2026 Monthly Calendar

	February 2026
Mon	Tue	Wed	Thu	Fri	Sat	Sun
						1 NATIONAL BAKED ALASKA DAY NATIONAL BAKED ALASKA DAY February 1, 2026 NATIONAL BAKED ALASKA DAY Ice cream and cake come together on February 1st in a celebration called National Baked Alaska Day. An elaborate dessert that is also known as “Omelette Norvegienne,” Baked Alaska is made with hard ice cream on a base of sponge cake and covered in a shell of toasted meringue. In the United States in 1867, an earnest debate erupted over the potential purchase of Alaska from Russia. Secretary of State William Seward agreed to a purchase price of $7 million, and Alaska became a United States territory in 1868. Those of the opinion that the purchase was a giant mistake referred to the purchase as “Seward’s Folly.” Enter Charles Ranhofer, the chef at Delmonico’s Restaurant in New York City. He was notorious for naming new and renaming old dishes after famous people and events. Capitalizing on the heated controversy surrounding the purchase in the frozen north, Baked Alaska fit the bill. It was cold, nearly frozen, and quickly toasted in a hot oven before serving. He served as the chef at Delmonico’s from 1862 to 1896. During his tenure, he also created Lobster Newburg, another famous dish honored with a national food holiday. HOW TO OBSERVE #NATIONALBAKEDALASKADAY Cake and ice cream go so well together. What better way to enjoy it than with a topping of meringue? You can also take one of your favorite recipes and name it after an epic event in your life. Order up some Baked Alaska or try your hand at this recipe: Baked Alaska recipe. Use #NationalBakedAlaskaDay to post on social media. NATIONAL BAKED ALASKA DAY HISTORY National Day Calendar continues researching this dessert holiday’s origins. However, we suspect we won’t find it anywhere near the Yukon. See more details NATIONAL DARK CHOCOLATE DAY NATIONAL DARK CHOCOLATE DAY February 1, 2026 NATIONAL DARK CHOCOLATE DAY On February 1st, National Dark Chocolate Day reminds us to indulge a little. Dark chocolate is often touted as the healthier chocolate, and sometimes, can be an acquired taste. Also known as bittersweet chocolate, dark chocolate is different from milk chocolate because no milk or butter added. The percentage of cocoa solids remaining in the chocolate determines how dark the chocolate is. The higher the percentage, the darker the chocolate. It may also have a slightly bitter taste. Chocolate comes from the seed of the tropical Theobroma cacao tree. We have been cultivating cacao for at least three millennia and the plant grows in Mexico, Central America, and Northern South America. Our earliest known documentation of using cacao seeds dates to around 1100 BC. Fermentation helps develop the flavor of the cacao seeds. Otherwise the seeds are too bitter to eat. Once fermented, the beans are dried, cleaned, and roasted. After roasting, the shell is removed to produce cacao nibs. Processors then then ground the cocoa nips into cocoa mass, which is pure chocolate in rough form. They usually liquefy the cocoa mass and molded it with or without other ingredients. At this point in the process, it is called chocolate liquor. The chocolate liquor may then be processed into two components: cocoa solids and cocoa butter. Besides being lower in calories and fat, dark chocolate comes with many other health benefits. It also serves as a decadent ingredient in many desserts and sauces. HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalDarkChocolateDay On National Dark Chocolate Day, experience the many ways dark chocolate makes food better. Whether you choose to bake or just try a taste, celebrate the day! Try a new recipe or sample varying intensities of dark chocolate. We even have a few recipes for you to try: Dark Chocolate Banana Smoothie Dark Chocolate Covered Pomegranate Seeds Salted Caramel Dark Chocolate Figs Use #NationalDarkChocolateDay to share your recipes and favorite dark chocolate desserts on social media. NATIONAL DARK CHOCOLATE DAY HISTORY National Day Calendar continues to research the origins of this chocolatey day. See more details NATIONAL FREEDOM DAY NATIONAL FREEDOM DAY February 1, 2026 NATIONAL FREEDOM DAY National Freedom Day, always observed on February 1st, celebrates freedom from slavery. It also recognizes that America is a symbol of liberty. The day honors the signing by Abraham Lincoln of a joint House and Senate resolution that later became the 13th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. President