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What to Schedule When Returning Home for the Holidays

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What to Schedule When Returning Home for the Holidays

The holiday season is a time reserved for family. However, responsibilities don’t all disappear during this time, and you might not want to spend all month with your in-laws. Scheduling your time can help you find the perfect balance.

Whether it’s Christmastime, Thanksgiving, or even a family Easter gathering, you can make the best use of your time back at home with your online calendar. Here’s what to schedule to maximize your return home for the holidays:

Start With Family Commitments

Before you fill out the rest of your online calendar, mark down any family commitments you have. Of course, planned dinners, movie nights, and other family activities should take precedence. This is why you’re traveling home in the first place, after all, so it should be the bulk of your online calendar for the duration of the trip.

Once your online calendar is filled with family events, you can fill in the cracks with anything else that needs attention. However, it’ll be much more challenging to find the time you need to tend to personal responsibilities without scheduling things out.

Other family commitments may include getting Christmas presents for everyone or bringing a meal to a family potluck. Use your online calendar to make time for these commitments, whether it’s a reminder to go shopping or planning a cooking schedule for holiday dinner.

Get Travel Plans in Order

Will you need to make a long trek to visit family? The better you plan your travel itinerary, the less holiday stress you have to endure. Start by scheduling times to pack, so you don’t forget anything in the last-minute rush.

If you plan on flying, schedule your departure time to get to the airport on time, and note arrival times if the family will be picking you up. If you opt to drive, schedule your own departure time that works best for everyone. Whichever option you choose, be sure to follow COVID-19 safety guidelines.

In some scenarios, you might end up staying in a hotel rather than with a family member. If this is the case, you can add check-in times to your online calendar to work around the rest of your schedule. Be sure to take note of any breakfast served!

Make Time for Work

At least for this holiday season, you might have to take work home with you. This is because so many employees who moved to remote work due to COVID-19 were offered a lot of flexibility — but also the likelihood that you’ll have a few projects to tackle over the extended break. So be sure to add time during your trip to complete these projects before returning home.

If your trip home includes time off, straighten out your work schedule before and after the days of your trip. Many people want time off during the holidays, so the sooner you can request your days off, the better. You can even pick up some shifts before and after your trip to help out your fellow employees.

Here’s a pro tip for your online calendar; plan out the week of your return before you even leave for your trip. This way, meetings, and deadlines are all straightened out for you right when you get home. You won’t have to fuss over any details during or after your trip if they’re already squared away.

Straighten Out Duties at Home

Just because you’re on a trip doesn’t mean that responsibilities get waived at home. Got some pets at home? Some plants that need to be watered?  Make sure everything is cared for even while you’re away, even if that requires some extra help.

You can hire a pet sitter or a housesitter while you’re gone. But, if you do, sync up an online calendar with them to know precisely what needs to be done at what times. Then, with proper communication, you’ll come home with everything looking like you never left.

Keeping your home safe while you’re away should also be a high priority. You can ask a neighbor to pick up scheduled mail and packages and to keep an eye out on your property while you’re away, allowing you to have some peace of mind.

Stick With Your Routine

You should have a good routine going that keeps your life in order from sun up to sundown. If you aren’t already, use your online calendar to help you stick with it every day. Your online calendar will really come in handy when sticking to a routine on the road.

If you maintain your routine throughout your trip, you’ll more easily adjust when you return home. Of course, some aspects of your routine might need some adjustments, like substituting your morning workouts for evening pickleball tournaments with the family. However, you should try to maintain as closely as possible, like a healthy sleep schedule built for maximum productivity.

Give Yourself Time to Recover

A long trip with the family can be exhausting. So before you make a return to reality, schedule some time to recover. Some good old-fashioned “me time” will do the trick.

When planning your trip, add a day or two to the end of it just to relax and get your affairs in order. Heading right back to work after a long trip can make you feel exhausted, stressed, and even depressed. Take care of yourself before getting back to business.

More than anything, do your best to have fun when visiting family, regardless of the occasion. Your online calendar will help you take advantage of every moment, leaving no time block left behind.

5 Virtual Holiday Ideas For Your Calendar

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5 Virtual Holiday Ideas to Lighten Up Your Calendar

In recent years, the COVID-19 pandemic has delayed and even canceled plans for the holidays as people strive to stay safe and stop the spread of the virus. Many people are wondering how it can be possible to enjoy the Christmas season without many of the activities and events they love this time of year. Luckily, a lot of organizations have put together some digital Christmas events to try and provide some holiday spirit to everyone staying at home. The following are examples of events that can be added to your Calendar this December and give you an idea of other virtual holiday events:

Try a Virtual Holiday Cooking Class

There’s a lot to be excited about during the holiday season, but the food is definitely toward the top of the list. This special time of year means you can justify pulling out all the stops on extravagant meals and delectable desserts. However, not all of us are expert chefs, so we can use all the help we can get.

A fun way to prepare delicious treats for the whole family is to join a holiday cooking class. For example, you can visit a website such as Cozymeal to join a guided cooking class held over a Zoom call. You’ll be instructed on what ingredients to bring and how to combine them into dishes that will be the talk of the town.

This class by Chef Zach will give you an idea of what sort of cooking classes are available. Not only will a professional chef be a helpful guide, cooking with a group will be a lot of fun.

Dates: December 4th, 2021, December 10th, 2021, December 11th, 2021

Price: $39 per device

Take a Virtual Tour of the Holy Land

Christmas has deep roots in the Holy Land of Israel. Many people are unable to make the long trip to visit these locations. Though a virtual tour can’t make up for a real trip, it will still be very satisfying. If you’re still wary about travel, this is an excellent decision for your upcoming Christmas plans.

Taking a virtual tour of Jerusalem is great for everyone. Most religions consider this a sacred place, which makes this an appropriate activity for those celebrating Christmas, Hanukkah, and more. Even if you’re not religious, the history, geography, and architecture are fascinating enough to capture your attention.

Another potential virtual tour opportunity is seeing the city of Bethlehem, the birthsite of Jesus Christ whose namesake marks this holiday season. Below is an example of one of the virtual tours you can take, this one offered by the Fellowship of Orthodox Christians in America.

Date: December 12th, 2021

Price: One ticket per household received after donation

Join a Virtual Choir

Most of the virtual events you will find online involve some sort of singing. There are so many memorable tunes to choose from, and radio stations are already broadcasting some of their favorites. Listening to some Christmas carols or even joining in yourself is sure to bring the spirit of the holidays into your home.

Many concerts are offered for free, especially those provided by local organizations. However, there are also concerts that use ticket sales to support a worthy cause. For example, the UK branch of the Alzheimer’s Society is putting on a fabulous concert show that will bring light to many families and bring in donations to help many more. Their virtual option is affordable and allows you to participate in the event from afar while still extending your support to the organization.

Date: December 15th, 2021

Price: £10.00 for an online ticket

Enjoy George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker

This exquisite production performed by the New York City Ballet has become a Christmas classic. The first premiered this show in 1954 and it has been an annual tradition ever since. They are welcoming back fans and guests in person this season, but not everyone can make it to New York to witness such a performance.

Luckily, there are virtual performances of The Nutcracker that you can watch from home. One of these events comes courtesy of the Pacific Northwest Ballet. With a show time of just over two hours, your family can enjoy a movie-length show while wearing Christmas PJs and stocked up on treats. All you need to do is buy a digital pass one time and enjoy it with as many friends and family as you can.

Date: December 20, 2021 – December 28, 2021

Price: $49 flat rate

Participate in a Virtual Holiday Run

Believe it or not, running is a holiday tradition for many people and families. With COVID-19 concerns, a lot of races have gone virtual as an extra precautionary measure. One of many virtual fun run events is the Christmas Jingle Virtual Run, with registration open until Christmas Day.

All you have to do is sign up for a virtual run and they’ll ship you your race gear and finisher medal. Participate in the event on your own time and see how you square up with other virtual runners. Many of these events also donate proceedings to foundations and charities, making it an even more heartwarming holiday tradition.

