Monday, September 16, 2024
From National Cheese Pizza Day to International Talk Like a Pirate Day, September is packed with quirky, lesser-known, unique holidays that offer a chance to explore new traditions and create memorable moments with family and friends.
While Labor Day kicks off the month with widespread recognition, this list focuses on the more unusual, often overlooked holidays that add a bit of whimsy to the days ahead.
Here’s a glimpse into some of the oddest, and perhaps most delightful, holidays September has to offer.
EAT AN EXTRA DESSERT DAY — SEPT. 4
This playful holiday encourages everyone to savor a second helping of dessert, whether after dinner, with lunch, or even as a replacement for a meal altogether.
While it’s a day to enjoy your favorite sugary treats, it’s also an opportunity to get creative in the kitchen by redesigning a classic dessert into a healthier version. By swapping ingredients to add a nutritious twist, you can celebrate without the guilt.
The word "dessert" comes from the French "desservir," meaning "to clear the table," according to TimeandDate.com. After the main meal is cleared, dessert is served as a sweet finale, making it the perfect treat to end a meal. Dessert lovers unite for a double dose of deliciousness!
BE LATE FOR SOMETHING DAY — SEPT. 5
Sept. 5 is a day to embrace the benefits of being fashionably late with Be Late for Something day, a holiday established by the Procrastinators’ Club of America in 1956.
Founded by Les Waas, the club created this observance to encourage people to see the positive side of tardiness. NationalDayCalendar.com explains that intentionally being late can reduce stress and anxiety by allowing you to slow down and focus on the present.
Whether spending extra time with loved ones or pausing to enjoy a beautiful scene, taking a moment for yourself can be mentally refreshing. Inspired by famous procrastinators like Marlon Brando and Lindsay Lohan, today is the perfect day to give yourself permission to be late—on purpose—and experience the calming effect it can have.
NATIONAL CHEESE PIZZA DAY — SEPT 5
This day is all about honoring the classic flatbread topped with a generous layer of melted cheese over a savory tomato sauce and herbs, according to NationalDayArchives.com.
Originating as an humble dish for Italian peasants in Naples, the early pizza lacked tomatoes, which only arrived in Europe in the 16th century; it was topped with oils, herbs and cheese.
To mark the occasion, pizza enthusiasts can indulge in a delicious cheese pizza, taking advantage of special discounts at local pizzerias or crafting their own version at home. Experimenting with different cheeses such as gouda, feta or gruyere alongside the traditional mozzarella can add a new twist to the classic.
Don’t forget to snap a selfie with your pizza and share it on social media to show off your cheese pizza love!
FIGHT PROCRASTINATION DAY — SEPT. 6
Sept. 6 marks Fight Procrastination Day, a day established in 2009 by Megan Roth to combat the habit of delaying tasks and missing opportunities.
Procrastination, known as “akrasia” by ancient Greek philosophers like Socrates and Aristotle, has long been a challenge. Today, experts like Iordan Tsonev, author of “7 Different Ways to Beat Procrastination,” and funny speaker, Tim Urban, creator of the blog Wait But Why, offer strategies such as recognizing the problem, setting goals and understanding the psychology behind procrastination. This day serves as a reminder to take control, reclaim time and start making progress.
WONDERFUL WEIRDOS’ DAY — SEPT 9
Wonderful Weirdos Day — Sept. 9 — is a celebration of all things unique and unconventional. NationalDayCalendar.com encourages people to embrace their quirks by dressing in eccentric outfits, listening to unusual music, watching offbeat movies, and eating strange foods.
This day honors figures like Salvador Dalí, known for his flamboyant style and surreal art, and Lady Gaga, celebrated for her bold fashion and artistic boundary-pushing.
As the saying goes, “Being weird is like being different, which means being interesting, and if you’re interesting, you’re never going to be bored or boring.” Embrace your individuality and celebrate what makes you wonderfully weird!
NATIONAL VIDEO GAMES DAY — SEPT. 12
National Video Games Day, a time to celebrate the incredible evolution of gaming from its early beginnings to its modern-day triumphs. First noted in the publication, ‘Chase’s Calendar of Events’ in 1991 and later moved from July 8, this day honors milestones like Ralph Baer’s 1967 “Brown Box,” the iconic Atari 2600, and games like “Pac-Man” and “Super Mario Bros.”
