fast food chains like McDonald's and Burger King helped popularize the burger, making it an integral part of American culinary culture. And now, on December 21st, we celebrate the star of the show: the ...

Yule: The Winter Solstice Celebration That Spreads Joy and Magic As the winter chill begins to set in, our hearts start to crave the warmth and coziness of the holiday season. And what better way to kick it off than with Yule , the ancient winter solstice celebration that takes place on December 21st, 2024? This enchanting holiday has been delighting people for centuries, and we're excited to dive into its rich history, captivating traditions, and modern-day celebrations. Historical Background Yule , also known as Midwinter, has its roots in ancient Germanic and Norse cultures. The festival marked the winter solstice, the shortest day of the year, and was a significant turning point in the agricultural cycle. It signified the rebirth of the sun, as the days would start getting longer, and with it, the return of fertility and growth to the land. The ancient pagans would light fires and candles to symbolize the light and warmth of the sun, and to ward off the darkness and cold of ...

Oh, the joys of Super Saturday ! Falling on December 21st, 2024, this fantastic holiday is the ultimate shopping extravaganza, marking the last Saturday before Christmas. Can you believe it? Just four days to go before the big day, and people are scrambling to get those last-minute gifts, decorations, and more! Historically, Super Saturday has been around since the 1990s, when retailers realized that the last Saturday before Christmas was the perfect opportunity to boost sales and clear out inventory before the holiday rush. And boy, has it grown in popularity! Today, it's a day when shoppers go wild, grabbing deals and discounts left and right. Some stores even stay open late, accommodating those who can't get enough of the holiday spirit. So, how do people celebrate this fantastic day? Well, for starters, they shop 'til they drop! From toys to clothes, gadgets to home decor, you name it – people are on the hunt for the perfect gifts. Some make a day of it, meeting fr...

December 21st, 2024 - Get Ready to Unscramble the Fun on Crossword Puzzle Day! Ah, December 21st, a day to mark on your calendars, folks! While many of us are busy prepping for the holiday season, there's another special occasion that deserves some love - Crossword Puzzle Day ! Yes, you heard that right, a whole day dedicated to those ingenious wordplay wizards, Arthur Wynne and Margaret Petherbridge Farrar, who brought us the joy of puzzle-solving. So, let's dive into the fascinating history behind this clever creation. The first crossword puzzle was born on December 21, 1913, when Arthur Wynne, a British-born American journalist, published a "word-cross" puzzle in the "Fun" section of the New York World newspaper. The puzzle was an instant hit, and soon, newspapers and magazines across the globe were featuring their own versions. The rest, as they say, is history! Fast-forward to the present, and Crossword Puzzle Day has become a beloved celebration...

Get Ready to Don Your Ugliest: National Ugly Christmas Sweater Day is Coming! Mark your calendars, folks! December 20th, 2024, is just around the corner, and you know what that means – it's time to break out those gaudy, tacky, and oh-so-ugly holiday sweaters! That's right, we're talking about National Ugly Christmas Sweater Day , the most festive (and hilarious) holiday of the season. But where did this absurdly amazing holiday come from? Believe it or not, National Ugly Christmas Sweater Day has its roots in Canada, where it was reportedly started by a group of friends in Vancouver back in 2011. They threw an ugly sweater party, and it was such a hit that it quickly spread like wildfire across the Great White North. Before long, the rest of the world caught on, and now it's a global phenomenon. So, how do people celebrate this glorious holiday? Well, it's pretty simple, really. All you need to do is find the most hideous, cringe-worthy, and downright atr...

Get Ready to Spread Cheer: It's Go Caroling Day on December 20th, 2024! As the winter solstice approaches, our homes, streets, and communities start to fill with the sweet sounds of festive tunes, and what better way to get into the holiday spirit than by belting out some classic Christmas carols? That's right, folks! December 20th, 2024, marks the celebration of Go Caroling Day , a joyous occasion that brings people together to spread cheer, warmth, and festive vibes! But where did this delightful tradition originate? Well, caroling has a rich history that dates back to the early Middle Ages in Europe. During the winter months, groups of people would go door-to-door singing and telling stories to entertain and bring warmth to their neighbors. This custom was especially popular in the British Isles, where it was known as "wassailing," a term that comes from the Old English phrase "wæs hæl," meaning "be healthy." As Christianity spread throug...