Lincoln signed the Amendment outlawing slavery on February 1, 1865. It was not ratified by the states, however, until later on December 18, 1865. Other ways to participate include: Read about or watch a documentary about the 13th Amendment. Visit an art gallery or museum displaying pieces inspired by the 13th Amendment. Attend a forum or lecture to discuss the 13th Amendment and its impact, then and now. Read the 13th Amendment in its entirety. Use #NationalFreedomDay to post on social media. NATIONAL FREEDOM DAY HISTORY A former slave by the name of Major Richard Robert Wright, Sr. created National Freedom Day. Major Wright was looked upon as a great leader in the community. It was believed by Major Wright, that this day needed to be celebrated. See more details NATIONAL GET UP DAY NATIONAL GET UP DAY February 1, 2026 NATIONAL GET UP DAY National Get Up Day on February 1st offers an opportunity to share inspiring stories of perseverance. The day reminds us to pick ourselves up when we’ve fallen and given it (whatever it may be) another go! February 1st marks the official end of National Skating Month (January) when rinks across the country bring communities together to experience skating’s joys and benefits. One of the first lessons every figure skater learns is how to fall and to get back up. This day is not just about skating, though. It is about celebrating that Get Up spirit that applies to every aspect of life. The day inspires others through stories, pictures, videos, and social media.More importantly, February 1st reminds all of us to Get Up when we stumble. We never know when our efforts to seek a goal or overcome an obstacle will encourage another to do the same. Whether you find inspiration on or off the ice, in a classroom, through a co-worker, or in your own neighborhood, share your Get Up story on National Get Up Day! HOW TO OBSERVE #GETUPDAY Encourage someone you know. Rarely does anyone celebrate the failures. Yet, every time we Get Up and try again, we stand on a mountain of failures. It is how we learn and reach for our goals. So, share the moments you Get Up and persevere. Keep moving forward and upward. What makes you Get Up? Share your inspiration by using #GetUpDay on social media. Educators and Families, visit the National Day Calendar Classroom for projects and ideas to help you Celebrate Every Day! NATIONAL GET UP DAY HISTORY U.S. Figure Skating founded National Get Up Day on February 1, 2017, to provide a platform to celebrate Get Up stories in communities around the country and urge others to Get Up. As part of the inaugural celebration, the world was encouraged to share Get Up stories one week before the Opening Ceremony of the 2018 Olympic Winter Games in PyeongChang, South Korea. In 2017, the Registrar at National Day Calendar® proclaimed the observance to be celebrated on February 1st, annually. See more details NATIONAL SERPENT DAY NATIONAL SERPENT DAY February 1, 2026 NATIONAL SERPENT DAY On February 1st, National Serpent Day gives snakes and serpents alike their slithering due. Across religions and cultures, the serpent has been used as a symbol of evil, medicine, fertility, and much more. Over 3,000 species of snakes populate the Earth. The world’s smallest snake is the Barbados thread snake. This serpent is smaller than a nightcrawler at about 4 inches. In comparison, the longest snake is the reticulated python and the heaviest is the green anaconda. What was the first snake you ever saw? SNAKE FACTS Only 1/8 of the known species are venomous. While many snakes may be small, their upper and lower jaws separate. This ability allows snakes to consume prey up to three times larger than the diameter of their head. Snakes eat their prey whole. Most snakes are nocturnal. As creepy as their flicking tongue seems, they use it to smell the air. Snakes are cold-blooded, or ectotherms, and must sun themselves to regulate their body temperatures. While most snakes lay eggs, some give live birth. From anti-tumor treatments to antibacterial properties, snake venom has been studied for medical purposes for many years. HOW TO CELEBRATE #NATIONALSERPENTDAY Do some research on snakes or go to a zoo to see some in person. You could also read up on snakes, watch a documentary or movie featuring snakes. Use #NationalSerpentDay to post on social media. Educators, visit the National Day Calendar Classroom pages for activities surrounding National Serpent Day. NATIONAL SERPENT DAY HISTORY While the creator of this day has slithered away, we continue