Today, video games are enjoyed on everything from consoles to tablets, as highlighted by TheIndianExpress.com. Players can dive into their favorite games, host a gaming party, or even try out new releases to join the celebration. Recognize the day by streaming on platforms like Twitch, participating in a gaming tournament, or visiting a local arcade.
The day also shines a light on gaming stars like Tyler “Ninja” Blevins, who became a millionaire through his success in Fortnite, and Johan “N0tail” Sundstein, whose Dota 2 victories have made him one of the highest-earning esports players ever. National Video Games Day is a perfect chance to enjoy gaming in all its forms and support gaming charities.
UNCLE SAM DAY — SEPT 13
Sept. 13 marks Uncle Sam Day, a celebration officially recognized by Congress in 1989 to honor one of America’s most iconic symbols. The date coincides with the birthday of Samuel Wilson, born Sept. 13, 1776. Wilson is believed to be the inspiration behind Uncle Sam.
According to HolidayInsights.com, during the War of 1812, soldiers near Troy, New York, received barrels of meat stamped with “U.S.” from Wilson, leading them to humorously nickname him “Uncle Sam.” This theory gained official recognition in 1961 when Congress authorized a monument in Troy to honor Wilson.
Another theory suggests that Irish immigrants contributed to the name, abbreviating “Stáit Aontaithe Mheiriceá” (United States of America) as “SAM.”
The most famous depiction of Uncle Sam was created by artist James Montgomery Flagg. It features an older man in a red, white and blue top hat pointing directly at viewers with the message “I Want YOU for the U.S. Army,” a powerful recruitment tool and symbol of patriotic pride.
Celebrating Uncle Sam Day is a chance to explore this rich history and reflect on the enduring impact of this emblematic figure.
COLLECT ROCKS DAY — SEPT 16
Collect Rocks Day celebrates the fascinating world of geology and rock collection. This day traces its origins back to 1788 when a Scottish geologist, often referred to as the "Father of Modern Geology” published his findings. James Hutton’s groundbreaking publication “Theory of the Earth” first explored the formation of Earth through natural forces, sparking interest in rocks.
The significance of rocks was further amplified in 1969 when Apollo 11 astronauts returned with the first lunar rock samples.
Officially, celebrations began in 2015, but the day’s origins remain a mystery. On Collect Rocks Day, teachers can blend education and fun by taking students on a rock-hunting adventure in parks, forests, or even the backyard and incorporating lessons on different rock types and their formation. To add a musical twist, DaysoftheYear.com suggests enjoying rock-themed tunes like “Rock You Like a Hurricane” by Scorpions, “We Will Rock You” by Queen, “Rock with You” by Michael Jackson, and “Crocodile Rock” by Elton John, while exploring.
NATIONAL CHEESEBURGER DAY — SEPT 18
National Cheeseburger Day celebrates one of America’s favorite comfort foods. This day should not be confused with National Double-Cheeseburger Day Sept. 15, which is all about beefing up the burger experience.
The origins of the cheeseburger are hotly debated, but many food historians credit 16-year-old Lionel Sternberger. In 1924, he spontaneously added a slice of American cheese to a hamburger at his father’s sandwich shop, the Rite Spot, in Pasadena, California.
However, some argue that the Sternbergers’ “cheese hamburger” might not qualify as the true first cheeseburger, according to NationalDayCalendar.com.
Other claimants include O’Dell’s in Los Angeles, which featured a cheeseburger on its menu in 1928, and Kaelin’s Restaurant in Louisville, Kentucky, which claims to have invented it in 1934.
In 1935, the Humpty Dumpty Drive-In in Denver secured bragging rights by trademarking the name "cheeseburger," although Gus Belt of Steak 'n Shake also pursued the trademark around the same time. The true originator of the cheeseburger, however, remains a matter of debate.
To celebrate National Cheeseburger Day, grill or fry up your favorite cheeseburger or visit your favorite burger joint to enjoy a delicious, cheesy creation. With countless options available, there’s a cheeseburger to satisfy every taste.
