Since today is the first day of November, I thought I’d provide you a list of offbeat things you can celebrate on their “special” days this month.
The source of these dates contains 30 different occasions worth considering, but it appears the list is from a previous year because mentions of the dates for Thanksgiving are clearly not in line with 2012. Most of the occasions, however, are listed as always being tied to a specific date, and that’s what matters.
Of the 30, here are the most interesting options for me:
1. Sandwich Day
Every November 3rd.
The story of the invention of the sandwich dates back to the 18th century when the 4th Earl of Sandwich needed a way to eat but not spend too much time away from the gambling tables of London’s gambling parlors. So he came up with the idea of putting meat between bread so he could “carry” the food with him and keep gambling. You’re encourage to celebrate the Earl’s ingenuity by creating some great new sandwich or experimenting with old favorites. It’s been a while since I’ve had a classic grilled cheese, and for me, sometimes it’s the simplest joys that bring the biggest satisfaction. I think I know what I’m having for lunch on Saturday!
2. Cook Something Bold Day
Every November 8th.
Since houses are closed up to keep families warm in the chilly weather, cooking something “bold” at this time of year is more likely to fill up the house with warm, “homey” odors. It’s a nice idea, but if my dad was the one doing the cooking, those “homey” odors would probably be enough to make you want to find a new home. I think I’ll look for something I haven’t tried cooking before, but only within reason.
3. Dunce Day
Also Every November 8th.
A medieval scholar, Duns Scotus of Duns, Scotland came up with what was not the greatest of ideas that forever associated him with idiocy: the “dunce cap.” On the anniversary of his death in 1308, one can celebrate his “accomplishment” one of two ways: by wearing the pointed cap that he believed would funnel knowledge down into the head of the wearer (!!!) or by trying to make a positive out of his search for knowledge by finding something new to learn. I think I prefer the latter.
4. Chicken Soup for the Soul Day
Every November 12th.
Based upon the series of motivational books, Chicken Soup for the Soul, this day was created to be “a celebration of who you are, where you’ve been, where you’re going and who you will be thankful to when you get there.” I think the last two are far more important than the first two, so I think that’s what I’ll focus on during this particular day.
5. Clean Out Your Refrigerator Day
Every November 15th.
No one knows exactly who invented this day or why, but the speculation makes a lot of sense: encouraging everyone to clean out their fridge a week or so before Thanksgiving makes room for the inevitable Tupperware collection that will house those tasty leftovers from turkey day. I’ve actually been in the process of cleaning out mine over the past couple of weeks, making sure I’m using up what’s still good as I toss things that have either reached their expiration date or are no longer recognizable.
6. Great American Smokeout Day
Every Third Thursday of November
This year, the Great American Smokeout coincides with Clean Out Your Refrigerator Day, which may help people who are trying to quit smoking not gain weight. But seriously, folks, I truly don’t understand why people still smoke. It’s proven to be so unhealthy that it just doesn’t make sense to me. Granted, one might argue that because I’m overweight, I shouldn’t talk about smokers. The difference is that I’m actually trying to lose weight, and that when I’m actually full, I don’t keep eating. So there.
7. Stay at Home Because You are Well Day
Every November 30th.
If you’re the kind who likes to play hooky, this is apparently the day for you. This is actually a “copyrighted” holiday, according to the source website. I’m not sure that you can “copyright” a holiday; perhaps they should look into registering it as a trademark instead. In any case, I’m not the kind to call in sick when I’m really not sick, because the guilt would bug me all day, even if I don’t like the agenda I’d otherwise be facing at the office. So on November 30th of this year (a Friday), I imagine I’ll be sitting at work wondering what it’d be like it I weren’t.
Those are the ones that jump out at me (besides Veterans Day and Thanksgiving, of course). Which ones are your favorite of the year?
1 Like
Ok, I have to share this with others. Btw, are you doing the post a blog a day challenge? :)
@audaciouslady Thanks for the share. Actually haven't heard of the post-a-day challenge, but then I try to post something nearly every day (if I have something to say, that is) anyway. :)
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Patrick is a television producer, writer, Mac lover, and Christian, though not necessarily in that order. He has a natural dislike of double standards and poor grammar.