seeking the origins of this fascinating holiday. See more details NATIONAL TEXAS DAY NATIONAL TEXAS DAY February 1, 2026 NATIONAL TEXAS DAY On February 1s, National Texas Day recognizes the Lone Star State along with its fierce record of independent people and history. The 28th state may not be the only state with a record of being a republic, but their dramatic revolution and fight for independence keep Texas history alive. Legendary History and People On December 29, 1845, Texas became the 28th state admitted to the Union, but its storied history stretched long before that date. From the dictatorship of Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna and the start of the Texas Revolution in 1835 to the Alamo in 1836, names like James Bowie, Davy Crockett, Sam Houston, and Juan Seguin echo throughout the state. Many legends abound where Texas is concerned. According to the story, The Yellow Rose of Texas was a mulatto woman who distracted Santa Anna during the Battle of San Jacinto allowing victory for the republic. Many credit a woman by the name of Emily West, but historians find little to no evidence. A statue by Veryl Goodnight stands in Houston.During and after the Civil War, news traveled slowly. It took the arrival of Major General Gordon Granger on June 19, 1865, and his announcement with General Orders, Number 3 that the Civil War was over and all slaves were now freedmen for life to change in Galveston, Texas. Whether it required the military to enforce the new federal law or if the news did truly travel slowly, June 19th became a celebration of culture and freedom called Juneteenth. Technology and Landscape Texas loves technology. Home to Johnson Space Center and more than one computer company that began as a startup, the Lone Star State wears its boots and lab coat at the same time. They’ve brought us the handheld calculator and 3-D printing as well as many medical advancements. And let’s not forget, Dr. Pepper. Whether traveling to the Gulf Coast, staying close to the panhandle which includes a patch of Route 66, or wandering the Great Plains, there’s plenty of Texas to see. Take in some history or explore the cities. Take a hike along the Palo Duro Canyon on the Red River or in Big Bend National Park. HOW TO OBSERVE #NATIONALTEXASDAY Discover something new about Texas. Join National Day Calendar as we explore the 28th state’s history, people, and culture. Uncover hidden treasures and explore all Texas’ vast landscapes! Use #NationalTexasDay to share on social media. See more details • • • • • •
2 NATIONAL GROUNDHOG DAY NATIONAL GROUNDHOG DAY February 2, 2026 NATIONAL GROUNDHOG DAY National Groundhog Day on February 2nd each year asks one question. Will he see his shadow? Ok, well maybe it asks another question. Will there be six more weeks of winter?Groundhog Day is observed on February 2nd, each year in the United States and Canada. The United States and Canada observe Groundhog Day on February 2nd. On this day, traditionally the groundhog awakens from his nap for a nice welcomed break during the winter to see if he can see his shadow. Many believe if the groundhog sees his shadow there will be six more weeks of winter. If this is so, he retrieves back into his den and goes back to sleep. If he does not see his shadow, the groundhog remains outside to play, and people celebrate believing spring is just around the corner.Tradition The tradition of predicting the length of the remaining winter is intertwined with the Christian holiday, Candlemas. The clergy would bless candles symbolizing the ‘light of the world’ to give to their congregations. Another tradition associated with this day is eating crepes. Germans practiced the art of predicting the winter with a hedgehog. When they arrived in the United States, they settled in the hills of Pennsylvania, and the groundhog became the official predictor. Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania has been chosen as the site for the annual Groundhog day event. Thousands of people come to the town of Punxsutawney on Groundhog Day for this day of celebration. Although already a well known day, Groundhog Day received widespread attention as a result of the 1993 film Groundhog Day, which was set in Punxsutawney and portrayed Roger Rininger as the groundhog. HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalGroundhogDay Check if the groundhog has seen its shadow. You can also watch the movie Groundhog Day. Read the Farmer’s Almanac to find out the likelihood of an early spring. Share your predictions on whether Punxsutawney Phil will see his shadow using #NationalGroundhogDay to post on social media. NATIONAL GROUNDHOG DAY HISTORY An early American reference to Groundhog Day can be found in a diary entry, by storekeeper James Morris, dated February 4th, 1841, of Berks County, Pennsylvania. “Last Tuesday, the 2nd, was Candlemas day, the day on which, according to the Germans, the groundhog peeps out of his winter quarters and if he sees his shadow he pops back for another six weeks nap, but if the day be cloudy he remains out, as the weather is to be moderate.” See more details NATIONAL HEAVENLY HASH DAY NATIONAL HEAVENLY HASH DAY February 2, 2026 NATIONAL HEAVENLY HASH DAY National Heavenly Hash Day on February 2nd recognizes a family favorite that covers a variety of desserts with a common ingredient. When it comes to defining Heavenly Hash, the only ingredient that seems for certain is a variety of marshmallows, marshmallow creme or whip. Other ingredients vary, though. Some recipes create delicious cakes with chocolate and marshmallow. And yet, others lean more toward a fruit salad with whipped cream and a variety of nuts or chocolate bars added. Nearly every brand of ice cream has its version of Heavenly Hash with nuts and chocolate included, too. However, the common ingredient seems to always be a form of marshmallow bringing the dish to a heavenly flavor perfect for potlucks and family gatherings. HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalHeavenlyHashDay Make your favorite version of Heavenly Hash. Whether it’s a salad, cake or bar, we’re sure it’s…heavenly. If you don’t have a recipe, we found one for you to try. Be sure to share your favorites, too! Try this Heavenly Hash Bars recipe from TheKitchn.com. Use #NationalHeavenlyHashDay to post on social media. NATIONAL HEAVENLY HASH DAY HISTORY National Day Calendar continues to research the origins of this elusive dessert holiday. See more details NATIONAL TATER TOT DAY NATIONAL TATER TOT DAY February 2, 2026 NATIONAL TATER TOT DAY On February 2nd, National Tater Tot Day recognizes a kitchen staple. In the United States, we consume approximately 3.5 billion of these nuggets of potato goodness per year. These bite-sized bits of golden deliciousness created from the scraps from making French fries once were used to feed cattle. But how do the cast-offs from making French fries become the bite-sized, kitchen-friendly morsels we love to devour today? Through persistence and ingenuity, of course! Two brothers, Nephi and Golden Grigg, along with their brother-in-law started dabbling in frozen food when they rented a plant on the Oregon and Idaho borders in 1934. The focused on making French fries, but the waste fed to cattle seemed excessive. Was there a way to reduce the excess? Maybe, but instead they chose to create a product from the excess. Not only did the scrapped and shredded bits form into tasty bites when blanched and fried, but they also fit into their product line, too. They froze well, could be baked and were delicious! By 1952, they purchased the plant, forming the Oregon Frozen Foods Company that would later become Ore-Ida.Seasoned with spices or baked into a casserole, tater tots make a meal, side dish, or a snack celebration. We dip them, pop them, or just savor them. HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalTaterTotDay What’s your favorite way to enjoy tater tots? We offer a variety of ideas to celebrate the day. Add them to a burrito. Make a potato version of nachos by adding your favorite toppings to partially cooked tots and then heating through. Create a tater tot buffet with a variety of dips and seasonings. Add tater tots to your burger. Top a homemade pizza with tater tots. Tater tots and eggs go well together. Build a kabab using vegetables and marinated meat. Share your recipes and pictures by using #NationalTaterTotDay on social media. NATIONAL TATER TOT DAY HISTORY John-Bryan Hopkins created the observance in 2009. See more details NATIONAL UKULELE DAY NATIONAL UKULELE DAY February 2, 2026 NATIONAL UKULELE DAY February 2 is National Ukulele Day and we're giving you permission to strum away the winter blues. Join us as we explain why this affordable, portable, and notorious instrument not only has a rich history, but is guaranteed to make you smile if you play. #NationalUkuleleDay The word "ukulele" translates to "jumping flea" in Hawaiian. It's considered the world's most accessible instruments and is is often called the "happiest