Tuesday, September 10, 2024
As summer rolls on, Aug. 9, 10, and 11 bring a variety of quirky and delightful holidays that offer unique ways to celebrate. From indulging in sweet treats to embracing relaxation and honoring state pride, these days provide opportunities for fun and reflection.
NATIONAL BOOK LOVERS DAY
Aug. 9 is a day rich with significance and celebration. The first notable holiday is National Book Lovers Day, a time for bibliophiles to rejoice in their love for reading. This observance doesn’t have a clear origin, but it has grown in popularity as people celebrate their favorite books and authors. Calendarr.com suggests it's also the perfect time to rearrange your bookshelves if you've been meaning to do that for a while.
To celebrate National Book Lovers Day, individuals can visit local bookstores, participate in book club discussions, or simply enjoy a good read at home. This holiday promotes literacy and encourages people to explore new authors and genres.
NATIONAL VEEP DAY
Another important holiday Aug. 9 is National Veep Day, marking the resignation of President Richard Nixon and the ascension of Gerald Ford to the presidency Aug. 9, 1974.
Ford succeeded Nixon as the president of the United States after the latter’s resignation amid the Watergate scandal, according to Anydayguide.com. While the day itself is solemn, it serves as a reminder of the importance of leadership transitions in American history.
NATIONAL S’MORES DAY
Aug. 10 offers a variety of celebrations. National S'mores Day, established by the National Confectioners Association in 2003, is dedicated to the iconic campfire treat of marshmallows, chocolate and graham crackers. Families often gather to make s'mores, enjoying the sweet and gooey treat.
People can celebrate by hosting s'mores parties, trying different variations of the treat, or simply enjoying the classic recipe. This holiday encourages people to take a break from their busy lives and savor simple pleasures.
NATIONAL LAZY DAY
Another Aug. 10 holiday is National Lazy Day, which encourages people to take a break and embrace relaxation. Nationaltoday.com suggests the reason there is so little information about the origin of National Lazy Day is because researchers “got lazy” and did not finish digging.
The whole point of National Lazy day is to embrace doing nothing. Nationaltoday.com recommends playing some songs to keep you entertained, “ …. like the 2010 song by Bruno Mars, titled ‘The Lazy Song,’ or grabbing a copy of ‘The Myth of Laziness’ by Mel Levine to better understand and debunk myths surrounding laziness and its impact on our productivity.”
SPOIL YOUR DOG DAY
For pet lovers, Spoil Your Dog Day Aug. 10 is a perfect opportunity to pamper furry friends. Although the origin of this holiday is unknown, it has been embraced by dog owners across the country.
Pet enthusiast Louise Fiolek offers budget-friendly ideas in her article on Pethelpful.com. Suggestions range from taking your canine for a walk to setting up an obstacle course, going on a picnic, teaching them a new trick and reading your dog a story. Fiolek’s list includes making art, videotaping your pet and a spa day … for the dog.
NATIONAL SONS AND DAUGHTERS DAY
National Sons and Daughters Day, celebrated Aug. 11, is dedicated to spending time with children and appreciating family bonds. Although its origin is not clear, this day encourages families to create lasting memories together.
Holidaycalendar.io indicates the day was first observed in the early 2000s and has been gaining in popularity through the media ever since.
The site lists activities that promote family togetherness such as game night, volunteering together, taking a cooking class together, and making a scrapbook — together.
PRESIDENTIAL JOKE DAY
Presidential Joke Day is another holiday observed Aug. 11, celebrating jokes made by or about U.S. presidents. According to Julia Davis’ article on Mentalfloss.com, the holiday began with a gaff by then President Ronald Reagan.
During a sound check for a radio broadcast, he made a joke. "My fellow Americans,” he said, "I'm pleased to tell you today that I've signed legislation that will outlaw Russia forever. We begin bombing in five minutes.”
Reagan was not aware, however, that his feed was live. And unfortunately, not everyone got the joke. Soviet officials got word of the broadcast and put the military on high alert.
Once the threat of nuclear war had abated, Americans found the situation hilarious, and decided to memorialize Reagan’s famous quip by instituting National Presidential Joke Day Aug. 11.
NATIONAL RASPBERRY BOMBE DAY
The bombe, also known as "bombe glacée" in French, is a frozen dessert with a rich history. It comes from France, known for its innovative cooking. The name "bombe" refers to its round shape, similar to a cannonball, hinting at its burst of flavor.
While its creation date of Aug. 11 is not specified, Journee-mondiale.com suggests it offers a delicious way to cool off in the summer. Bakers and dessert enthusiasts use this day to create and share raspberry bombe recipes.
Aug. 9, 10, and 11 offer diverse opportunities to celebrate and reflect, each with its own unique charm. Whether indulging in s'mores, relaxing, pampering pets, honoring history or enjoying sweet desserts, these holidays remind people to cherish the small pleasures and connections in life.