TALK LIKE A PIRATE DAY — SEPT 19
International Talk Like a Pirate Day is a whimsical celebration that started quite by accident. The holiday’s origins trace back to June 6, 1995, when John Baur and Mark Summers were playing racquetball in Albany, Oregon.
During their game, they spontaneously began shouting pirate slang, which they found so amusing that they decided to create a holiday dedicated to it — Sept. 19 as the date, which coincided with Baur’s ex-wife’s birthday.
DaysoftheYear.com details that for the next seven years, Baur and Summers celebrated quietly until their quirky holiday caught the attention of humorist Dave Barry. Barry’s endorsement catapulted International Talk Like a Pirate Day into the national spotlight, making it a fun, widely recognized event.
To celebrate, enthusiasts can dive into classic pirate literature like Robert Louis Stevenson’s “Treasure Island,” J.M. Barrie’s “Peter Pan,” Sir Walter Scott’s “The Pirate” or Daniel Defoe’s “The Life, Adventures, and Piracies of the Famous Captain Singleton.”
For a quick fix of pirate fun, try using pirate lingo such as “Son of a biscuit eater” — meant to express annoyance toward someone who is refined or posh, the opposite of the rugged or unrefined typical behavior of a pirate.
Use “All hand hoy!” to call for help, “Bring a spring upon ‘er” to change direction, or “Grog blossom” for a red-nosed drinker, as suggested by DaysoftheYear.com.
MINIATURE GOLF DAY — SEPT 21
Miniature Golf Day — a global celebration of this whimsical sport traces its roots back to Victorian Scotland in the 19th century.
Initially created to allow women to participate in golf — since it was deemed unladylike for them to swing a full-sized club. NationalToday.com points out that miniature golf has since become a beloved pastime for people of all ages around the world.
Unlike National Miniature Golf Day, which falls on the second Saturday in May in the United States, Miniature Golf Day is celebrated internationally Sept. 21.
To join the festivities, consider heading to a local mini-golf course for a round of fun. Whether perfecting your putting skills or simply enjoying the creative obstacles, it’s a great way to honor this charming game and have a blast with friends and family.
HOBBIT DAY — SEPT. 22
Sept. 22 marks the joyous celebration of Hobbit Day, a tribute to the beloved characters Bilbo and Frodo Baggins from J.R.R. Tolkien’s enchanting tales.
Established in 1978 by the American Tolkien Society, Hobbit Day is part of Tolkien Week and commemorates the birthdays of these iconic hobbits. As The Tolkien Society explains, “Middle-earth” draws from ancient northern European terms for the human world, blending historical and mythical elements.
First published in 1937, “The Hobbit” began as a story Tolkien crafted for his children, evolving into a cherished fantasy novel. NationalDayArchives.com highlights the day’s merriment, inviting fans to celebrate with hobbit-inspired festivities.
Whether indulging in hearty food, watching Tolkien’s films, or embracing the spirit of adventure and simplicity praised in the novels, Hobbit Day offers a delightful escape into a world where joy and camaraderie reign supreme.
NATIONAL PUNCTUATION DAY — SEPT 24
National Punctuation Day is a day cherished by readers, writers, and anyone who values the clarity of the English language.
This particular day, highlighted in Chase’s Calendar of Events book, began in 2004 to honor the crucial role of punctuation marks such as commas, periods and semicolons.
David Hayward, also known as "NakedTheologian" on social media, is known for his insightful and often humorous illustrations about various topics, including education and language.
One Hayward cartoon depicts a teacher at the blackboard where she has drawn a semicolon. The teacher responds to a student, “Yes, a winky face is correct … But in ancient times the semicolon was actually used to separate archaic written devices known as complete sentences.”
National Punctuation Day brings to light the importance of correct punctuation with a playful nod to its historical evolution — from ancient Greek texts to the mass-produced Bibles of the 400s to 800s that used punctuation to aid readers in pausing and emphasizing correctly.
Celebrations can include crafting witty or well-punctuated pieces of writing to appreciate how punctuation not only clarifies meaning but also “saves lives”— e.g. “Let’s eat, Grandma!” versus “Let’s eat Grandma!”