instrument on Earth." Not only do people get tropical vibes when they hear the ukulele, but it seems to be designed to make the human brain feel happy. Even the saddest songs played on the instrument make the listener feel hopeful. The ukulele arrived in Hawaii via Portuguese immigrants in 1879, when a ship arrived in Honolulu carrying Portuguese sugar cane workers from Madeira. Among the workers were three cabinet makers who brought a small, four-stringed instrument called the machete de braga. It didn't take long for Hawaiians to become fascinated with this strange instrument, learning to tune and play quickly. King David Kalākaua loved the instrument so much he integrated it into royal gatherings, blending it with traditional Hawaiian hula and chant. The ukulele became a way of life after the Hawaiian kingdom was overthrown in 1893 cementing it as a symbol of Hawaiian culture. After that, playing the ukulele served as a way to keep Hawaiian language and music alive. Today, the ukulele is a tool of storytelling, providing the rhythmic and melodic backdrop for lyrics that discuss the land (ʻāina), ancestry, and political issues. It's a deeply respected symbol of national identity and cultural resilience for islanders and is often considered the heart of family and social gatherings. 5 WAYST TO CELEBRATE NATIONAL UKULELE DAY The ukulele is the ultimate instrument to learn because it's quiet and non-intimidating. Even if you've never touched the instrument, learning can be done within a short amount of time. Here are a few simple ideas to help you take this musical celebration a step further: Host an informal jam session and invite family and friends to play. Visit your local music store and purchase a ukulele. The average cost is around $50, making it affordable to own one. Watch a documentary about the evolution of the ukulele. We recommend The Mighty Uke, which traces the instrument's journey from a 1950s toy to a global phenomenon. Find a virtual ukulele jam session online. Many clubs host "Zoom Jams" where people can join in from their living rooms. Share your knowledge, musical skills, and love for the ukulele on social media using the hashtag #NationalUkuleleDay. HISTORY BEHIND NATIONAL UKULELE DAY "Ukulele" Mike Lynch is crated with creating this National Ukulele Day in 2011. As a favorite YouTube ukulele educator, Mike wanted to make people smile by encouraging them play in public, at work, at school, or on a street corner. Mike has spent his life "Bringing the world together, four strings at a time." See more details • • • •	3 FOUR CHAPLAINS DAY FOUR CHAPLAINS DAY February 3, 2026 FOUR CHAPLAINS DAY On February 3rd each year, Four Chaplains Day honors four military chaplains from World War II who sacrificed their lives for fellow service members. Chaplains in the military are an integral part of the service environment. They provide counseling, spiritual guidance, conduct services, and religious rites, among other responsibilities, and serve all over the globe. If there are military personnel stationed there, chaplains are too. During World War II, four chaplains who had attended Chaplain School together at Harvard boarded the Dorchester en route to the Army Command Base in southern Greenland. Aboard the ship were 904 service members. The four chaplains were Reverend George L. Fox, a Methodist minister, Reverend Clark V. Poling of the Reformed Church of America, Rabbi Alexander D. Goode, and Father John P. Washington of the Roman Catholic Church. Their voyage began on January 23, 1943. At the time, German U-Boats were patrolling the area, and the convoy was on high alert. When a German submarine torpedoed the Dorchester on February 3, 1943, in the frigid waters off the coast of Newfoundland, chaos ensued. Eyewitnesses recounted the chaplains’ heroism, including giving their life jackets and gloves to other service members. They prayed with service members, assisting them into lifeboats. The four chaplains remained on the sinking Dorchester. Only 230 men were rescued from the waters. Congress awarded the four chaplains the Medal of Honor in 1960. HOW TO OBSERVE #FourChaplainsDay Read about the four chaplains in books like No Greater Glory: The Four Immortal Chaplains and the Sinking of the Dorchester in World War II by Dan Kurzman or Sea of Glory by Ken Wales. Watch the movie Four Chaplains: Sacrifice at Sea. Visit exhibits remembering the four chaplains such as the National World War II Museum in New Orleans, The Chapel of the Four Chaplains in