We love to celebrate, don’t we?! From the mundane to the magnificent, there are a multitude of moments to memorialize. January has a variety of ‘weird’ holidays to bring in the new year.
To name a few:
January 1 – Besides the fact that it’s the first day of a new year, it’s also the day to celebrate any person, place or thing that begins with the letter Z. Such zaniness!
January 2 – Is set aside as the occasion to honor our feline friends - Happy Mew Year!
January 3 – Fruitcake Toss Day – no explanation needed.
January 4 – National Trivia Day – for example, if anyone asks you about weird holidays, you’ve got an answer.
January 7 – National Old Rock Day – no, not your dad, this honors fossils and rock formations.
January 7 - And if honoring rocks are not your thing, January 7 also celebrates National Thank God it’s Monday! Day. Thankful for Monday? Now that IS really weird.
January 14 – National Dress up your Pet Day. There’s only ONE day dedicated to this?
January 16 – National Nothing Day. Go forth, and do nothing!
January 20 – Penguin Awareness Day. To help get you started, did you know that unlike most birds, penguins molt all at once in a two or three week period called the catastrophic molt. The Gentoo Penguin can swim up to 22 mph. Despite no visible ears, penguins have excellent hearing and recognize distinct calls from their mate. BONUS: Now you’re ready for next year’s National Trivia Day!
January 21 – National Hugging Day. Awwwwwww…
January 22 – Answer Your Cat’s Questions Day. Who knew cats had questions?
January 23 – National Handwriting Day. Write your grandma today!
January 24 – National Compliment Day. You’ll do a fantastic job at this - and you look marvelous in that outfit!
January 28 – Bubble Wrap Appreciation Day – Did you know it was created to be wallpaper?
January 31 – It’s my birthday!!
Speaking of Celebrations
Did you know that this year marks a very special birthday (besides mine)? On July 26, 2020, the ADA will be 30 years old! Some might ask, “What’s the big deal? I still can’t get into my local grocery store!” True that. Someone said, “the secret to getting ahead is to focus your energy not on fixing and fighting yesterday, but on building and growing something new right now.” So for a moment, let’s reflect on the accomplishments since 1990, such as:
- Sign language interpreters are more routinely provided for deaf individuals.
- Accessible formats are available for those who need materials in something besides a visual/written format.
- Service animals are more commonly recognized and allowed into appropriate venues.
- New buildings are being built using the ADA Standards and getting it right the first time.
- Employers are providing reasonable accommodations for employees who need them.
There are many, many more examples of how our society has changed for the positive because of the ADA. What have you experienced that has improved your life, or the life of someone you know/love?
A New Day Just for You
As a matter of fact, since it appears that anybody can proclaim a national holiday about anything they fancy, I proclaim whenever you read this as “What the ADA has Done for You” Day! Take a moment to “stop and smell the roses” (more trivia: official celebration for Rose Day is February 7) and ponder why you are happy that the ADA is the law of the land. And remember, January 23 is National Handwriting Day. So demonstrate good penmanship and write them down - we’d love to read your comments!
Ideas for celebrating the ADA 30th Anniversary throughout the year.