Date: December 25, 2021 – January 23, 2022

Price: $5 – $40 per participant

Add one or more of these to your online calendar for a completely unique Christmas experience. You can also plan your own virtual event with family, hosting a bake-off, caroling session, or unwrapping presents together virtually on Christmas morning. Do whatever it takes to make the season bright. You may even come up with a fun new tradition to come back to every year.

5 Virtual Holiday Ideas to Lighten Up Your Calendar was originally published on Calendar by 

How to Maximize Your Time With Appointment Software This Holiday Season

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How to Maximize Your Time With Appointment Software This Holiday Season

If there is any time of the year where personal time is most precious, it’s the holiday season. Family events, parties, decorations, and gifts are at the forefront of our minds — but our responsibilities outside the home will never go away. Annual checkups, haircut appointments, dentist visits, and more demand our attention. To maximize the time you have for the fun stuff, using a convenient scheduling platform can help you slot in each necessary appointment when it works best for you. 

Manage Appointment Plans at Your Convenience

The time-saving benefit of this kind of software is beyond doubt — you can book appointments remotely and at the click of a button. There’s no need to spend time making calls or navigating irksome automated phone trees

Better yet, you don’t need to wait for open office hours to schedule an appointment. You can log in whenever the necessity pops into your mind and can even reschedule later on (rules permitting) with ease. This offers peace of mind should an issue arise late at night or at the last minute. You can, for example, promptly set up testing and treatment should a medical condition or illness emerge suddenly. 

Even if you can’t receive immediate attention, anytime scheduling software allows you to easily set a time and date for your concern to be addressed in the future. Your most preferred appointment time might not be available, but blocking off a specific time to deal with the issue can help take the worry off of your mind for the time being. Knowing you’ve taken action will let you focus on ornament making with your kids instead.

Explore All Scheduling Options

When calling into an office to schedule an appointment, you’ll oftentimes be offered only a few time options over the phone. Sometimes, you may only get one. In these (sort of) post-pandemic times, doctor’s offices are commonly booked for weeks and even months into the future. 

To ensure that you’re seeing the whole picture of availability, online booking platforms typically show all schedule slots at once. You can see every possibility and book your appointment accordingly.

This is what can make it so easy to reschedule — free appointment times are updated as cancellations make them available. You can swap yours for another with the click of a button if something comes up or if you see an opening that better suits you. You can also join a waitlist in the event that you want a better time slot or can’t get an appointment otherwise. When one becomes available, it will be reserved for you immediately.

Automate Your Calendar

The ease of task automation means that the time you spend doing prep work each day can instead be spent elsewhere, like with family or friends. Many appointment software solutions feature functionality that can connect your digital calendar to their system to exchange data and change settings accordingly. That means you can book an appointment, and that time slot will automatically be entered into your calendar along with all your other plans. You don’t have to lift a finger.

If you automate notifications as well, you can make it so that your calendar will let you know when your appointment is coming up. If you step away from your computer for any reason, your calendar programs will pop up on your phone to make sure you don’t miss any important appointments. You may be engrossed in shopping for stocking stuffers, but automated appointment reminders will ensure you don’t accidentally forget to show up for your pre-party mani-pedi.

Remotely Handle Appointment Prep and Payment

Once your appointment planning is complete, you can take advantage of other features of these programs. In case you need to check in a certain amount of time beforehand, you can once again do this instantly via the scheduling program. You’ll no longer have to arrive early to take care of paperwork, and your appointment can begin much quicker. 

Some appointment software also allows you to take care of paying any fees or copays directly within the program. Whether you want to do so before your appointment or after, you can make sure your payment is in order and prevent delays at the reception desk. You won’t get stuck behind a patient with insurance questions or a salon patron wanting product recommendations when you’re in a rush to get to your daughter’s choral concert.

You only have so much time in the day for holiday preparations. Keeping outside commitments is necessary, but this season is special to you. By using appointment software to schedule your engagements, you’ll be able to tend to both — getting everything done that you need to and doing everything you want to. Squeezing in that gingerbread-making session will be no sweat when you use appointment software to help you maximize your time. 

132 April Holidays and Observances

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132 April Holidays and Observances

For many of us, it was a long and dark pandemic-riddled winter. But, it appears that we’re almost through it. The days are warmer and longer. The sun is shining more brightly. And, hopefully, the worst of COVID is in the rearview mirror.

“Our spring has come at last with the soft laughter of April suns and shadow of April showers. — Byron Caldwell Smith

Yes. There are a lot of reasons to welcome the fourth month of the year mensis Aprilis. But, we can also add the celebration of many holidays and observances to that list as well. Here is a list of 132 April Holidays and observances.

April 1

  • April Fool’s Day: “Some historians speculate that April Fools’ Day dates back to 1582, when France switched from the Julian calendar to the Gregorian calendar, as called for by the Council of Trent in 1563,” states History.com. “In the Julian Calendar, as in the Hindu calendar, the new year began with the spring equinox around April 1.”
  • Edible Book Day: Here’s an unusual holiday created in 2000 by Judith A. Hoffberg and Béatrice Coron to honor French gastronome Jean-Anthelme Brillat-Savarin. The famous chef was known for his book Physiologie du goût.
  • International Fun at Work Day: Some might scuff at this. But, having fun in the workplace makes employees healthier, happier, and more creative. It also encourages collaboration and communication.
  • Major League Baseball Opening Day: Founded in 1869, the Cincinnati Red Stockings were baseball’s first openly all-professional team
  • National Burrito Day: It’s believed that the burrito originated in Northern Mexico to be a hearty and portable lunch. I plan on spending the day trying as many of these burrito recipes from Delish as possible.

April 2

  • Children’s Book Day: “Since 1967, on or around Hans Christian Andersen’s birthday, 2 April, International Children’s Book Day (ICBD) is celebrated to inspire a love of reading and to call attention to children’s books,” explains the International Board on Books For Young People.
  • Good Friday: Why is Good Friday called Good Friday? “The answer seems pretty clearly to be that it’s from good ‘holy,’ ” responded Jesse Sheidlower, the president of the American Dialect Society told Slate.
  • National Peanut Butter and Jelly Day: Legend has it that the first PB&J recipe was written by Julia David Chandler. It appeared in The Boston Cooking-School Magazine of Culinary Science & Domestic Economics back in 1901.
  • Walk to Work Day: Initiated by Prevention in 2004, this holiday is obvious. It highlights the mental and physical health benefits of walking. It’s also good for the plant!
  • World Autism Awareness Day: In the U.S. alone, autism affects 1 in 54 children. Today is the day to recognize these individuals, as well as the people who love and support them.

April 3

  • Don’t Go to Work Unless it’s Fun Day: I already covered the benefits of having fun in the workplace. So, if you aren’t having fun at work, take a personal day or work-from-home.
  • Find a Rainbow Day: Go outside and find a rainbow. If you can’t, watch the Yosemitebear Mountain Double Rainbow video. It will instantly put you in a better mood.
  • National Play Outside Day: Use this as an excuse to no spend more time outside. And, also reconnect with your inner child. It’s good for your mind, body, and soul.
  • Tweed Day: Is this day celebrating the corrupt politician William “Boss” Tweed, who was born on April 3, 1823? Or, is it honoring the fabric that originated in Scotland? No one is really sure. But, you can’t go wrong with wearing a tweed hat while reading “Boss Tweed’s New York” by Seymour J. Mandelbaum.
  • World Party Day: Inspired by the novel “Flight: A Quantum Fiction Novel” by Vanna Bonta, throw a party either by yourself, virtually, or with your vaccinated peeps.

April 4

  • Easter: St. Bede the Venerable, who authored the Historia ecclesiastica gentis Anglorum (“Ecclesiastical History of the English People”) in the 6th Century, states that the English word “Easter” originates from Eostre, or Eostrae, the Anglo-Saxon goddess of spring and fertility.
  • Hug a Newsperson Day: Many believe that this started in the 1990s to show appreciation for news people.
  • International Carrot Cake Day: The origins of carrot cake are disputed. However, an early English recipe for “pudding in a Carret root dates back to 1591.
  • Tell a Lie Day: “The Adventures of Pinocchio,” written by Carlo Collodi, was published in 1883.
  • Walk Around Things Day: You can interpret this holiday literally or figuratively. For example, walking around a puddle or “walking around” problems or conflicts.

