As January arrives, it is common to feel a wave of boredom as the holiday season ends and daily routines resume. Even with Christmas and New Year’s fading into the rearview mirror, there are several unique holidays to keep your January festive every year you should start looking forward to.
1. January 21: National Hugging Day
January 21st marks National Hugging Day, possibly my favorite holiday of the month. People can use this day to give a bear hug to their favorite person and be ready to receive one in return. This holiday was created in 1986 by Reverend Kevin Zaborney to increase dopamine release, also known as “the pleasure hormone.” So, feel free to grab a friend and squeeze them tight on this lesser-known holiday!
2. January 14, National Dress Up Your Pet Day
Whether you have a cat, dog, or pet iguana, this day gives us a chance to play pretend with our pets. Your feisty little chihuahua can be a dragon, and your boisterous labrador can wear a cable knit sweater! Feel free to post pictures of your pet online with the hashtag #NationalDressUpYourPetDay so other pet lovers can get a real kick out of your costumed companions.
3. January 16: National Nothing Day
No need to clear your calendar! This day encourages people to relax, unwind, and empty their schedule to make time for a full day of nothing. San Francisco Examiner columnist Harold Pullman Coffin created this special day in 1973 to give busy Americans an excuse to calm their hectic lives, even if only for one day.
4. January 24: National Compliment Day
The world could always use a bit more love. On this day, feel free to dole out love in the form of a warm compliment or two. From the mailman to the barista at your favorite coffee shop, take advantage of this day to brighten someone else’s! In 1998, Kathy Chamberlin and Debby Hoffman created this day to spread joy and positivity through specific, direct compliments. So, keep the cycle going and complement each other this January 24th.
5. January 30: Yodel for Your Neighbors Day
Historians believe yodeling dates back 10,000 years in central-west Africa. Others believe it began in Switzerland and Asia. We have no way of knowing for sure. Despite its mysterious origins, yodeling remains a fun, charming way to belt out a song. While your neighbors might not be too fond of the noise, this lighthearted holiday was created to build connections with those around you through a silly activity. Furthermore, this traditional alpine sound is considered an effective stress-reliever. Let out some steam and let out a yodel on this year’s Yodel for Your Neighbors Day!
Photo by Maddi Bazzocco on Unsplash