National Sangria Day - December 20th, 2024! With the winter solstice just around the corner, I'm thrilled to share the excitement about a holiday that's sure to warm our hearts (and our bellies!) - National Sangria Day , observed on December 20th, 2024! As I dive into the rich history of this delightful beverage, I'm reminded of the ancient Romans who first concocted a similar drink, mixing wine with honey and spices. Fast-forward to the 18th century, when Spanish farmers created a fruity and refreshing drink to quench their thirst after a long day's work - and thus, Sangria was born! So, what makes Sangria so special? Sangria's charm lies in its versatility - a perfect blend of sweet and tangy, with a medley of fruits, spices, and of course, wine! Whether you prefer a classic red, a fruity rosé, or a crisp white, there's a Sangria recipe out there for everyone. With its origins rooted in Spanish culture, it's no wonder this festive drink has become...

Get Ready for Games Day on December 20th, 2024! Can you believe it's that time of the year again? December 20th is just around the corner, and you know what that means... it's Games Day ! Yes! This fabulous holiday is all about embracing our inner geek, gathering our favorite people, and indulging in some serious gaming action. Historical Background : Games Day has its roots in ancient Greek and Roman civilizations, where people would come together to engage in various forms of competition, sports, and, you guessed it, games! The modern version of Games Day, however, is believed to have originated in the 1960s in the United States, as a way to promote socializing and community building through recreational activities. Traditions : So, what are some of the time-honored traditions associated with Games Day? Well, for starters, people often host or attend gaming parties, where friends and family gather to play board games, card games, video games, or even outdoor games lik...

International Human Solidarity Day is just around the corner, friends! It's happening on December 20th, 2024, and I couldn't be more excited to share with you the history, traditions, and ways people celebrate this amazing holiday. A Brief History The concept of International Human Solidarity Day was first introduced by the United Nations General Assembly on December 22, 2005. The idea was born out of the need to combat poverty and promote social integration, which are two of the most pressing issues humanity faces. The UN recognized that solidarity is essential to overcome these challenges and achieve sustainable development. In 2005, the UN defined solidarity as: "...the unity of human beings and peoples around the world in the pursuit of a shared goal, recognizing that the well-being of one is contingent on the well-being of the other." Traditions and Celebrations International Human Solidarity Day is celebrated by people from all walks of life, from...

Underdog Day: The Unlikely Heroes Get Their Shining Moment You might have heard of it, you might not have, but December 20th, 2024, is a day that's all about celebrating the ones who never gives up, the ones who rise against the odds, and the ones who prove everyone wrong – the underdogs! With its roots dating back to the 1970s, Underdog Day was created by Peter Toth, a cartoonist, in 1976. The story goes that Toth was working on a cartoon featuring a superhero called "Underdog," and he decided that this character deserved a special day dedicated to it. And thus, the first Underdog Day was celebrated on December 20, 1976. Since then, Underdog Day has been gaining popularity, and today it's celebrated by people from all walks of life. It's not just about celebrating the Underdog superhero; it's about acknowledging and appreciating the underdogs in our lives, the ones who have been overlooked, underestimated, or written off. So, how do people celebrat...

National Hard Candy Day - A Sweet Celebration on December 19th! Hey there, sweet-tooths! If you're anything like me, you're thrilled to learn that there's a special day dedicated to those delicious, sugary treats that make our taste buds dance with joy - hard candies! That's right, folks, December 19th is National Hard Candy Day , and I'm excited to dive into its rich history, fun traditions, and how people celebrate this sweet holiday. Hard candies have been around for centuries, with ancient Egyptians and Greeks creating sweet treats by boiling honey and sugar. The art of making hard candies evolved over time, with different cultures adding their own unique twists and flavors. In the United States, hard candies became a staple during the 19th century, with candy makers experimenting with new flavors and manufacturing techniques. Today, hard candies come in a wide range of flavors, from classic peppermint and wintergreen to fruity and spicy varieties. So, ho...

National Emo Day: A Celebration of Emotional Expression December 19th, 2024, is a day to mark on your calendars, folks! It's National Emo Day , a holiday that's all about embracing your emotions, being true to yourself, and celebrating the music that changed the game for so many of us. For those who might not know, the term "emo" originated in the 1980s as a subgenre of punk rock, characterized by intense emotional lyrics, heavy guitar riffs, and a DIY ethos. Bands like Rites of Spring, Embrace, and Sunny Day Real Estate were among the first to define the sound. But it wasn't until the early 2000s that emo really exploded into the mainstream, with bands like Jimmy Eat World, My Chemical Romance, and Panic! At The Disco leading the charge. As the genre gained popularity, it became more than just a type of music – it was a cultural movement. Emo kids (and let's be real, who didn't identify as an "emo kid" at some point in their teenage years?...