April 5

  • Deep Dish Pizza Day: “I wish that there were more written records — recipes or vintage photographs,” Tim Samuelson, the city of Chicago’s official historian, told the Chicago Tribune. “It’s an enigma, wrapped in a pie crust,” Chicago-based food writer Jeff Ruby told the newspaper. “Every day, it feels a little more lost to history.” One theory is that Ike Sewell, the founder of Pizzeria Uno, in 1943.
  • First Contact Day: “Technically, we won’t start celebrating First Contact Day until April 5th, 2063,” writes Joseph George on startrek.com. “According to Star Trek canon, that’s the day when Zefram Cochrane will launch Earth’s first warp-capable rocket, catching the attention of Vulcan researchers who heretofore dismissed our planet as too primitive to visit. Cochran’s voyage sets into motion events that not only lead to the creation of the United Federation of Planets, but also lead to the end of the war, racism, and inequality on Earth.”
  • Go For Broke Day: Did you know that the phrase “go for broke” can be traced back to Hawaii. In Hawaiin Pidgin, it means “wager everything.”
  • National Nebraska Day: Although the Cornhusker State was admitted to the U.S. on March 1, 1867, and spent the day chowing down on a Runza.
  • Read a Road Map Day: A lost art, if you ask me. Take a day trip and use a good old-fashioned map instead of GPS.

April 6

April 7

  • Beer Day: Following water and tea, beer is the third-most-popular drink on Earth.
  • No Housework Day: I’m all about keeping my place clean and free of clutter, but on this day, that can wait until tomorrow.
  • Walking Day: Sponsored by the American Heart Association, today should serve as a reminder to go for a walk. After all, it’s one of the best things that you can do for your mental and physical health.
  • World Health Day: This year’s campaign is building a fairer, healthier world.

April 8

  • All is Ours Day: Today is dedicated to appreciating nature and everything that we have.
  • Draw a Picture of a Bird Day: To lift the spirits of her uncle, who had lost a leg during WWII, 7-year-old Dorie Cooper asked him to draw her a picture of a bird when visiting in 1943.
  • Empanada Day: Delicious empanadas are thought to have originated in the northwest region of Spain of Galicia.
  • Zoo Lover’s Day: Did you know that the Vienna Zoo is the oldest existing zoo? It opened to the public in 1765.

April 9

  • Cherish an Antique Day: Fun fact. Across the pond in the UK, Antiques Roadshow has been on airing since 1979.
  • Name Yourself Day: Embrace reinvention on this day, giving yourself a new name.
  • Unicorn Day: Did you know that unicorns have been mentioned as far back as Ancient Greece?
  • Winston Churchill Day: On this day in 1963, President Kennedy made Winston Churchill, an honorary citizen.

April 10

April 11

  • Barbershop Quartet Day: “Even though barbershop is considered an American invention, the idea had its roots in England,” writes Kara Kovalchik for Mental Floss. “During the 1600s, Muzak was not yet available, so British barbers kept a cittern (a stringed instrument similar to a lute) handy for their customers to strum while awaiting their shave and haircut.”
  • Cheese Fondue Day: In the 1930s, fondue was popularized as a Swiss national dish by the Swiss Cheese Union in order to increase cheese consumption.
  • Eight Track Tape Day: Did you know that the eight-track tape was created jointly by Bill Lear of Lear Jet Corporation, Ampex, Ford Motor Company, General Motors, Motorola, and RCA? The first player, known as the Stereo 8, was then released in 1965.
  • Pet Day: Remember Colleen Paige? Well, she also created this holiday in 2006 “to celebrate the joy pets bring to our lives and to create public awareness about the plight of many different kinds of animals awaiting a forever home in shelters and rescues all around the globe.”
  • Submarine Day: This day celebrates the purchase of the USS Holland, which was the first modern commissioned submarine in 1900, and not a delicious sandwich.

April 12

  • Big Wind Day: On this day in 1934, the staff of the Mount Washington Observatory in New Hampshire recorded winds at 231 miles per hour! At the time, it was the highest natural wind gust measured on the surface of Earth.
  • Grilled Cheese Day: During the Great Depression, an open-faced grilled cheese known as the “cheese dream” became popular. We’ve certainly come a long way since then with our gourmet grilled cheese sandwich recipes.
  • International Day of Human Space Flight: Yuri Gagarin became the first human to journey into outer space on this day in 1961.
  • Licorice Day: People have been extracting licorice from, well, the licorice plant for centuries. It was made into candy in Holland during the 17th Century.

April 13

  • International Be Kind to Lawyers Day: Lawyers get a bad rap. But, when you’re in a pinch, they’re absolutely essential. On this day, send your lawyer a thank you card or email to show them your appreciation.
  • Make Lunch Count Day: Although TGI Fridays came up with the idea of “Fear of Lunching Out,” it is true that this is a problem. For example, 2 in 3 millennials skip lunch to get ahead. This day reminds us all just how important lunch breaks truly are.
  • Peach Cobbler Day: The Georgia Peach Council created this day in the 1950s. Why? To sell more canned peaches.
  • Scrabble Day: Alfred Mosher Butts was born on this day in 1899. In 1938, he invented this iconic board game.

April 14

  • Dolphin Day: Did you know that dolphins have “reflective intelligence”? That means that they have the ability to recognize themselves in a mirror.
  • Ex-Spouse Day: If your marriage has dissolved, today’s the day when it’s time to move on and let go of negative feelings and emotions like anger
  • Gardening Day: As long as the weather cooperates, get outside and start planting your garden. It’s a healthy hobby that also rewards you with nutritious fruits, veggies, and herbs.
  • International Moment of Laughter Day: If you didn’t get the prescription, laughter is the best medicine for you emotionally, mentally, and even physically.
  • Look Up at the Sky Day: Take a timeout from the rat race to just sit back, relax, and admire the beauty above and around us.

April 15

  • High Five Day: Research has found that the power of a touch, such as a high five, can alleviate anxiety, decrease cortisol levels, and makes teams more successful.
  • Laundry Day: Even if this isn’t your favorite chore, mark your calendar so that you don’t let your laundry pile up into one overwhelming, and smelly, project.
  • Take a Wild Guess Day: To coincide with Tax Day, speaker Jim Barber developed this holiday. Observe by embracing your hunches, intuitions, and gut feelings.
  • World Art Day: The International Association of Art (IAA/AIAP) chose Leonardo da Vinci’s birthday to promote awareness of creative activity worldwide.

April 16

  • Eggs Benedict Day: Legend has it that Lemuel Benedict, a Wall Street broker, ordered two poached eggs on top of buttered toast with crispy bacon and hollandaise sauce at the Waldorf Hotel in New York to cure his hangover.
  • Selena Day: On April 16, 1977, Selena, aka the “Queen of Tejano music,” was born.
  • Stress Awareness Day: It’s not a coincidence that this takes place the day after Tax Day. It serves as a reminder that we’re a stressed-out nation and need to find ways to handle stress better.
  • Wear Pajamas to Work Day: If you’ve been working from home the last, you’ve probably already been doing this! If you still have been getting dressed, keep the PJs on today when you work. It’s a simple way to relax and sprinkle in a little fun at work.

April 17

  • Cheeseball Day: You won’t have to twist my arm when it comes to eating cheese. Plan on spending the day eating your favorite cheese puffs or trying out a classic cheeseball recipe.
  • Husband Appreciation Day: Today is all about showing your significant other how much you love and appreciate them. If you’re the recipient, make sure to return the favor on September 19 for Wife Appreciation Day.
  • International Bat Appreciation Day: You might be frightened of bats, but the more than 1,400 species play a crucial role in the ecosystem and biodiversity. Or, you could use this as an excuse to watch your favorite Batman flicks.
  • International Haiku Poetry Day: If you need a refresher, this is a form of ancient Japanese poetry that consists of three lines containing the syllable structure of “five-seven-five.”

