Category: unofficial holidays

Celebrating May the Fourth Be With You at Home

Celebrating George Lucas’ Star Wars, May 4th is known as May the Fourth Be With You. For diehard fans, the catch slogan is a play on words to the catchphrase “May the Force Be With You.” A general wish of good luck or goodwill as a person leaves to go on a mission. With social distancing and self-isolation, celebrating May the Fourth Be With You means staying close to home. But, the day still can be lots of fun.

How to Celebrate May the Fourth Be With You at Home

Beginning in May 1977, Star Wars enticed theater and drive-in goers around the globe. Through the years, other installments were released only to further the storyline. Today, fans enjoy movies, animated series, and a new television series, The Mandalorian, all adding to the beautiful world of the Star Wars franchise. So, how do you celebrate the day at home? Check out the following ideas:

Yes, I still own y VCR versions of Star Wars.
  • Binge-Watch: From the first Star Wars, the prequels and the sequels, there is plenty to binge to celebrate May the Fourth Be With You. Not to mention, the new series on Disney+, The Mandalorian, centering on The Child, the show provides hours of entertainment. For added fun, host an online watch party. Enjoy Star Wars with your friends.
  • Read: The Star Wars Universe has numerous books and comics. Grab your favorite blanket, cuddle with your four-legged companion, and just read.
  • Audio: If you are cleaning or doing yard work, try listening to Star Wars. The different stories are brought to life while you continue to do your work.
  • Play Games: Do you have a Star Wars-themed video game or board game? Today is the perfect day to play. Gather your family together, grab your favorite game, and have fun.
  • Set Up a Photo Shoot: Using a sheet or blanket as a backdrop, set up your own photo session. Wear your Star Wars apparel, act out scenes, and have fun with the extra time on your hands.
  • Get Crafty: Star Wars is full of unique characters and creatures. Use the different species as inspiration for crafts. For example, make homemade modeling clay (the recipe is on Pinterest). Use the clay to make a Star Wars-themed creature of your own.
  • Cook a Meal or Dessert: Ever tried galactic meatballs or out of this world spaghetti? Adding a space name to any food is an excellent way for children to enjoy the day without a lot of added fuss. Use your imagination, prepare an entire meal or snack with different names.

For avid fans of the franchise, celebrating May the Fourth Be With You is an added bonus. Due to the recent health issue, staying home is the norm for this year. But being indoors does not need to be boring. Enjoy your time together. Soon, the parks will open, conventions will be running, and you will be able to take part in larger celebrations. Until then, May the Force Be With You.

May the Force Be With You, always. This is actually above my kitchen sink.

 

 

How to Celebrate Make Up Your Own Holiday Day

Did you know today, March 26, is Make Up Your Own Holiday day? The holiday is perfect for entertaining children at home. The best part, there is no right or wrong answer to the celebration.

Ways to Celebrate Make Up Your Own Holiday Day

Get the entire family to participate. Ask questions. Enjoy your quality time. Do you need some inspiration? Check out the list below.

Food

Turn mealtime into a celebration. For example, a simple pasta dinner can quickly turn into a spaghetti celebration.

  • Placemats: Get creative. Make placemats out of construction paper or draw designs on plain notebook paper.
  • Decorations: Ask your children to draw or create decorations for the special holiday. Make a centerpiece for the table.
  • Create the Mood: Use your Christmas or special plate settings. Cut around the edges of paper plates to make distinctive designs.
  • Add a Treat: Bake a special dessert. Yes, cookies count.

Animal

Pick an animal to celebrate for the Make Up Your Own Holiday day. A wild animal, an ocean dweller, stuffed animal, or your favorite pet can be part of the celebration.

  • Draw: Use crayons or markers to draw a picture of the animal. Drawing is a great way to expand your child’s imagination. (Yes, you can draw too.)
  • Paint: Use watercolors, acrylics, or make your own paint to create a picture.
  • Story Time: Ask your child to write a story about the animal. If your child is young, write the story down.
  • Research: If celebrating a wild animal or a dinosaur, spend some time researching. Where does the animal live? How big does the animal get? What does the animal eat? Each answer is a great way to learn.

