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15 Little-Known Holidays You Can Celebrate (But Won’t Get You A Day Off From Work!)

Celebrating national holidays, including Fruitcake Toss Day and Lost Sock Day. Image shows a miniature catapult on the left and a wall of single socks with a sign that reads, "It socks to be lonely."

Holidays are a part of our society that some people love and others hate. Secretary’s Day, Sweetest Day, Grandparents Day, and so many you can hardly keep track of them. There are some days that everyone should know about because they carry special meaning. Others are just plain fun to participate in! Buckle your seatbelt and put on your helmet as we’re about to take a fun ride into little-known celebrations!

1. International Talk Like a Pirate Day Is On September 19.

Ahoy, Me Hearties! Aaaarrrrgggghhhh! You don’t know how to talk like a pirate? You can enrich your pirate lingo here if you’re ready to “go on account!” “Heave Ho” and show these “Landlubbers” that you have what it takes. If not, you may find yourself “marooned” or worse, stuck in “Davy Jones’ Locker!” “Shiver Me Timbers!” You already missed Be Late For Something Day on Sept. 5 so let’s “Weigh Anchor and Hoist the Mizzen!”

2. National Men Make Dinner Day Happens On November 5.

If you have a man around who cooks well, you’re in luck. This is their night to shine! If you happen to have someone who doesn’t cook, perhaps you should not tempt fate. Grab some grub from a local restaurant on your way home from work or order a pizza.

3. Forget-Me-Not Day Happens on November 10 — Don’t Forget.

Although many think this is a day to celebrate the pretty, blue flowers, it isn’t. The day is to honor those you love. Whether you see someone daily or only once per year, reach out and tell them that you haven’t forgotten.

Image shows nine forget-me-not flowers, blue petals with yellow centers.
Image from Flickr.

4. World Kindness Day Is November 13th — Are You Ready?

Do we really need a special day for kindness? We shouldn’t, but here it is, so do your best and be extra kind. Volunteer at a food bank, or drop a few bags of groceries off for those in need. Smile as you pass people in the hall at work or during your afternoon shopping trip.

5. Have a Bad Day Day Is November 19 — We Try To Avoid This One.

No one wants to have a bad day. I am placing a vote to just skip this one.

6. Stay At Home Because You Are Well Day Happens On November 30.

Have you ever wanted to stay at home from work or school just because? This is the day for that! Of course, you’ll probably still need to call in “sick,” because your boss just won’t understand.

7. National Chocolate Covered Anything Day — December 16.

I’m not so sure about the “anything” part of this day. While chocolate can be awesome on many things, I doubt my belly would appreciate it on eggs.

8. National Maple Syrup Day Is December 17 And I Have A Great Recipe To Try!

Actually, there are several recipes I might try on this day. Maple-glazed carrots, homemade nutter-butter cookies, and more. Or you could just pour it over your pancakes or waffles.

Image shows four unmarked jars of maple syrup with small finger handles and gold plastic caps.
Image from Wikimedia Commons.

9. Fruitcake Toss Day Happens On January 3 — Ready, Aim, Toss!

Although fruitcake is a time-honored tradition for many folks, most of us leave it in the fridge forever. After a certain period of time, it becomes suitable to pave the patio. In Manitou Springs, Colorado, the Annual Fruitcake Toss event is celebrated with flare — and a catapult! While not always celebrated on January 3rd, the event is a family affair and a whole lot of fun!

10. There Is Even A Squirrel Appreciation Day On Jan. 21.

Squirrels (and many other rodents) must eat constantly as a way to keep their ever-growing teeth in check. Toss your squirrels a handful of shelled peanuts to help them through the winter.

11. A National Beer Can Appreciation Day? Yep, On January 24.

Beer is something that almost every adult has at least tried once. Whether you drink daily or only occasionally, take a second to appreciate a beer can. Do you know how old this can of Billy Beer is?

Image shows a can of Billy Beer dating to 1977 or 1978.
Image from Wikimedia Commons.

12. National Organ Donor Day Coincides With A Well-Known Holiday On February 14.

Yes, this day is the same as St. Valentine’s Day. You can celebrate them both. I do want to make a plug for organ donation, though. Your organs could save someone’s life. Please consider offering a gift of organ donation.

13. National Alien Abductions Day — March 20.

Celebrate life on other planets today. If you’ve been abducted or want to be abducted, this day is all yours! Although, the cows at the Skinwalker Ranch might not be celebrating with you!

14. Barbershop Quartet Day Is On April 11 — Grab You Bow Tie And Straw Hat!

Who doesn’t love a Barbershop Quartet? The unique musical sound may not be your thing, but it takes talent (and a bit of bravery) to get on a stage and sing acapella!

15. May The Fourth Be With You On Star Wars Day, Which Is May 4.

The allure of the Star Wars franchise is something that is unexplainable. I saw the original Star Wars in the theater when it came out and wasn’t thoroughly impressed at the time (I was 15). But I have recently jumped aboard the Baby Yoda (Grogu) train and watched the Mandalorian. Does it really matter as long as you get tacos and margaritas on the 5?

There are a lot more random holidays that we could talk about, but we’ll quit now. Celebrate International No Diet Day on May 6 if you must. Left-handed people have their day on August 13. The sockless fans can celebrate No Socks Day on May 8, followed by Lost Sock Memorial Day on May 9.

Image shows a stone wall with several socks without mates attached. A sign reads, "It socks to be lonely."
Image from Wikimedia Commons.

If you don’t like any of these holidays, there is also a Make Up Your Own Holiday Day on March 26!

You can find the source of this story’s featured image here and here.

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