Philadelphia, or Pioneer Chapel at Fort Leavenworth where a stained glass window remembers the chaplains. Attend memorial services in honor of the four chaplains. FOUR CHAPLAINS DAY HISTORY In 1988, Congress unanimously established Four Chaplains Day to be observed annually on February 3rd. See more details NATIONAL CARROT CAKE DAY NATIONAL CARROT CAKE DAY February 3, 2026 NATIONAL CARROT CAKE DAY National Carrot Cake Day on February 3rd, celebrates one of America’s favorite flavors of cake. In the carrot cake, we get to eat our cake and veggies, too! Carrot cake closely resembles a quick bread from its preparation to its final consistency. Quick breads mix the wet and dry ingredients separately before combining, and the final product is coarser than a traditional cake. Creamy frosting separates the layers and often complements the spice of the cake. Cinnamon and nutmeg go well with the natural sweetness of carrots. Many bakers add nuts or raisins to their recipes as well. The carrot’s natural sweetness may have been selected as a substitute in the Middle Ages when sugar was hard to find or expensive. Carrot cake most likely developed from a carrot pudding which could be savory or sweet. HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalCarrotCakeDay Bake a carrot cake to celebrate. Include friends and family by inviting them to join you. Serve a hot beverage or two. If you need a recipe, we found several worth trying. While you’re enjoying the cake, look ahead to other celebrations on the calendar. Listen to the National Daily podcast and flip a coin to see who will serve up the next delicious baked good so you can #CelebrateEveryDay with us. Don’t forget, use #NationalCarrotCakeDay to share on social media, too! Frosty’s Carrot Cake Sam’s Famous Carrot Cake Carrot Cake Trifle Lemon Frosted Carrot Cake Cupcakes NATIONAL CARROT CAKE DAY HISTORY National Day Calendar staff wonder if we dangle a carrot, would the creator of this day step forward? See more details NATIONAL MISSING PERSONS DAY NATIONAL MISSING PERSONS DAY February 3, 2026 NATIONAL MISSING PERSONS DAY On February 3rd, National Missing Persons Day focuses the attention of the country long enough to recognize a missing person. It might be surprising to learn that every day in the United States, approximately 2,300 people are reported missing. However, anyone making the report, waiting at home for their loved one or actively looking for them, those numbers no longer surprise. When such a large part of our lives goes missing it leaves a profound void. It’s not a fillable space. Those who have experienced it, those who report 2,300 missing people per day, know. Everyone has a friend, mother, sibling, child, neighbor or coworker they see every day. No one expects to have them mysteriously and with no explanation to disappear from their lives. It’s a challenging thought. One so difficult to contemplate, it makes it hard to attract the attention of those unfamiliar with the missing person to become involved. It won’t happen to me. We often think it won’t happen to us. When a person goes missing, it can be an adult as often as it is a child. Women disappear more than men and seniors are at risk, too. Health risks, natural disasters, unplanned circumstances and of course, those who are taken against their will fall into the list of statistics. They can all apply to us. According to the 2016 National Crime Information Center’s stastics, there were 88,040 active missing person records. The families of those who go missing, need the support of neighbors and friends. They need our support to continue the search, to keep getting the word out. At the same time, make a plan for your own family. Make it a priority to take the simple steps to be educated and aware. Fortunately, in today’s digital world it’s easier than ever. National Missing Persons Day encourages you to be alert, share their names, their pictures and bring them home to their families. HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalMissingPersonsDay For every missing person, support their families by being alert, sharing their information, their pictures and bring them home. Visit these websites for more ways to help, find resources and tools in your area. National Missing and Unidentified Persons System National Center for Missing & Exploited Children Texas EquuSearch Texas Center for the Missing Klaas Kids Foundation Use #NationalMissingPersonsDay to share on social media. NATIONAL MISSING PERSONS DAY HISTORY Jo Ann Lowitzer founded National