Save the date!
National Days: 10 extra (and quirky) reasons to toast!
Image: chicken mackay
Halloween, Thanksgiving, and the 4th of July are the true classics that nobody misses, but life’s too short to skip out on quirky celebrations too, right? While birthdays and anniversaries are wonderful, there’s something uniquely fun about having a random day to honor something totally unexpected! From cow-milking up in the air to imagining pets with thumbs, our country has a national day for nearly everything you can imagine (and some you probably can’t). Let’s dive into 10 fun and bizarre holidays you didn’t know existed, and maybe inspire you to celebrate them, too. Ready for some good laughs and odd facts? Let’s get started!
1
Cow Milked While Flying in an Airplane Day
Image: Adam Sherez
Let’s kick off this list with a day that nobody ever imagined would be a thing, but here we are nonetheless! Have you ever heard of cows taking to the skies? Well, in 1930, that became true. A cow named Elm Farm Ollie became the first to fly in an airplane and be milked while airborne! This curious day, observed on February 18th, honors Ollie’s mile-high milking session.
You might be wondering why they did this in the first place. It was actually a scientific experiment to test the cow’s ability to produce milk during flight. And it was great publicity for the aircraft they used to do it. A classic win-win, and a quirky holiday on the side!
2
Namesake Day
Image: Jamie Street
Do you know that feeling when you walk up to a certain group for the first time and, among the introductions, you discover someone shares your name? You may not have anything else in common with that person, but the invisible string is there and that’s thanks to having the same name.
In our country, there’s even a day dedicated to celebrating our namesakes . That is every first Saturday in March, though the reason or origin behind this day remains unclear. However, it is a perfect opportunity to celebrate our shared identities.
3
Sock Monkey Day
Image: Denisse Leon
This list is getting crazier and crazier and don’t say you weren’t warned! But isn’t it fun to learn that there is a National Sock Monkey Day in our country? This holiday celebrates one of America’s quirkiest homemade toys: the sock monkey!
Traditionally made from Rockford Red Heel socks, these little guys have been around since the 1890s, although some also say that they were the result of the Great Depression.
Regardless, when can you celebrate this charming tradition? March 7th is the official day to honor this cheerful craft. It’s a day for making, gifting, or simply hugging a sock monkey in appreciation. With a little patience and a pair of old socks, you might even make one yourself! Embrace your inner child and get crafty on Sock Monkey Day!
4
National Senior Citizens Day
Image: Clay Banks
This one is not crazy at all! If anything, this one should be a must-celebrate for everyone! August 21st is all about recognizing the wisdom and experience that come with age. Established by President Reagan in 1988, National Senior Citizens Day encourages respect and appreciation for older generations.
Now, what motivated this holiday? As medical technology improved over time, life expectancy increased dramatically. While it was common to live for 30 years in the Late Middle Ages, by the 20th century, people were reaching 50 or even 60 years. That progress alone was reason enough to celebrate—and thus, this special day was born!
5
National Fried Chicken Day
Image: Tyson
If we gave you thirty seconds to name the most American things you can think of, how long would it take for fried chicken to make your list? It would probably be the second or third item on your list, right? Well, now you can see why fried chicken has a national day too!
July 6th is National Fried Chicken Day, a day to revel in one of America’s tastiest comfort foods! From crispy Southern-style to spicy Nashville hot, fried chicken has a place in the hearts (and stomachs) of many. The origins of fried chicken are a blend of Scottish and West African cooking traditions, but today it’s an American staple.
Not that we need much of a reason to have a nice bucket of fried chicken, but isn’t it extra special to indulge on its very own day?
6
Put on Your Own Shoes Day
Image: Nathan Dumlao
Don’t we all do that every single day of our lives? So, what makes this a special holiday? Put on Your Own Shoes Day on December 6th may seem simple, but when you read into it, you’ll find it’s a subtle nod to independence.
The truth is information regarding the origins of this day is not abundant, but we can confidently say that it’s more of a symbolic celebration. It’s a day to help our little ones learn how to tie their shoes, or maybe take their first steps. It’s also a metaphor that, adults as we are, we have made it this far, after all, independence comes in many forms, even lacing up your shoes! So, walk proudly on this quirky holiday and celebrate your strides toward independence!
7
National Ghost Hunting Day
Image: Erik Müller
No, this is not the same as Halloween, of course. But, if you may, it’s kind of a warm-up for the spooky season, since this one takes place on the last Saturday in September, exactly a month before Halloween, making it the perfect prelude to all things eerie.
For those who enjoy a good scare , National Ghost Hunting Day was created in 2016 and is perfect for thrill-seekers and fans of the paranormal. Groups often venture to "haunted" spots armed with flashlights, cameras, and a lot of curiosity. It’s also a chance to explore local legends and folklore about ghosts and spirits. Even if you stay home, you can participate by watching a ghost-hunting show. Get your flashlight ready and have a ghoulishly good time!
8
National Nothing Day
Image: Edwin Splisser
What? That’s right, this one is indeed a National Day and it has been ever since 1973 when Harold Coffin, an American newspaper columnist suggested that there were too many useless commemorative days . This is getting meta, don’t you think?
Anyway, National Nothing Day is celebrated every January 16th, and it is, quite literally, a day to do absolutely nothing! It was originally conceived as a way to avoid celebrations, this day offers a "holiday from holidays." There are no obligations, no parades, and no need to mark the occasion in any way. In short, this day is a license to relax. You may be wondering what should you do to celebrate and the answer is right there: Nothing!
9
National Spaghetti Day
Image: Jeswin Thomas
Spaghetti is not exclusive to America, it’s a dish gifted to the world by the Italians. But America, with its classic intense feelings about the things that make it great, felt the need to create a day specifically designed to have a delicious bowl of Spaghetti . And honestly? We love it!
January 4th is National Spaghetti Day, a pasta dream come true! The best part is that there are as many variations and toppings as there are people who enjoy it. Whether you love it with marinara, meatballs, or pesto, there’s a recipe for everyone.
Many celebrate by whipping up a pasta dish or visiting their favorite Italian restaurant. Whatever you choose, twirl some spaghetti and toast to this delicious day!
10
National If Pets Had Thumbs Day
Image: Jamie Street
Imagine if your cat could open the fridge or your dog could hitchhike! If only, right?
March 3rd is National If Pets Had Thumbs Day in our country, a humorous look at what life would be like if pets had opposable thumbs.
The day makes us all wonder about the possibilities, and maybe even the mischief if we know our furry friends, of a more skillful pet . What would be the first thing you’d do? Some pet owners share funny stories or create scenarios imagining what their pets might do with that extra dexterity.
This holiday is all about celebrating the quirks and charm of our pets. Get ready to laugh, because a thumbs-up from your pet might be closer than ever!