Place

Celebrate a place. The location can be anywhere in the world, outer space, fictional lands, or entirely imaginary.

  • Real Places: Learn about a different country. Base your evening meal on the country’s culture. Get creative. Do crafts about the country. Or simply just research and learn.
  • Outer Space: Learn about the planets, moon, black holes, or the stars.
  • Fictional Worlds: Celebrate the fictional places in your child’s favorite book or movie. For example, J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone introduce the reader to Hogsmeade. The fictional village is a perfect fictional location to celebrate Make Up Your Own Holiday day.

Movie or Book

Create a celebration focusing on a film or book. How many times have you watched the movies Frozen or Frozen 2? Or how many times have you or your family members read the Harry Potter series? Books and films are a fantastic resource to make up an unofficial holiday. The celebration can be as simple as watching a movie. Or elaborate as turning the entire day into craft activities, food, and fun.

Remember celebrating Make Up Your Own Holiday can be an excellent way to entertain your family while at home.

Random Acts of Kindness Day

Did you know today, February 17th is Random Acts of Kindness Day? Every day people go on with their daily lives with little notice of the world around them. But promoting small Random Acts of Kindness has the potential to positively impact a large number of people.

40 Ideas for Random Acts of Kindness Day

  1. Donate food to a homeless shelter
  2. Bake cookies or other goodies for an elderly neighbor, co-worker, friend, or loved one
  3. Tape quarters on a vending machine
  4. Pay for the vehicle’s meal behind you in line at the drive-thru
  5. Donate clothes or toys to a women’s shelter
  6. Volunteer at a nursing home
  7. Mail cards of encouragement to friends
  8. Send a quick text to someone
  9. Walk a dog at your local shelter or rescue
  10. Make a meal for a family in need
  11. Let someone in front of  you at the checkouts
  12. Use the day to show gratitude instead of complaining
  13. Purchase a movie ticket for the person standing in line behind you
  14. Call an old friend
  15. Send flowers to your child’s teacher
  16. Babysit without charging
  17. Spend time with your grandparents or other elderly relatives
  18. Post a positive review of a local business
  19. Check for a wish list at your local animal rescue and send needed supplies
  20. Hold the door open for someone
  21. Thanks a person for a job well done
  22. Send cards filled with stickers, gift cards, or other small items to your nieces, nephews, or other small children in your life.
  23. Buy a bag a groceries for someone in need
  24. Help a neighbor with yard work
  25. Take a plate of treats to your local police or fire station
  26. Pick up litter at a local park, beach, or other natural areas
  27. Send a care package to a person serving in the military
  28. Make a gift basket for your pastor
  29. Pay someone’s library fees
  30. Pay off a child’s overdue lunch fees
  31. Make a special afterschool treat for your children
  32. Spend some extra time with your dog
  33. Paint small rocks to hide around the community.
  34. Offer to drive someone to a doctor’s appointment
  35. Tip your waiter or waitress above the average amount
  36. Plant a tree in the memory of someone
  37. Make and deliver homemade cards
  38. Read to someone
  39. Purchase a cup of coffee or latte for a random person, co-worker, neighbor, or friend
  40. Engage in self-care

Media bombards you with negative posts and stories daily. Showing Random Acts of Kindness is a small way to spread positive gestures.

January: Sunday Supper Month

Did you know January is National Sunday Supper Month? Is spending more quality time part of your New Year’s resolutions? Combining the two is the perfect way to start off the new year.

Getting the Most Out of your Sunday Suppers

January 2020 has four Sundays. Each one is an excellent time to gather your family together. And, yes, National Sunday Suppers Month can be a group of friends enjoying each other’s company.

Plan Ahead, Make a Meal

Start by planning a meal. Remember, Sunday Suppers is a great way to try a new recipe or make a special dessert.

  • Make your favorite meal
  • Make the entire meal together as a family
  • Let your kids pick the meal
  • Gather friends for a pot-luck style meal

Order In

Didn’t have time to go to the supermarket? Do not worry.  Pull those menus out of the drawer and pick a meal for supper. Yes, pizza does count. Remember your trying to encourage family time.

Go Out to Eat

When was the last time your family went out to eat at a restaurant?

