Darby O’Donnell ‘22, Entertainment Editor
January is full of exciting and well-known holidays. That being said, between the well known and important New Years Day and Martin Luther King Jr. Day, there are some of the oddest and most underrated holidays of all time. This year, January does not have to be all cold weather and darkness, as long as you celebrate some of these peculiar festivities.
National Bean Day (Jan. 6)
Despite being some of the most useful and delicious legumes, beans are also some of the most underrated. National Bean Day strives to bring appreciation to these protein-rich plants, and allow bean-lovers to enjoy tasty bean dishes. In order to properly celebrate this holiday, you can make bean foods such as chilli, create bean crafts, or try new types of these leguminous plants.
National Houseplant Appreciation Day (Jan. 10)
January is a month known for its doom and gloom, but National Houseplant Appreciation day intends to bring vibrancy and excitement to the month. During Houseplant Appreciation day, houseplant-aficionados are encouraged to sing to and water their greenery, as well as simply take extra caution in tending to their floral friends.
National Pharmacist Day (Jan. 12)
It is important to recognize those who keep us healthy, and many forget to show their thanks to certain healthcare professionals. Between managing patients’ medication, keeping track of insurance and cost concerns, and many other tasks, pharmacists are often very busy people. On National Pharmacist Day, make sure to say an extra ‘thank you’ to your local pharmacist, as their hard work often tends to go unnoticed.
Dress Up Your Pet Day (Jan. 14)
There are very few things cuter than a dachshund in a Winnie the Pooh costume. On Jan. 14, it comes time to appreciate our furry friends and celebrate the bond we have formed with them. For Dress Up Your Pet Day, pet owners can purchase or hand-make fashionable outfits for their pets, and show off their stylish creatures.
National Nothing Day (Jan. 16)
No one really knows where National Nothing Day originated, but this anti-holiday is undoubtedly a unique and creative holiday that many enjoy celebrating. Designed to be a break from the seemingly endless amount of holidays, National Nothing Day provides an opportunity to celebrate nothing and simply relax all day.
Penguin Awareness Day (Jan. 20)
Intended to bring awareness to the diminishing number of penguins in Antarctica, Penguin Awareness Day is a day to celebrate the black and white birds that we all know and love. Penguin-enthusiasts can donate to penguin protection funds, adopt a penguin, or use #penguinawarenessday on social media to raise awareness of the current issue. It is also encouraged to do research on the endangered species, or wear black and white suits in honor of the flightless birds.
Bubble Wrap Appreciation Day (Jan. 28)
In an attempt to create a new wallpaper, Alfred Fielding and Marc Chavannes accidentally created arguably the greatest packaging material ever. Though an accident, bubble wrap is an assuredly fantastic contribution to the shipping and packaging industry, and additionally, bubble wrap has proven itself to be multifaceted in its role as a therapeutic toy. Bubble Wrap Appreciation Day is an essential holiday for celebrating the functional material.
National Kazoo Day (Jan. 28)
On Jan. 28, National Kazoo Day aims to recognize the distinct hum of the wonderful instrument. Popularized in 1852, the kazoo, or the “Down South Submarine,” is famous for it’s unique buzzing and inexpensiveness. To celebrate National Kazoo Day, you can buy a kazoo, form a kazoo band, or give a likely unwelcome kazoo show.
Despite the cold weather, January holds some of the most exciting and bizarre holidays of the whole year. Although most only acknowledge the more mainstream holidays of the month, it might be worth checking out some of the more scarcely recognized holidays, because many of these are fun and worth celebrating. So when the next weird holiday comes around, be sure to spread the word and raise the holiday spirit.
Photo by Darby O’Donnell
Lyon Life 