National Oatmeal Muffin Day - A Delicious Celebration! December 19th, 2024, is a day to mark on your calendars, folks! It's National Oatmeal Muffin Day , and trust me, you won't want to miss out on the fun (and the muffins, of course!). So, where did this amazing holiday come from? Well, believe it or not, the origins of National Oatmeal Muffin Day are a bit murky. But what we do know is that oatmeal has been a staple in many American households for centuries. In the late 1800s, oatmeal was becoming increasingly popular, thanks in part to the Quaker Oats company, which was founded in 1877. It's likely that the holiday started as a way to promote oatmeal consumption, but today it's all about celebrating the deliciousness of oatmeal muffins! Now, you might be wondering how people celebrate this fantastic holiday. Well, it's pretty simple: oatmeal muffins take center stage! Many bakeries and cafes offer special deals and discounts on oatmeal muffins, and some eve...

National Regifting Day is just around the corner, and I couldn't be more excited! December 19th, 2024, is the day we've all been waiting for - a chance to breathe new life into those gently used gifts that didn't quite make the cut last year (or the year before, or the year before that...). This fun and quirky holiday has been gaining popularity over the years, and I'm here to give you the lowdown on its history, traditions, and how people celebrate it. A Brief History of National Regifting Day Believe it or not, National Regifting Day wasn't always a thing. In fact, it was only recognized as an official holiday in 2008, courtesy of the online greeting card company, American Greetings. It all started as a tongue-in-cheek campaign to poke fun at the sometimes-awkward tradition of re-gifting. But what began as a joke quickly gained traction, and today, regifters around the world rejoice on December 19th! Traditions and Customs So, what's the protocol for...

Get Ready to Deck the Halls for Holly Day on December 19th! December 19th, 2024, is just around the corner, and you know what that means... Holly Day is coming to town! Holly Day , a festive holiday celebrated on December 19th every year, has a rich history dating back to ancient times. The Celts and Druids revered holly as a symbol of eternal life and rebirth, as it remained green throughout the harsh winter months. In fact, the word "holly" is derived from the Old English word "holen," meaning "to protect." This magical plant was believed to have protective powers, warding off evil spirits and bringing good fortune to those who displayed it in their homes. Fast forward to the Middle Ages, where Holly Day became an integral part of Yuletide celebrations. The tradition of decorating homes with holly, ivy, and mistletoe was born, and it's a custom that's still cherished today. On Holly Day, families would come together to adorn their homes w...

December 19th is just around the corner, and you know what that means... it's almost time to get ready for one of the most wonderful (and underrated) holidays of the year - Look for an Evergreen Day! I mean, who wouldn't want to celebrate the beauty and symbolism of these majestic trees? But before we dive into the fun stuff, let's take a quick trip down memory lane. Did you know that the origins of Look for an Evergreen Day date back to the early 20th century? It's true! Way back in the 1920s, a group of nature enthusiasts in the United States started celebrating the majesty of evergreen trees, which were (and still are) a symbol of life, hope, and renewal during the harsh winter months. Over time, their love and admiration for these incredible plants spread, and before long, December 19th was officially declared Look for an Evergreen Day! So, how do people celebrate this amazing holiday, you ask? Well, there are as many ways to celebrate as there are evergreen...

International Migrants Day is just around the corner, and we can hardly contain our excitement! Scheduled to take place on December 18th, 2024, this special day is dedicated to recognizing the contributions and sacrifices of migrants worldwide. Let's dive into the fascinating history, heartwarming traditions, and joyful celebrations that make this day so remarkable. A Brief History In 1990, the United Nations General Assembly took a groundbreaking step by adopting the International Convention on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of Their Families. This milestone marked a significant shift in the global perspective on migration, acknowledging the essential role migrants play in shaping our societies and economies. As the Convention entered into force on July 1, 2003, December 18th was officially designated as International Migrants Day . The Significance of Migrants Migrants are the backbone of many nations, bringing with them unique skills, pe...