  • Go to your favorite restaurant
  • Be a tourist in your hometown and try a new cafe, eatery, or restaurant
  • Let the kids pick the place to eat

From a crockpot full of homemade bean soup to the restaurant of your choice, enjoy National Sunday Suppers Month. Spend quality time with your loved ones. Who knows, staring Sunday Suppers in January may result in a new tradition for the rest of 2020.

Go For a Ride Day

Did you know today, November 22, is Go For a Ride Day? Whether you ride a train, bike, scooter, horse, motorcycle, unicycle, or drive a vehicle, go for a ride. Step away from your computer or other technological devices and get outdoors.

How to Celebrate Go For a Ride Day

The unofficial holiday, Go for a Ride Day, focuses on being mobile. Simply get moving. If you do not have the time today, celebrate Go For a Ride Day over the weekend. Do you need different ideas on how to celebrate Go for a Ride Day? Consider the following.

  • Different Route: Whether you out running errands or coming home from work, take a different route. Enjoy the scenery. Discover new areas within your city or hometown.
  • Take a Scenic Ride: Spend some quality time with your family or friends. Pack a lunch. Simply go for a ride without any real destination in mind. Do not forget to take your dog alone. After a long week of busy schedules,  your favorite four-legged companion will enjoy the extra quality time with you.
  • Ride a Train: When was the last time you rode a train for fun? Gather your family together for a memorable experience. During the holiday season, many train companies offer a Polar Express experience.
  • Go for a Bicycle Ride: If weather permits, go for a bike ride. A family bike ride is a wonderful way to celebrate Go for a Ride Day.
  • Visit a Riding Stable: Have you ever wanted to ride a horse? Visit a riding stable to learn the basics. Riding stables have well-trained horses, which are great for first-time riders. After learning the basics, you can ride your horse through paths around the stables.

Regardless of how you pick to celebrate Go For a Ride Day, have fun and enjoy the activities.

National Chocolate Day

Did you know today, October 28th is known as National Chocolate Day? The entire day is about all things chocolate. Deriving from the seed of the tropical Theobroma cacao tree, chocolate is a delicious treat that has been around for centuries.

So how do you celebrate National Chocolate Day?

  • Have yourself a piece of chocolate.
  • Make chocolate lasagna
  • Eat your favorite chocolate candy bar.
  • Make chocolate pudding.
  • Make chocolate chip cookies.
  • Make chocolate fudge.
  • Fix a warm cup of hot chocolate

Milk chocolate, dark chocolate, and white chocolate, the possibilities for a tasty treat are endless. With Halloween right around the corner, your local supermarket will have a large selection to pick out your favorite chocolate treat.

What is your favorite kind of chocolate?

 

Ancestor Appreciation Day

Today, September 27th is the unofficial holiday of Ancestor Appreciation Day. How much information do you know about your mother or father’s ancestors? Do you know where your family originated? Are you curious about the stories passed down over the years? Ancestor Appreciation Day is about honoring those who came before you. Celebrating and learning about your heritage is a great way to celebrate the day.

Hang Up Photographs

Do you have older photos of your grandparents or great grandparents? Are they in a drawer or on the computer? Find a space to hang up pictures of your ancestors.

Start a Family Tree

Make a commitment to yourself to learn more about your family. Starting a family tree is the perfect place to begin. Many websites will allow you to start a tree for free. If you do not want to use a website, go old school. Grab some poster boards and markers.

  • Always begin with the information that you already know to be factual.
  • Add photos.
  • Include stories about your family.
  • Backup your findings with proven resources.

Creating a family tree is a beautiful way to learn about your heritage. Once you get started, you may be surprised where the information takes you. Enjoy the journey.

Flossie Haynes working on hospital rotation in Detroit around 1917.

Visit an Elderly Relative

Older relatives are a wealth of information. Visting a relative for an afternoon may result in lots of information about your family. Take a notebook along or a recorder to save the stories.

Food 

Believe it or not, food is a great way to connect to your heritage. Consider making a favorite family dish. If you do not have a family recipe, try a dish associated with your culture. Trying something new is an exciting way to share your heritage with your family or friends.

Finding small ways to honor your ancestors is perfect for celebrating Ancestor Appreciation Day.

