We love to celebrate things in this country. In fact, any given day of the year has multiple “holidays” that are celebrated by various groups, including just about any form of dessert. You can check out the complete list here, or keep reading for a summary of some of the best holidays for moms.
January – The first month of the year is full of days worth recognizing, including National Compliment Day (Jan 24). Who couldn’t use a day full of compliments? Sadly, as moms, we’d probably spend the day complimenting others (as usual) and not getting any compliments in return. Ironically, Jan 5 is both National Personal Trainer Awareness Day and National Cream Puff Day.
My Pick: National Bubble Bath Day, Jan 8. Kick back and relax in a nice hot tub and if anyone complains, tell them it’s your patriotic duty.
February – Our shortest month (that often feels the longest) is chock full of some interesting commemorative days. For example, Feb 5 is National Shower with a Friend Day. Ummm… Moving on. Perhaps the most useful of the February holidays is National Clean Out Your Computer Day (Feb 9, the 2nd Tuesday in February). Also of note for moms is the first Friday the 13th of the year, Feb 13, National Blame Someone Else Day.
My pick: National Don’t Cry Over Spilled Milk Day, Feb 11. Tell the kids to quit whining over the funny looking raisin, getting the smaller piece of whatever, or the fact that her name is not, in fact Anna.
March – I’ve made a mental note that March 1 is National Peanut Butter Lovers Day, others may prefer March 6, National Oreo Cookie Day. Celebrate your almost successes on March 23 on National Near Miss Day, or just bask in the glow of Everything You Do Is Right Day (March 16).
My pick: National I Am In Control Day, Mar 30. I may just walk around declaring, “I am in control,” all day… and see what happens.
April – Who doesn’t love spring? Give in to your kids and let them have PB&J for dinner April 2 for National Peanut Butter and Jelly Day. Spend some time picking through your family tree on National Ellis Island Family History Day (April 17), Embarrass your teens by dressing alike for National Look Alike Day (April 20)m and tell everyone how you really feel on National Honesty Day on April 30.
My pick: National Teach Children to Save Day, April 11. Created by the American Bankers Association, this national program asks bankers to talk to kids about saving. No bankers on your Friends List? Have a chat with them about responsible finances and the day when mom and dad won’t support them anymore.
May – The 1st Saturday in May, May 2, is both National Scrapbook Day and National Homebrew Day, which I think would be much more fun if done together. Schedule your annual lady-check on May 12, National Women’s Checkup Day and enjoy your favorite fermented grape beverage on National Wine Day, May 25.
My pick: National No Dirty Dishes Day, May 18. Get creative with cooking and serving food in campfire foil packets, use tortillas for plates, or just don’t cook and have take-out!
June – Start June off right on the 2nd with National Leave the Office Early Day. Don’t leave too early though. You’ll need your paycheck to join in on National Splurge Day on June 18. Close out the month with a family friendly evening of sky gazing on National Meteor Watch Day (June 30).
My pick: National Drive In Move Day, June 6. Pack up the car, bring your own snacks and go check out a movie in the great outdoors! Need help finding a theater? Check out DriveInMovie.com for a list of outdoor theaters around the country.
July – Sure the 4th of July is already a national holiday, but did you know it’s also National Country Music Day? Country fan or not, dance the 2-step to some country classics (see a tutorial here). Keep things simple on July 12, National Simplicity Day, or be bold and celebrate National Nude Day on the 14th! Looking for something for the kids? July 25 is National Merry-Go-Round Day
My pick: National Pina Colada Day, July 10. I’ve made a point to stay away from food- and drink-based days, but this one has it’s own musical accompaniment! Put “Escape (The Pina Colada Song)” by Rupert Holmes on loop and kick back with a refreshing drink!
August – Start August off the right way by celebrating National Girlfriends Day on the 1st. The 12th is National Middle Child Day, so whether you have a middle child or you are the middle child, do something special to appreciate this oft-forgotten family member. On the 15th mark National Relaxation Day (if that’s possible with kids) and then let go of some tension with some scream therapy on National Roller Coaster Day (August 16).
My pick: National Thrift Shop Day, Aug 17. Just in time for back-to-school shopping (at least here in the northeast), take your kids to a thrift shop to find some unique clothes or supplies. It’s also a great lesson in saving money and recycling materials.
September – Read to your kids, or just for yourself on September 6th, National Read A Book Day. More popular these days is September 19th, National Talk Like a Pirate Day. Insert your favorite pirate words – “Arrrr,” “Scurvy,” or “Matey” – into random conversations and see how people react. The 3rd Saturday of the month Wife Appreciation Day and the 4th Tuesday is National Voter Registration Day.
My pick: National Kids Take Over the Kitchen Day, Sept 13. Sit back and relax while the kids fix a delicious, nutritious meal. Ha! No? Okay, well, sit back and have a minor panic attack while the kids make a huge mess making a diabetes-inducing fare you’ll choke down later.
October – Have you ever had a day when everything out of your mouth makes you sound slightly crazy? Never fear – October 6th is National Mad Hatter Day! The 3rd Thursday of the month is National Get Smart About Credit Day. Review your credit score, look into your debt and make a plan to get your credit in order. Of course Halloween is October 31st, but it’s also National Knock-Knock Jokes Day. Teach your kids a few favorites to tell when they go trick-or-treating.
My pick: National Mulligan Day, Oct 17. Did something not go right today? Give yourself a break and take a mulligan (do over).
November – Take a night off before the rush of the holidays on National Men Make Dinner Day (November 6th). The rules say no BBQ allowed, but decide for yourself if you want your hubby loose in your kitchen. The 15th is National Clean Out Your Refridgerator Day, something that seems like it should be done more than once a year, but hey, no judgement here. Enjoy a mental health day after Thanksgiving on National Stay Home Because You’re Well Day – it coincides with Cyber Monday this year!
My pick: National Vinegar Day, Nov 1. Ah, vinegar. How do I love thee? Let me count the ways… Replace some of your household cleaners with this cheap, natural, wonder product. Need ideas? This has been my go-to book over the years.
December – Not that we need more holidays in December, but the 6th is National Microwave Oven Day. See if you can get something to come out evenly cooked and not rubbery. If you’re feeling adventurous you can join in on Pretend to Be a Time Traveler Day on December 8th. Pick an era, past or future, and pretend to be a visitor from that time. You can find some helpful tips here if you’re in need of inspiration. Take a break from the holiday craziness and enjoy some Gin Rummy, Poker, or Go Fish on December 28th, National Card Playing Day.
My pick: National Ding-a-Ling Day, Dec 12. Started in 1972 by Frank Hyle, National Ding-a-Ling Day is observed by calling friends and family members you haven’t heard from in a while. No time to call? Just add an old friend to your Christmas card list!
No need to wait for a day off to celebrate. Make your own holiday any day of the year. Start with one of these or just get creative and make one just for your family.