April 18

  • Animal Crackers Day: Stauffer’s Biscuit Company, based out of York, Pennsylvania, was the first company to produce animal crackers in 1871.
  • Columnists Day: Originally meant to recognize the importance and value of newspaper columnists, you can observe this day by showing your appreciation to columnists in all forms of media.
  • Lineman Appreciation Day: Are you one of the 155,000,000 electrical customers in the U.S.? If so, make sure to give a shout-out to the men and women who risk their lives to make sure that you still have power.
  • Velociraptor Awareness Day: Despite what you saw in “Jurassic Park,” these speedy thieves “grew up to 6.8 feet (2 meters) long, 1.6 feet (0.5 meters) tall at the hip, and weighed up to 33 lbs. (15 kilograms).”

April 19

  • Garlic Day: Garlic has been found to boost immunity and improve cardiovascular health. It’s also an anti-inflammatory, gives you better hair and skin, and protects your food.
  • Hanging Out Day: Don’t get confused by the name. This isn’t about chilling with your friends or family. Rather, it’s all about acknowledging the financial and environmental benefits of drying your clothes on a clothesline.
  • Patriots Day: In Maine and Massachusetts, this is a public holiday to observe the day in 1775 when the battles of Lexington and Concord took place.

April 20

  • Chinese Language Day: The UN Department of Public Information established this holiday “to pay tribute to Cang Jie, a mythical figure who is presumed to have invented Chinese characters about 5,000 years ago.”
  • Look-Alike Day: Have you ever been told that you resemble someone else? If so, this is the day to go all-in and embrace that.
  • Pineapple Upside-Down Cake Day: Rumor has it that the term “upside-down cake” began circulating in the late 1800s.
  • Volunteer Recognition Day: “Volunteers don’t get paid, not because they’re worthless, but because they’re priceless.” — Sherry Anderson

April 21

  • Administrative Professionals Day: First launched in 1952, this day recognizes the people who keep your calendar, and even the entire office, running smooth.It takes place on the third Wednesday of the last full week in April.
  • Bulldogs are Beautiful Day: It’s possible that bulldogs can be traced to 5th Century England. But, it was on this day in 1886 when bulldogs became officially recognized as a breed by the American Kennel Club.
  • Kindergarten Day: Friedrich Wilhelm August Frobel is often cited as starting the first kindergarten in Germany in 1837.
  • Tea Day: “You can never get a cup of tea large enough or a book long enough to suit me.” — C.S. Lewis
  • Tiradentes Day: In Brazil, this day commemorates the death of Joaquim Jose da Silva Xavier, aka Tiradentes (“Tooth Puller”), who led the first movement against Portugal to achieve Brazilian independence.

April 22

  • Earth Day: Celebrated annually around the world since 1970, Earth Day encourages each and every one of us to protect our planet.
  • Girl Scout Leader Day: This day “honors all the volunteers who work as leaders and mentors in partnership with girls,” notes the Girl Scouts of the United States of America.
  • Jelly Bean Day: During the Civil War, William Schrafft, a Boston confectioner, encouraged his customers to send jelly beans to Union soldiers.
  • Take Your Daughter and Son to Work Day: The 2021 theme for the Take Our Daughters And Sons To Work program is “Boldly Moving Forward,” with an interactive and virtual event.

April 23

  • Cherry Cheesecake Day: I LOVE cheesecake. So, without question, I’ll use this as an excuse to try this cherry cheesecake recipe.
  • Day of Silence: Started in the 1990s, the “GLSEN Day of Silence is a national student-led demonstration where LGBTQ students and allies all around the country—and the world—take a vow of silence to protest the harmful effects of harassment and discrimination of LGBTQ people in schools.”
  • Picnic Day: The word comes from the French word pique-nique, with the earliest text appearance occurring in 1692.
  • Take a Chance Day: Been hesitating about taking a risk? Put aside your inhibitions and just do it.
  • World Book Day: First celebrated in the UK in 1995, this is an annual charity event in the United Kingdom and Ireland where every child is given a book voucher.

April 24

  • Pigs in a Blanket Day: Although Betty Crooker’s 1957 cookbook popularized the dish, there were recipes dating back to 1901.
  • Skipping Day: While the day is meant to focus on the physical health of children, adults should also join in on the fun.
  • World Laboratory Day: Take a moment to acknowledge all of the cures, discoveries, and innovations that have come out of laboratories.

April 25

  • 93rd Academy Awards: You can watch the Oscars on ABC at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT. To catch you up-to-speed, here’s a list of the nominations.
  • DNA Day: On this day in 1953, James Watson, Francis Crick, Maurice Wilkins, Rosalind Franklin, and their colleagues published papers regarding the structure of DNA in the journal Nature.
  • Hug a Plumber Day: Just think about how difficult and sometimes unpleasant plumbing can be. Use this day to thank your plumber by giving them a shout-out on social media, leaving them a positive online review, referring them, or writing them a “thank you” note.
  • Kiss and Make Up Day: Have you been holding onto a grudge with someone? Today’s the perfect day to bury the hatchet.
  • Pet Parents Day: There really aren’t enough days to pamper our pets. It’s the least we can do to thank them for their unconditional love.
  • Telephone Day: While there are over 5 billion unique mobile phone users in the world, landlines haven’t become obsolete. In fact, there are still more than 915 million landlines.
  • World Malaria Day: According to the RBM Partnership to End Malaria, “Over the past two decades, we’ve made great progress in the malaria fight, saving more than 7 million lives and preventing over 1 billion malaria cases.
  • Zucchini Bread Day: Fun fact. There’s more potassium in a zucchini than in a banana. Here’s a recipe from Sally’s Baking Addiction you can make to get that potassium.

April 26

  • Dissertation Day: Did you know that the first doctoral degree was awarded in Paris during the mid-12th Century?
  • Pretzel Day: According to The History of Science and Technology, in 610 AD, “an Italian monk invents pretzels as a reward to children who learn their prayers. He calls the strips of baked dough, folded to resemble arms crossing the chest, pretiola (little rewards).”
  • Richter Scale Day: Charles Francis Richter was born on this day in 1900. In 1935, he invented the Richter magnitude scale to measure the intensity of earthquakes.

April 27

  • Babe Ruth Day: The Yankees, at the request of commissioner Happy Chandler, proclaimed April 27 as “Babe Ruth Day” in 1947.
  • Morse Code Day: Samuel Morse was born on this date in 1791 in Charlestown, Boston, MA.
  • Prime Rib Day: Also known as a standing rib roast, celebrate the day by whipping up this melt-in-your-mouth prime rib recipe.
  • Tell a Story Day: Step-up your storytelling skills by reading a book or calling a sibling and recalling a childhood event. Or, really stretch your imagination by making up your own tale.

April 28

  • Blueberry Pie Day: “The blueberry is one of the only foods that are truly naturally blue in color,” notes the BC Blueberry Council. “The pigment that gives blueberries their distinctive color—called anthocyanin—is the same compound that provides the blueberry’s amazing health benefits.”
  • Guide Dog Day: Did you know that Guide Dogs of America trains 70% Labrador retrievers, 15% Golden Retrievers, and 15% German Shepherds for their guide dogs?
  • Stop Food Waste Day: Did you know that 33% of all food produced globally is either lost or wasted every year? Commit to reducing food waste through steps like not overbuying and learning to love your freezer.
  • Superhero Day: What’s the origin story of this holiday? It goes back to 1995 when Marvel employees created a day to celebrate their favorite superheroes. But, you don’t have to limit yourself to just Marvel characters. All fictional heroes may join in on the festivities.

April 29

  • International Dance Day: The Dance Committee of the International Theatre Institute created this day in 1982.The goal? To remind us all just how valuable and important dance is.
  • Shrimp Scampi Day: Shrimp scampi recipes can only date back to American cookbooks in the 1920s. It’s a delicious, and simple to make, dish. If you’ve never tried it, I recommend this classic shrimp scampi recipe from NYT Cooking.
  • Zipper Day: Gideon Sundback patented the modern zipper on this exact date in 1913.