NATIONAL COMIC BOOK DAY — SEPT 25
Sept. 25 is National Comic Book Day, a time for enthusiasts to celebrate the vibrant world of comic books. This day honors the rich history of comic books, starting with the release of Famous Funnies in 1933, often credited as the first American comic book.
However, the roots of comics run deeper, with earlier examples like the 1842 hardcover The Adventures of Mr. Obadiah Oldbuck, according to NationalDayCalendar.com.
Fans are encouraged to dive into their favorite comic books, visit local comic book stores, or attend upcoming comic book conventions. Other fun ways to celebrate National Comic Book Day include trading comics with friends or even creating and illustrating their own comic book adventures.
ASK A STUPID QUESTION DAY — SEPT 28
National Ask a Stupid Question Day, celebrated Sept. 28 — or the last school day in September if it falls on a weekend — encourages everyone to embrace curiosity, no matter how seemingly trivial the question might be.
This day originated in the 1980s and reveals the value of fostering open classroom discussions by allowing shy students to voice their questions without fear of judgment. According to TimeandDate.com, there are no stupid questions today, so don’t hesitate to ask and answer freely.
To celebrate, respond to questions respectfully, infuse humor to ease any awkwardness, and use the opportunity to educate gently, as suggested by Psychology Today and Forbes. Harvard Business Review also highlights the importance of educating without condescension, ensuring that every query is addressed with understanding and support.
INTERNATIONAL PODCAST DAY — SEPT 30
International Podcast Day, celebrated Sept. 30, marks the evolution and impact of the podcasting world. The journey began in 2003 when software developer Dave Winer created the first audio RSS feed, followed by the iPodder — the world’s first podcast listening device — developed by Christopher Lydon and Adam Curry in 2004, according to Descript.com writer Mina Son.
Initially recognized as National Podcast Day in 2014, the event was soon rebranded to reflect its global reach. Since then, it has featured over 200 hours of live-streamed content from nearly 100 countries, with 360 podcasters sharing their insights and stories.
Today, podcasting is a significant part of media consumption, with a 2024 Edison Research survey revealing that 34% of Americans aged 12 and older listen to podcasts weekly, averaging 8.3 episodes. Women lead with an average of 9.5 episodes per week compared to 7.2 for men.
To celebrate, consider playing the International Podcast Day promo on your show, updating your social media profile with the event’s logo, introducing someone new to the world of podcasts, sharing your favorite shows, and sending feedback to podcasters to show your appreciation.
NATIONAL MUD PACK DAY — SEPT 30
Dedicated to celebrating the therapeutic benefits of mud packs, Sept. 30 is National Mud Pack Day. These revitalizing mixtures of therapeutic clays enhance circulation, relieve muscle tension, detoxify the skin and boost immunity.
National Mud Pack Day highlights the versatility of mud packs, which are famous for facial treatments and effective for the entire skin’s surface. Suitable for oily and combination skin types, mud packs offer a refreshing and cleansing experience for both men and women.
To join in the celebration, explore a variety of mud packs available at supermarkets, beauty supply stores and online retailers, and indulge in this skin-loving treat.
NATIONAL HOT MULLED CIDER DAY — SEPT 30
National Hot Mulled Cider Day is all about celebrating the cozy, spiced beverage that warms hearts and homes during the fall and winter months — pleasant, cool thoughts to enjoy while North Texas still basks in triple digits.
This day is dedicated to hot mulled cider, a delightful concoction of apple cider simmered with spices like cinnamon, cloves and nutmeg. DaysoftheYear.com claims it’s the perfect excuse to gather with friends or family, share a warm drink and savor the essence of autumn.
For those eager to join the festivities, AllRecipes.com offers a simple and delicious spiced cider recipe: heat a gallon of apple cider with cinnamon sticks, cloves, allspice and optional spices like nutmeg and ginger. Add a touch of brown sugar for sweetness, let it simmer for at least 30 minutes, and serve the aromatic cider warm. Enjoy the comforting flavors of fall and make the most of National Hot Mulled Cider Day!
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