For many, the month of January signals the beginning of the winter doldrums, the bleak mid-winter, the end of all the fun and festivity.
Apart from the federal holidays of New Year’s Day (which also happens to be National Hangover Day) and Martin Luther King, Jr. Day on January 15, the first month of the year is perceived to be a long slog without much to celebrate.
So Many Reasons to Celebrate
Thus, it may come as a surprise that there are in fact over 300 daily, 18 weekly and 54 monthly observances during the month of January!
From the silly (Beer Can Appreciation Day on January 24) to the sublime (World Day of Peace on January 1), somber (International Holocaust Remembrance Day on January 27), sensible (National Cut Your Energy Costs Day on January 10), seemingly scary (Judgement Day on January 17, when we don’t meet our makers but we do realize we are our own best judges) and just about everything in between, January brings us a lot to acknowledge.
Let’s explore a few of these observances, particularly those that better ourselves, our loved ones and our world in a brand-new year. And just for fun, we’ll take a look at some of the wackier ones coming our way.
Health and Well-being
A top New Year’s resolution for 2024 is improved fitness. Therefore, it only makes sense that several days this month are dedicated to better health and well-being. Some honor professionals who provide care, such as physicians and nurses, while others bring awareness to certain diseases or medical conditions.
January 2, was National Personal Trainer Awareness Day, followed by International Mind-Body Wellness Day on the 3. The Day of Epiphany, January 6, is also National Play Outside Day, followed by Cigarettes are Hazardous to Your Health Day on January 11.
January 12, marks Stick to Your New Year’s Resolutions Day, a week before Quitter’s Day on the 19, when people are statistically most likely to give up on their resolutions for the new year. After Quitter’s Day is Take a Walk Outdoors Day on the 20, perhaps to reinvigorate us. National Preschool Health and Fitness Day comes January 28, reminding us that it’s never too early to adopt healthful habits.
January is also Brain Teaser Month, Eye Care Month, National Glaucoma Awareness Month and Staying Healthy Month.
At Collington, every day of the year is devoted to health and wellness, with our continuum of care, 24-hour fitness center, indoor pool, hydrotherapy spa, pickleball courts, acres of walking trails and ongoing classes for various interests and ability levels.
Self-Improvement
Most of us give at least a passing thought to bettering ourselves at the dawn of a new year. In January, there are several days that remind us how we can be our best selves. Part of this is discovering new – or awakening former – interests, skills and passions.
This month, we can wax poetic on National Take a Poet to Lunch Day and Poetry at Work Day, as well as resurrect the lost art of typing with International Typing Day and World Typing Day. There’s also World Literary Day, National Screenwriter's Day, National Handwriting Day, International Day of Education, Inspire Your Heart with Art Day, National “Just Do It” Day and, the ultimate, Make Your Dreams Come True Day on January 13.
Exploring and expanding new possibilities with new friends is something Collington residents have ample time and opportunity to do every day of the year.
Loving Kindness
As we rediscover and improve ourselves, others benefit in the symbiotic process. January brings us many occasions to reflect on and put into practice the benevolence, gratitude and goodwill that unite family, friends, even strangers, long after the holidays are over. Here are some dates worth marking on the calendar:
January 7 – I Am a Mentor Day
January 9 – Play God Day (do something nice for someone)
January 11 – International Thank You Day (read our blog about the benefits of gratitude)
January 15 – Humanitarian Day; National Day of Service
January 19 – New Friends Day; Tenderness Toward Existence Day
January 21 – National Hugging Day
January 24 – National Compliment Day
Flora, Fauna and Four-Legged Friends
Twelve days in January honor the pets, plants and wildlife in our midst, such as Happy Mew Year for Cats, National Bird Day, Houseplant Appreciation Day, National Hug Your Puppy Day, Squirrel Appreciation Day and Save the Eagles Day. Even fictional furry friends get a nod January 18, on Winnie the Pooh Day. January is Adopt a Rescued Bird Month, and January 21-27, is Kiss a Shark Week (good luck there!).
At Collington, beloved pets are not only welcome, they are celebrated for the joy and companionship they bring to all.
Coffee and Other Consumables
While some might argue that a continued focus on gustatory pleasures after the holidays flies in the face of renewed commitments to get in shape, these goodies are literally having their day this month:
Cream puffs, cheese, chocolate-covered cherries, spaghetti, whipped cream, Walker’s shortbread, beans (observed one day before National Pass Gas Day), tempura, English toffee, apricots, bittersweet chocolate, oysters Rockefeller, hot toddies, milk, curried chicken, hot tea, marzipan, peach melba, hot pastrami sandwiches, bagels, kombucha, fresh-squeezed juice, strawberry ice cream, fig newtons, quinoa, hot-buttered rum, gourmet coffee, Peking duck, popcorn, buttercrunch, granola bars, New England clam chowder, blonde brownies, hot sauce, pies, peanut butter, fish tacos, Irish coffee, green juice, peanut brittle, chocolate cake, blueberry pancakes, corn chips, croissants, Brandy Alexanders and (last, but not least) hot chocolate.
Given this exhaustive list, it is perhaps fitting that January is Be Kind to Food Servers Month. We at Collington are certainly grateful for our fabulous dining team!
Strange Days Indeed
Some days are just nutty.
This month, we can celebrate literally Nothing on the 16; January 22, is National Answer Your Cat’s Questions Day, followed by Talk Like a Grizzled Prospector Day on the 24. On the 29, we can honor the Curmudgeons in our lives and express our appreciation for Bubble Wrap. And on the last day of the month, let’s all go crazy on Gorilla Suit Day and Hell is Freezing Over Day!
We hope you’ve enjoyed this dive into the myriad celebrations of a month inaccurately associated with the winter blahs. Who knew?
Every day is a reason to celebrate at Collington. Call us for a tour today!