April 30

  • Arbor Day: While not a national holiday, it’s common for schools and organizations to engage in environmentally friendly activities to help save the world on Arbor Day, specifically planting trees.
  • Hairball Awareness Day: Today reminds cat owners to take steps to prevent hairballs, such as regularly grooming your feline friend.
  • Honesty Day: There are two reasons why author and former press secretary of Maryland M. Hirsh Goldberg chose April 30 for Honesty Day. First, the first day of the month is April Fools’ Day, which celebrates falsehoods. Second, in 1789, this was the date of George Washington’s first inauguration.
  • International Jazz Day: Declared by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization in 2011 “to highlight jazz and its diplomatic role of uniting people in all corners of the globe.”
  • Raisin Day: The first Raisin Day took place in 1909 and was promoted by raisin growers in California. And, for those who forgot, raisins are nothing more than sun-dried grapes.

164 February Holidays and Observances

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164 February Holidays and Observances

Isn’t February the worst? Well, unless you can zoom to the Rockies for a couple of good ski days…

I know that there are some notable happenings like Black History Month, the long President’s Day Weekend, the Super Bowl, and multiple viewings of Groundhog Day. Overall though? You’re still coming down for the holidays, you’ve already broken your New Year’s Resolutions, and the weather is atrocious.

The good news? You can make the shortest month of the year more tolerable by celebrating the following holidays and observances.

February 1

  • Baked Alaska Day: Also known as omelette norvégienne. This decadent dessert is said to have originated at Delmonico’s Restaurant in New York City in 1876 to honor the newly acquired territory of Alaska.
  • Dark Chocolate Day: Do we really need a reason to celebrate dark chocolate? Not really. But, if you do, just know that dark chocolate contains nutrients that can improve your health and lower the risk of heart disease.
  • Freedom Day: It was on this historic day in 1865 when President Lincoln and a joint House and Senate resolution signed a resolution that would become the 13th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, which outlawed slavery.
  • Get Up Day: Following National Skating Month (January), the Get Up Campaign was launched in 2017 “to help skaters and non-skaters alike to recognize the grit, passion, and perseverance needed to Get Up in the rink and life every day.
  • Serpent Day: Personally, I’m terrified of snakes. But, I’m also a realist and realize how beneficial they are to the ecosystem.
  • No Politics Day: It’s normal to feel exhausted after an election. But, the 2020 Presidential Election, and the last four years overall, have been brutal. We all deserve a much-needed break from politics, even if it’s just for one day.
  • Texas Day: Back on February 1, 1863, a group of Texas delegates declared the Lone Star state’s secession from the Union. However, this wasn’t granted until February 23, 1861.

February 2

  • Candlemas: As defined by Britannica, this is a “Christian festival on February 2 commemorating the occasion when the Virgin Mary, in obedience to Jewish law, went to the Temple in Jerusalem both to be purified 40 days after the birth of her son, Jesus, and to present him to God as her firstborn (Luke 2:22–38).”
  • Groundhog Day: Did you know that Groundhog Day has its roots tied to Candlemas? Via History, on this day, the “clergy would bless and distribute candles needed for winter. The candles represented how long and cold the winter would be. Germans expanded on this concept by selecting an animal–the hedgehog–as a means of predicting the weather. Once they came to America, German settlers in Pennsylvania continued the tradition, although they switched from hedgehogs to groundhogs, which were plentiful in the Keystone State.”
  • Heavenly Hash Day: What the heck is a heavenly hash? It’s not what you think despite its title. Depending on the region, it can be a fruit salad, candy, or ice cream. The common ingredient, though, is marshmallows, marshmallow creme, or whip.
  • Rheumatoid Arthritis Awareness Day: According to the CDC, arthritis affects roughly one in four adults overall — which comes out to over 54 million Americans. To raise awareness, visit the Arthritis National Research Foundation.
  • Tater Tot Day: This tasty kitchen staple was invented back in 1953. We can thank F. Nephi Grigg and Golden Grigg, founders of Ore-Ida, who got creative with leftover pieces of potatoes.
  • Ukulele Day: Did you know that the Hawaiian nickname ukuleletranslates to “jumping flea” in English?
  • World Wetlands Day: This environmentally-related celebration dates back to 1971. For ideas on how to observe and spread awareness, head over to www.worldwetlandsday.org.

February 3

  • Carrot Cake Day: While this may seem like a more recent dessert, carrot cake can be traced back to a Medieval favorite simply known as carrot pudding.
  • Doggy Date Night: As a dog owner, I can proclaim that dogs are the best things on Earth. So, on this day, spend a little extra time with your best friend by taking them to the park. You could also take them on a long car ride or to get groomed.
  • Feed the Birds Day: To help birds survive the winter, fill-up a feeder with seeds and pick-up a new hobby like bird watching.
  • Girls and Women in Sports Day: 2021 marks the 35th Annual National Girls & Women in Sports Day (NGWSD). “Every year, this celebration inspires girls and women to play and be active, to realize their full power. ”
  • Missing Person’s Day: Approximately 2,300 Americans, both children, and adults, are reported missing daily. Visit sites like National Missing and Unidentified Persons System on how you can help.
  • The Day the Music Died Day: It was on this day in 1959 that Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens, and “The Big Bopper” passed away tragically in a plane crash.
  • Women Physicians Day: February 3rd is the birthday of Dr. Elizabeth Blackwell, who was the first woman to obtain a medical degree in the United States in 1849. 2021 will be her 200th birthday.

February 4

  • Create a Vacuum Day: The exact origins of this holiday are unknown, but you can celebrate it by learning more about the science of vacuums and/or sucking up those dust bunnies you’ve been neglecting.
  • Hemp Day: Fun fact, it used to be illegal not to grow hemp. For example, because it was such a valuable crop, the Assembly of Jamestown Colony in Virginia passed legislation in 1619 that required all farmers to grow Indian hemp seed.
  • Homemade Soup Day: Soups have been warming us from the inside for around 9000 years! Celebrate this day by making your favorite homemade soup.
  • Stuffed Mushroom Day: Stuffed mushrooms didn’t become featured at restaurants until the 1940s or 1950s. Back then, they were a delicacy.
  • Thank a Mail Carrier Day: Did you know that Benjamin Franklin was the first Postmaster General? That’s an awesome fact. But, now more than over, show your carrier how much you appreciate everything they do.
  • USO Day: The United Service Organizations was established on February 4, 1941, and has provided live entertainment and programs to members of the United States Armed Forces and their families since.
  • World Cancer Day: Created in 2000, this global initiative aims to reduce “the number of premature deaths from cancer and non-communicable diseases by one third by 2030.”

February 5

  • Bubble Gum Day: The first commercial bubble gum, Dubble Bubble, was invented in 1928 by Walter Diemer in Philadelphia.
  • Chocolate Fondue Day: Although fondue was billed as a national dish of Switzerland in 1875, chocolate fondue wasn’t invented until the early 1960s in New York City — by a Swiss, of course.
  • Give Kids A Smile Day: Launched in 2003 nationally by the American Dental Association, the Give Kids A Smile program has given more than 5 million underserved children free oral health services.
  • Shower with a Friend Day: You don’t have to literally do this; that would be awkward. In reality, this was a marketing ploy by a company that makes water filters “to encourage people to shower in filtered water that is free of chlorine.”
  • Wear Red Day: Celebrated on the first Friday in February, it’s suggested that you wear red to raise awareness about cardiovascular disease.
  • Weatherperson’s Day: “The day commemorated the birth of John Jeffries in 1744. Jeffries, one of America’s first weather observers, began taking daily weather observations in Boston in 1774, and he took the first balloon observation in 1784,” explainsthe National Weather Service.
  • World Nutella Day: I love this hazelnut cocoa spread, which has been around since 1964. Apparently, I’m not the only avid fan since the American blogger Sara Rosso established the first World Nutella Day on February 5, 2007.

February 6

  • Chopsticks Day: Here’s an interesting fact, cooks in China began using chopsticks to prepare food way back around 1200 B.V.
  • Frozen Yogurt Day: Believe it or not, yogurt has been around for about 5,000 years. However, frozen yogurt wasn’t a thing until H.P. Hood introduced “frogurt” in the 1970s.
  • Ice Cream for Breakfast Day: To entertain her children on a snowy day in the 1960s, Florence Rappaport in Rochester, New York, came up with this activity that has since become a global celebration.
  • Lame Duck Day: This day recognizes the ratification of the 20th Amendment, aka the Lame Duck Amendment.
  • Pay a Compliment Day: Created by Adrienne Koopersmith, on February 6, 1995, this day is all about giving “genuine and soulful compliments” to others.
  • Play Outside Day: Celebrated on the first Saturday of every month, you should spend the day outside as much as possible. It will do wonders for your health and wellbeing.
  • Take Your Child to the Library Day: 2021 marks the 10th Anniversary of the holiday where you and your family should, well, visit and support your local library.