Love Note Day

Did you know today, September 26th is Love Note Day? The fun, unofficial holiday is about leaving a note for your loved one to find. The only condition of Love Note, the note must be handwritten. The day is about putting pen to paper.

What to Write?

A love note can be a simple, “I love you.” Or you can write a long letter to explain why your significant other makes you happy. The choice is entirely up to you.

Get Creative

When creating your love note, get creative.

  • Use markers.
  • Add a poem or write one of your own.
  • Draw a picture.
  • Use calligraphy.
  • Use colorful paper.
  • Cut out a design, a heart is always a good choice for a love note.

Write More Than One

Have fun with the love notes. Write more than one. Hide them all over the house. Do you need some hiding place ideas? Try any of the following.

  • Tape a note to the coffee maker.
  • Tape a note to the cupboard door.
  • Hang one on the bathroom mirror.
  • Hang on the car steering wheel.
  • Slide one in the lunch bag.
  • Slip one into the briefcase.

The possibilities of hiding places are endless. Make a game out of finding them. Include the love notes as part of a romantic evening. Simply let your significant other know how much you care.

Tips for Safe Tailgating

Today, September 7th is National Tailgating Day. Serving a meal around your vehicle at a sporting event is the primary purpose of tailgating. The fall season means football at every level. Attending a football game is a perfect chance to engage in tailgating. Remember, safety is a priority when tailgating with friends and family. 

  • Know the Rules: Before heading out to your local football field, research the rules and restrictions for tailgating. Check out the team’s website for proper protocol on tailgating. Some items may not be permitted.
  • Pack Cooler Correctly: When packing your cooler, remember to use lots of ice or cooling packs. Uncooked meat and other perishable food items need to be kept cold to avoid illness. Keeping things cold is a must. Do not leave food items out in the hot sun. 
  • Grill Responsibly: Watch your charcoal or gas grill at all times. Follow the directions. Pack the grill after cooling down. Grilling responsibly helps protect you, your friends, family, and others in the area. 
  • Know Your Limits: Tailgating is a fun, fall activity. Just remember staying out in the sun while drinking alcoholic beverages can be a bad mix. Use a highly rated sunscreen, drink plenty of water, and limit your alcoholic drinks to avoid sickness. 
  • Designate a Driver: Ask a member of your tailgating party to be the designated driver for a safe return home. 
  • Take Your Time: Allow yourself extra time to leave the parking lot. Leave early or late to avoid mass exit times. Watch for others in the parking, especially children or people who may have been drinking all day. 

With a few precautions, tailgating can be a fun-filled day at your sports stadium. 

 

Read A Book Day

Did you know September 6th is an unofficial holiday called Read A Book Day? For avid book enthusiasts, reading a book may be part of a daily routine. Celebrating Read A Book Day provides an extra chance to indulge. Books give readers a chance to escape into a different realm, attend a magical school, go back in time, and much more. Use Read A Book Day as an excuse to get lost in a new novel (or reread an old favorite). 

Visit the Library

Visit your local library for a new book selection. Libraries often display new releases. Ask the librarian for an idea of a newly released book to read. Librarians are valuable resources. Do not be afraid to ask the librarian questions.

Go to Your Local Book Store

Stop by your local book store to pick up a new book or two to read. Browse the aisles of your favorite book store. Often display or book covers will catch your eye. Providing you a chance to learn about a new series of books. Independently owned book stores often display or host local authors. You may find a book by local artists that interest you. 

Read in a Different Location

Do you usually read on your couch under a blanket? Yes, the same location to read for Read A Book Day is excellent. But consider reading somewhere else. 

  • Go outdoors to lounge in a lawn chair. 
  • Head to your local cafe. Enjoy a latte while you read your recent book find. 
  • Read on your lunch hour.
  • Spread out a blanket and read while sitting under a tree. 
  • Make a special snack to enjoy while reading. (Yes, you may go back to your comfy couch).

Read Out Loud

Read a book out loud to your children, grandchildren, or an elderly family member. (Yes, you may read to your dog if you want). Sharing the experience will make Read A Book Day more memorable. 

Read A Book Day is about reading a book. Unplug from your electronic devices and enjoy the comforts of a good book.