February 7

  • Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day: “The first National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day (NBHAAD) was marked in 1999 as a grassroots-education effort to raise awareness about HIV and AIDS prevention, care, and treatment in communities of color,” explains HIV.gov.
  • Dump Your Significant Jerk Day: How can you observe this day? It’s simple. Finally, end that toxic relationship you’ve been once and for all.
  • Fettuccine Alfredo Day: Fettuccine with butter has been a recipe in Italy since the 15th-century. However, the dish that we’re more familiar with was invented by Alfredo di Lelio in Rome in 1892.
  • Periodic Table Day: Why celebrate the Periodic Table on this day? Well, it’s the publication date of the first table of elements.
  • Send a Card to a Friend Day: If we’ve learned anything from COVID-19, it’s how important staying in touch with others has been. So, why not sit down and write a handwritten letter to a friend, family member, or co-worker just for the heck of it.
  • Super Bowl LV (55): The big game will be a little different this year, but you’re probably going to be close to one of the 100 million watching when it goes down at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa at 6:30 p.m. ET.
  • Wave All Your Fingers at Your Neighbor Day: Even if you don’t have the best relationship with all of your neighbors, greet them with a big wave to show your appreciation or to just put a smile on their face.

February 8

  • Boy Scout Anniversary Day: On this day in 1910, the Boy Scouts of America were incorporated.
  • Clean Out Your Computer Day: Falling on the second Monday in February, the Institute of Business Technology started this in 2000 to remind people to organize and declutter their computer, as well as backup all of your programs.
  • Football Hangover Day: While relatively newer, it became official in 2019; this has been observed since 1967, football fans are encouraged to recover if they overindulged the night before.
  • Iowa Day: Spend the day learning about the Hawkeye State, which became the 29th state back in 1846.
  • Kite Flying Day: Did you know that kites date back to China in 470 B.C.?
  • Laugh and Get Rich Day: Laughter truly is the best medicine as it boosts your immune system, improves cardiac health, increases endorphins, and strengthens relationships. As such, find ways to laugh as much as possible on this day.

February 9

  • Bagels and Lox Day: A perfect excuse to enjoy this Jewish-American tradition by devouring a bagel topped with cream cheese, lox, red onion, and capers.
  • Cut the Cord Day: Sling, a live TV streaming service, introduced the first-ever, official National Cut the Cord Day in 2020 to celebrate its fifth anniversary.
  • Extraterrestrial Culture/Visitor Day: Recognizes the UFO incident that occurred in Roswell, New Mexico, in 1947 by celebrating past, present, and future relationships with extraterrestrial visitors.
  • Pizza Day: Since pizza is my favorite food, I already have this marked on my calendar. But, did you know that pizza can be traced back to the 10th Century in Naples, Italy?
  • National Toothache Day: Definitely a weird and unusual holiday. It’s meant to remind you to book an appointment with your dentist.
  • Read in the Bathtub Day: We could all use a little self-care these days. And, what better way to do that than by enjoying a good book while soaking in a bathtub?
  • Safer Internet Day U.S.: This day is meant to promote safe, positive, and responsible technology use. After the last couple of years, this is a must. Head over to https://saferinternetday.us/ for more information.

February 10

  • All The News That’s Fit To Print Day: In 1897, Adolph S. Ochs, owner of the New York Times, first printed the newspaper’s famous motto, “All the news that’s fit to print.”
  • Cream Cheese Brownie Day: Brownies have been around since the 1800s. However, the first documented recipe in 1906 in The Boston Cooking-School Cook Book.
  • Flannel Day: I’m a big fan of flannel here. So, I did a little digging and found out that the fabric originated in Wales around the 16th Century.
  • Home Warranty Day: Homeowners have been observing this holiday since 2016. Adding it to your calendar will remind them to review their policies. And to make sure that they have the appropriate coverage.
  • Teddy Day: In 1902, a political cartoon by Clifford Berryman lampooned Theodore Roosevelt’s bear hunting trip — here refused to shot a bear that was tied to a tree. This inspired Morris Michtom, a Brooklyn candy shop owner, to create a stuffed animal known as “Teddy’s Bear.”
  • Umbrella Day: Did you know that umbrellas have been around for 4000 years? They were first discovered in the historical Mesopotamia region in Western Asia.
  • World Pulses Day: “World Pulses Day is a designated United Nations global event to recognize the importance of pulses (chickpeas, dry beans, lentils, dry peas and lupins among others) as a global food,” states the Global Pulse Confederation. “It has been proclaimed on February 10 of each year since 2019 by the General Assembly of the United Nations on December 20, 2018.”

February 11

  • Don’t Cry Over Spilled Milk Day: The jest behind this holiday is to stop fussing over things that can’t be undone. As such, it’s the perfect day to let go of regrets and learn from past mistakes.
  • Get Out Your Guitar Day: It’s believed that the guitar originated in Spain sometime in the 16th century deriving from a late-medieval instrument with a waisted body and four strings known as the guitarra latina.
  • Inventors’ Day: First proclaimed by President Ronald Reagan in 1983, this event takes place on the birthday of Thomas Edison.
  • Make a Friend Day: The key to health, happiness, and a long life? Friendships. So, go out and make some new friends on this day!
  • Peppermint Patty Day: These minty and tasty treats have been around since 1940, thanks to the York Cone Company based in Pennsylvania. The company merged with Hershey in 1988.
  • Shut-In Visitation Day: Over the last year, I would say that many of us have become shut-ins. And, that type of isolation isn’t good for our health and wellbeing. Spend the day contacting others or stopping by — even if you’re socially distancing and wearing masks.
  • White Shirt Day: Why observe this holiday? It commemorates the historic auto worker strike that ended on February 11, 1937, resulting in GM recognizing the United Autoworkers Union.

February 12

  • Chinese New Year: For the uninitiated, the Chinese New Year is a festival celebrating the beginning of a new year based on the traditional lunar calendar. Also, in 2021, it is the year of the Ox.
  • Darwin Day: Did you know that Charles Darwin was born on the same day as Abraham Lincoln on February 12, 1809?
  • Georgia Day: It was on this day in 1733 that the Province of Georgia was founded. The Peach State would become the 13th Colony and 4th state to enter the Union.
  • Lost One Penny Day: Pennies don’t get much love these days. But, they have a long history. In fact, it was Benjamin Franklin who designed the first penny and introduced it in 1787.
  • NAACP Day: Founded in 1909, the NAACP is the oldest and largest civil rights organization in the United States
  • Plum Pudding Day: Not really sure why we celebrate Christmas pudding in February, but if you’re feeling festive, give this English plum pudding recipe a try.

February 13

  • Break Up With Your Carrier Day: Made official by T-Mobile, the company promises to make it as painless as possible to break-up with your current wireless provider.
  • Cheddar Day: This holiday was created in 2019 by cheese manufacturer Tillamook. It celebrates one of the most famous cheeses in the States.
  • Galentine’s Day: As Parks and Recs fans know, this holiday was created by Leslie Knope. “Every February 13, my lady friends and I leave our husbands and our boyfriends at home, and we just come and kick it, breakfast-style,” Leslie explained in the “Galentine’s Day” episode. “Ladies celebrating, ladies.”
  • Tortellini Day: While disputed, both Bologna and Modena, located in Italy’s Emilia-Romagna region, claim to be the birthplace of tortellini. Regardless, celebrate the day by whipping up this delish homemade recipe.
  • World Radio Day: Proclaimed in 2011 by the Member States of UNESCO and adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in 2012 as an International Day, it’s encouraged that we learn about the evolution, innovation, and connection of radio.

February 14

  • Cream-Filled Chocolate Day: Would it be easier to just buy these at the store? Probably. But, you think if you make your own homemade filled chocolates, you’ll definitely be earning some brownie points.
  • Douglass Day: As explained over at douglassday.org, this “is a holiday that began around the turn of the 20th century. After the passing of Frederick Douglass in 1895, Black communities across the U.S. gathered to celebrate his birthday every year on February 14th.” It’s believed that this would serve as the inspiration for Black History Month.
  • Ferris Wheel Day: Did you know that the world’s largest Ferris wheel is in Las Vegas. Appropriately known as the High Roller, it stands at 550 ft. (168 m)?
  • Organ Donor Day: If you haven’t done so yet, add this to your calendar so that you can register to become an organ donor.
  • Quirkyalone Day: Despite the misconception, this isn’t an anti-Valentine’s Day. Rather, Quirkyalone Day is all about celebrating self-love regardless if you’re single or not.
  • Valentines Day: Before he was known as Cupid, he was known to the ancient Greeks as Eros, the god of love.

February 15

  • Angelman Syndrome Day: Via the Angelman Syndrome Foundation, “(AS) is a rare neuro-genetic disorder that occurs in one in 15,000 live births or 500,000 people worldwide. It is caused by a loss of function of the UBE3A gene in the 15th chromosome derived from the mother.”
  • Gumdrop Day: Purportedly, Percy Trusdale invented gumdrops in 1801.
  • Presidents Day: Fun fact, President’s Days doesn’t fall on the birthday of Washing or Lincoln — or William Henry Harrison or Regan, who also have birthdays this month. Instead, it’s celebrated on the third Monday of the month thanks to the Uniform Monday Holiday Act.
  • Singles Awareness Day: Were you alone on the 14th? No worries. Today is the day for singles to celebrate.
  • Susan B. Anthony Day: Born on this day in 1820, Susan B. Anthony is remembered for her role in the women’s suffrage movement — which paved the way for the 19th Amendment. But, were you aware that she was arrested for illegally voting in the 1872 presidential election.
  • Wisconsin Day: The Badger State became the 30th state in 1848 but the first European. French explorer Jean Nicolet visited back in 1634.

February 16

  • Almond Day: Although originally from central and southwest Asia, 80 percent of the world’s almonds are now grown in California.
  • Do A Grouch a Favor Day: Sure. Big Bird might have come up with this idea on “Sesame Street.” But, if there’s an Oscar in your life, do something nice for them.
  • Fat Tuesday/Mardi Gras: Falling on the day before Ash Wednesday, Mardi Gras is French for Fat Tuesday and is the culmination of Carnival.
  • Paczki Day: Our friends in the Midwest may be familiar with this holiday. But, if you’re not, it’s a Polish-style pastry that is traditionally filled with prunes. It falls on the same day as Fat Tuesday, so that you can splurge before fasting for Lent.
  • Pancake Day: Also known as Shrive Tuesday in the UK, it’s another traditional feast day prior to Lent.

February 17

  • Ash Wednesday: In the scheme of things, Ash Wednesday is relatively new, with the first ceremonies taking place sometime in the 11th Century CE. Also, here in the U.S., it didn’t gain mainstream popularity with Christians until the 1970s.
  • Cabbage Day: Did you know that there are more than 400 varieties of cabbage? Time to start trying them out since cabbage is loaded with Vitamin C, proven to be a cancer determent, and provides headache relief.
  • My Way Day: Today is the day that you tap into your inner Frank Sinatra and do things your way.
  • Random Acts of Kindness Day: Doing and witnessing kindness gives us hope, increases happiness, and can make the world a slightly better place. If you need some inspiration, visit the Random Acts of Kindness Foundation.
  • World Human Day: Started in 2003 by Michael Levy of Point of Life, everyone is encouraged to meditate for two minutes at 3 pm Eastern Time to find the true spirit of freedom and peace that lives within us all.

February 18

  • Battery Day: My man Ben Franklin has popped up several times already. And, here he is again. After all, he coined the term “battery in 1748. However, it referred to “charged glass plates.”
  • Crab Stuffed Flounder Day: Did you know that there are 100 different species of flatfish known as flounder. Celebrate the day by making this crab-stuffed flounder recipe from the Food Network.
  • Cow Milked While Flying In An Airplane Day: What’s this obscure holiday about? Well, on February 18, 1931, Elm Farm Ollie became the first cow to fly and be milked in flight during the International Air Exposition in St. Louis, Missouri.
  • Drink Wine Day: Drink Wine Day has been taking place for over 8,000 years, originating in the Eurasian region — this is in modern-day Georgia — the country, not the state.
  • Pluto Day: Discovered in 1930, the ninth planet has been on quite the journey. In 1992, its planet status was questioned. And, then in 2004, it was degraded to a dwarf planet.

February 19

  • Chocolate Mint Day: Here’s a fun fact for all my fellow chocolate mint lovers out there, the Girl Scouts began selling their most popular cookies, Thin Mint, in 1953.
  • Caregiver’s Day: Since 2016, the third Friday of February is reserved to give props to selfless professional caregivers.
  • Lashes Day: Did you know that people have focused on eyelashes since around 4000 BCE?
  • Tug of War Day: Tug of war has been practiced worldwide, particularly in Cambodia, ancient Egypt, Greece, India, and China. for centuries. And, it was even a part of the Olympic Games from 1900 until 1920.
  • Vet Girls RISE Day: Founded in 2019, this day aims to bring awareness and provide opportunities to the contributions of women veterans — which they’ve been doing since the Revolutionary War.

February 20

  • Cherry Pie Day: While Morello cherries are preferred when making pies, you can also use black or Montmorency cherries as well. To see for yourself, try out this classic cherry pie recipe from Natasha’s Kitchen.
  • Love Your Pet Day: Those of us who have a pet typically have lower stress, are more active, and happier. Return the favor on this day by going on an extra-long walk, giving them a special treat, taking them to the groomer, and making sure that their vaccines are up-to-do-date.
  • Muffin Day: In print, the word muffin first appeared in 1703 and was spelled moofin. But, enough with the history. Here are 60 muffin recipes you can put to good use on this day.
  • World Day for Social Justice: First observed in 2009, the UN General Assembly has named February 20 as the annual World Day of Social Justice. Spend the day educating yourself and discussing issues like gender equality, human rights, poverty, and social protection.
  • World Whale Day: Whales, they’re just like us! These majestic mammals breathe, have warm-blood, feed their young, play, sing, grieve, and cooperate with each other.

February 21

  • Card Reading Day: No, this isn’t about Tarot card reading. Instead, it’s getting sentimental and reading any greeting cards that you’ve saved.
  • Grain-Free Day: For some, a grain-free diet has health benefitslike reducing inflammation, enhancing weight loss, and lower blood pressure. And, it’s a must for those who are allergic to wheat or have celiac disease.
  • International Mother Language Day: First announced on November 17, 1999, by UNESCO, this annual observance is meant to promote awareness of linguistic and cultural diversity, as well as multilingualism.
  • Sticky Bun Day: Originally known as “Schnecken,” a German word. It’s not surprising that it’s believed that these tasty treats were brought to Pennsylvania by German settlers.

February 22

  • Be Humble Day: ” Don’t be humble. You’re not that great.” — Golda Meir
  • Cook a Sweet Potato Day: Despite their name, sweet potatoes are not potatoes. They’re a root vegetable in the morning glory family.
  • Margarita Day: While there are several variations of this refreshing drink, “the basic recipe is Blanco Tequila (though reposado is a popular and delicious variation), mixed with lime juice and orange liqueur, often served in a glass with a salted rim,” writes Kara Newman for Wine Enthusiast.
  • Recreational Sports & Fitness Day: In honor of the 50th Anniversary of NIRSA: Leaders in Collegiate Recreation, the first-ever Recreational Sports & Fitness Day began on February 22, 1999.
  • Walking the Dog Day: Here’s something to share with your fellow dog owners when walking your four-legged best friend. Jim Buck is credited as the first professional dog walker in New York City in 1960.
  • World Thinking Day: Since 1926, the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts (WAGGGS), along with Girl Scouts of the USA and the other WAGGGS member organizations, have celebrated what it means to be a peacebuilder.

February 23

February 24

  • Inconvenience Yourself Day: You might assume that this an odd holiday where you put yourself into precarious situations. In actuality, it’s about helping others, like shoveling the snow from your elderly neighbor’s walkway.
  • Tortilla Chip Day: If you’re a devourer of tortilla chips, like yours truly, today is the day to overindulge. And, if you’re curious, it’s believed that Rebecca Webb Carranza invented tortilla chips in Los Angeles in the 1940s.
  • World Bartender Day: You might not have patronized your favorite watering hole lately, but you can still support your bartender on this day however you see fit. After all, bartending is one of the oldest professions going back to the 1400s!

February 25

  • Chili Day: The first written recipe for chili con carne dates back to 1519! Head over to National Chili Day for more trivia and recipes to try on this day.
  • Chocolate Covered Nut Day: Goobers are believed to be the first chocolate-covered peanut candy in 1925.
  • Clam Chowder Day: The debate between New England and Manhattan clam chowders has been so heated that in “1939, a Maine legislator introduced a bill outlawing the use of tomatoes in chowder.”
  • Introduce a Girl to Engineering Day: Engineers Week has been going strong since 1951. On this particular day, however, the focus is on inspiring girls to get into engineering.
  • Toast Day: On the last Thursday of the month, enjoy a slice of toast with jam, Avocado, or cinnamon and sugar.

February 26

  • For Pete’s Sake Day: The idiom, “For Pete’s sake,” originated as a substitute for “for Christ’s sake. Since the early 1900s, though, it’s been used as a replacement for any profane expression.
  • Pistachio Day: I have no problem finding an excuse to crack open some pistachios or consume pistachio ice cream or gelato. After all, they’re delicious and packed with antioxidants and nutrients like potassium and B6.
  • Skip the Straw Day: On average, we use 1.6 straws per day. If you weren’t aware, that’s terrible for the environment and wildlife, ranging from birds, fish, and turtles. On this day, avoid using plastic straws and purchase more sustainable options. You could also ask local eateries to not automatically provide plastic straws.
  • Tell a Fairy Tale Day: Researchers have found tales that date back to the Bronze Age!
  • Yukon Heritage Day: Since 1976, people in the territory spend the day celebrating with activities like the Sourdough Rendezvous. There’s also a fiddle contest, snow sculptures, and air show. It falls on the Friday before the last Sunday in February.

February 27

  • Anosmia Awareness Day: Launched in 2012, this day is meant to spread awareness about the loss of smell. Since this is a symptom of COVID, there may be more attention to this condition than in previous years.
  • International Polar Bear Day: PBI “founded the day to coincide with the time period when polar bear moms and cubs are snug in their dens. As part of our celebration, we focus on the need to protect denning families across the Arctic.”
  • No Brainer Day: This fun and made-up holiday encourages all of us to stop overanalyzing, do less, and take it easy.
  • Pokémon Day: It was on this day in 1995 when the world was first introduced to Pokémon. At the time, this was a game on the original Game Boy.
  • Retro Day: The jest behind this holiday is to revisit a time when we weren’t glued to our phones and internet. It also gives us a reason to dust off our favorite clothing, gadgets, music, and movies from back-in-the-day. However, you don’t need to wait until February 27 to do this if you frequently use these 10 strategies to reduce screen time.
  • Strawberry Day: Did you know that strawberries are the only fruit that has their seeds on the outside?

February 28

  • Chocolate Souffle Day: Vincent La Chapelle authored the recipe for omelette soufflée in Le Cuisinier Moderne in 1742. If you want to attempt to make your own chocolate souffle day to honor this day, check out this instructional video.
  • Floral Design Day: This day celebrates the birthday of Carl Rittner. He was the founder of the Rittner School of Floral Design in Boston. In 1995 Massachusetts governor William F. Weld proclaimed it an official holiday.
  • Golden Globes: Hosted by Tina Fey and Amy Poehler for the fourth time. You can watch the 78th Golden Globes on NBC.
  • Public Sleeping Day: Naps can restore alertness and provide an energy boost to get through the rest of the day. If only this was encouraged every day and not just once a year. Sigh.
  • Rare Disease Day: Did you know that 1 in 20 people will live with a rare disease at some point in their life? That’s why this day is so important to spread awareness about rare diseases.
  • Tooth Fairy Day: The Tooth Fairy that we’re familiar with can be credited to Esther Watkins Arnold. She wrote a playlet for children in 1927. However, myths involving baby teeth have been around for centuries.

9 Ways to Bring in Business Around the Holidays

By | Business Tips | No Comments

The holiday season is a “love it or hate it” time for businesses. Some industries are overloaded during these short months, as demand skyrockets for popular gifts. Others, like lawn care, experience the opposite effect, seeing a dramatic decline until the weather warms up again.

Whether you’re balancing an increased workload or trying to stay busy until spring, one thing is for sure: Optimizing your holiday workload is a matter of managing your time effectively. 

Adjust Your Appointment Slots

Your scheduling software is essential for perfecting your workload. To accommodate a greater volume of appointments, you can add new time slots into your software. If you can’t cut the margin of time between appointments, make space by extending your company’s hours. 

Another strategy to maximize each appointment is to extend its length. If you can squeeze more services into each appointment, then you might be able to bring in more revenue by booking fewer customers each day. 

Focus on Safety

The 2020 holiday season will be unique due to COVID-19. Business will put a premium on making customers feel safe and welcome. To encourage yours to drop by, focus on your office protocols.

Enforcing a PPE policy, cleaning regularly, and enabling social distancing are all measures you can take to promote a safe and healthy environment. The safer you can make customers feel, the more appointments you will be able to book.

Look to Seasonal Workers

If your business is seeing a huge influx of appointments in preparation for the holidays, you might need to expand your team temporarily. Seasonal workers can help your team handle the extra influx of customers.

What if your full-time employees are trained professionals — the sort that can’t easily be replaced by seasonal hires? Consider hiring students in their respective fields as assistants. Surely, these employees can help with logistical tasks, such as organization and cleanup. A mechanic who doesn’t have to clean the shop floor afterward can service more vehicles, for instance. 

Tighten Your No-Show Policy

With the holiday rush, you might be turning away more customers than normal. Instead of saying “no” to those who book and show up on time, tighten up your no-show policy.

This feeds two birds with one scone: Not only does it discourage bad customer behavior, but it shows appreciation to those who follow the rules. Just be sure to post your updated no-show rules in obvious places, such as on your door and the homepage of your website.

Hold a Holiday Promotion

If your appointment schedule looks a little bare, it’s time to whip out a classic holiday promotion. Nothing gets consumers more excited this time of year than discounts.

Your promotion of choice can be as simple as a price cut or as complex as a referral program. When in doubt, ask your customers: Would they rather save a little on every purchase, or save a lot when they bring a friend to your place of business? 

Whatever you choose, advertise the deal as widely as you can. Email it to your customer list. Post it on social media. Ask your partners to mention it to their own clients. 

Add a Gifting Option

Not everyone you meet will be interested in your promotion or services, but they might know someone who is. To expand your reach and fill your appointment slots, add a gifting option. 

Most companies do this with a simple gift card. You can go that route, or you can add your own flair by putting together gift baskets that can be purchased and distributed. Include in each basket a gift card along with some holiday treats or products from your partners. 

Go Mobile

If your line of work allows for it, take your business on the road to expand your holiday reach. For example, massage therapists can set up shop at malls to reel in shoppers for walk-in sessions.

Use this opportunity to promote your permanent location. Make a good impression, and you’ll convert what would’ve been one-time customers to regulars.

Lean on Walk-Ins

Under normal circumstances, relying on walk-in appointments is an inefficient way to run your business. However, if your appointments are few and far between, you can use walk-ins as a way to increase your revenue. 

On days when you don’t have many appointments booked, post online that you have a lot of availability. Offer a walk-in deal to the first few customers who arrive. Encourage them to tell their friends.

Say Thanks

To your loyal customers, send out a holiday message to thank them for their loyalty. This is a great way to recognize their loyalty and to remind them that it may be time for another visit. 

Another approach is to highlight your top customers on your social media pages. People love public recognition even more than a private “thank you.”

Be proactive this holiday season. Don’t just deck the halls; deck your schedule. By the time Christmas comes, you’ll be counting your blessings. 

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