Missing Persons Day to provide increased awareness of the needs of the missing. Her daughter, Alexandria, went missing in 2010. Continued alertness and awareness improve the chances of returning loved ones to their families. See more details NATIONAL TAKE A CRUISE DAY NATIONAL TAKE A CRUISE DAY February 3, 2026 NATIONAL TAKE A CRUISE DAY Get ready to set sail on February 3 because we're celebrating National Take a Cruise Day! This is the perfect time to start planning an epic voyage on the high seas. Whether you've been dreaming of taking a cruise or are a seasoned cruiser, we are encouraging you to use this day to explore and book your vacation aboard a cruise ship. #TakeACruiseDay Cruise ships have been around since the mid-1800s. Back then, they were used primarily for the transport of mail and migration. In 1844, cruise ships began making the transition from transatlantic service to leisure excursions. Interestingly, these weren't cruise ships as we know them today, but merely mail ships that allowed tourists to "ride" the ship if there was sufficient space. It wasn't until Titanic set sail in 1912 that luxury cruises began to take shape. Despite the tragic ending of the "Unsinkable Ship", cruise ships were considered to be a "floating palace" that enticed people across the world. The wealthy could enjoy grand ballrooms and gourmet meals and "third class" passengers could immigrate on these vast boats. By the 1960s and 1970s, cruise ships became the vacation spots for families, especially after the airing of the television series The Love Boat. Cruising became something fun, romantic, and accessible to the middle class, not just the ultra-wealthy. 5 Benefits of Taking a Cruise Simple Planning. You can visit four different countries without having to unpack your suitcase each time. Your hotel basically travels with you. All-Inclusive Perks. Lodging, food, and basic entertainment are bundled, which reduces "decision fatigue." You don’t have to drive to a restaurant every night or worry about transportation between locations. Cheaper Cost. Cruises are often significantly cheaper than a comparable land vacation when you break down costs per day. Cruise ships have price points to fit every budget. Something for Everyone. Cruises are designed with the entire family in mind, offering activities and perks for kids, teens, and adults. Your family can spend the day doing things they love and still be in the same location. Disconnection. Most ships have Wi-Fi now, being in the middle of the ocean provides a "socially acceptable" excuse to stay off your electronics. There is something to be said for disconnecting and enjoying your vacation with added distractions. HOW TO CELEBRATION NATIONAL TAKE A CRUISE DAY Browse for a cruise that fits you needs and expectations. There are so many places online to research what you would like to do while on your cruise, including visiting islands on your bucket list. Create your own "Cruise Casual" Dinner by setting the table with a white tablecloth, put on some tropical music, and serve a multi-course meal. Invite friends and family over to join in your celebration. Learn Cruise Towel Origami! You can find videos online to teach you how to create one of the most iconic parts of a cruise experience...finding a towel folded like a monkey or an elephant on your bed at the end of your daily cruise adventures! Find a knowledgeable travel agent that knows how to book a cruise that will help you get the best out of your vacation. Share your tips on booking, best cruise advice, and photos of your latest cruise on social media using the hashtag #TakeACruiseDay. CREATOR OF NATIONAL TAKE A CRUISE DAY We were unable to find the creator of National Take a Cruise Day. It could be possible it was a play off of National Plan for Vacation Day on January 27, but we haven't found any concrete information to back that up. According to many travel companies, January is considered the peak time to plan a cruise vacation and that may be one reason this fun day appeared. We'll keep floating about the Internet in hopes of finding someone who will throw us a lifeline (or raft) to explain where National Take a Cruise Day originated. See more details NATIONAL THE DAY THE MUSIC DIED DAY NATIONAL THE DAY THE MUSIC DIED DAY February 3, 2026 NATIONAL THE DAY THE MUSIC DIED DAY The Day the Music Died Day on February 3rd remembers the unfortunate and untimely death of singers 22-year-old Buddy Holly, 17-year-old Richie Valens, and 28-year-old J. P. Richardson, aka: “The Big Bopper.” These three artists died in an airplane accident on February 3, 1959, near Clear Lake, Iowa. Their pilot, Roger Peterson, also perished in the crash. The Day the Music Died was dubbed so by Don McLean’s song “American Pie” Buddy Holly’s band was on tour and had played at the Surf Ballroom in Clear Lake. They were headed to their next destination in Moorhead, Minnesota. For this leg of their journey, they decided to take a charter plane rather than go with their tour bus. Richardson “The Big Bopper”, had swapped places with Waylon Jennings, taking the latter’s place on the plane and Tommy Allsup had lost his place to Ritchie Valens in a coin toss. Not long after takeoff, they were no longer able to be reached by radio, and they did not reach their destination. The aircraft was reported missing. The next day, the wreckage was found less than 6 miles northwest of the airport in a cornfield. Poor weather conditions and pilot error were determined, during the investigation, to have been the cause of the pilot losing control of the plane.Pilgrimage & Tribute The tragic event echoed through history for over 50 years. Visitors still make the pilgrimage each year to Clear Lake, Iowa, the resort town about 110 miles north of Des Moines, as this was the point of their last concert before the fatal accident. “The day the music died” is a line in the 1972 Don McLean hit “American Pie.” McLean’s song, which he wrote in the late 1960s and released in 1971, was in part inspired by the tragic event which took the lives of three great musicians and their pilot. “American Pie” lyrics by Don McLean “But February made me shiver, With every paper I’d deliver, Bad news on the doorstep I couldn’t take one more step. I can’t remember if I cried When I read about his widowed bride But something touched me deep inside, The day the music died.” HOW TO OBSERVE #TheDayTheMusicDied Listen to some of the music by Richie Valens, Buddy Holly, or The Big Bopper. Use #TheDayTheMusicDied to post on social media. NATIONAL THE DAY THE MUSIC DIED DAY HISTORY The observance commemorates the fateful day in 1959 when four young lives were cut short. When Don McLean’s “American Pie” hit the airwaves in 1972, the world came to know the day as “the day the music died’ from the line in the lyrics. Another line in the song reflected on the music of Buddy Holly & The Crickets. In their song “That’ll be the Day” the chorus goes like this: “Well, that’ll be the day, when you say goodbye Yes, that’ll be the day, when you make me cry You say you’re gonna leave, you know it’s a lie ‘Cause that’ll be the day when I die“ In McLean’s “American Pie” his similar line appears in the chorus as well: “Bye, bye Miss American Pie Drove my Chevy to the levee but the levee was dry And them good ole boys were drinking whiskey and rye Singin’ this’ll be the day that I die This’ll be the day that I die“ See more details NATIONAL WOMEN PHYSICIANS DAY NATIONAL WOMEN PHYSICIANS DAY February 3, 2026 NATIONAL WOMEN PHYSICIANS DAY On February 3rd, honor the path that female doctors have paved since 1849 as we recognize National Women Physicians Day. This day marks the birthday of Dr. Elizabeth Blackwell, the first woman to receive a medical degree in the United States in 1849. Dr. Blackwell initiated the movement that helped women gain entry and equality in the field of medicine. If society will not admit of a woman’s free development, then society must be remodeled. ~ Dr. Elizabeth Blackwell The day celebrates the courage of Elizabeth Blackwell and the accomplishments of female physicians everywhere. At the same time, the day strives to bring improvements to the workplace for the growing number of women physicians entering the field of medicine. While the number of women doctors gradually increased in the last two decades, 2016 statistics show 35% of physicians are women. A study published in JAMA Internal Medicine last year revealed that women doctors earn on average 8% less than their male counterparts. That discrepancy, along with nearly a third of women physicians reporting sexual harassment in the workplace and a large majority experiencing gender bias. Clearly, there is still work to be done. National Women Physicians Day recognizes the strides made by generations of women doctors. The observance also recognizes that we must strike a balance that allows women to succeed professionally while supporting a family. Join National Women Physicians Day in celebrating these accomplishments and supporting women physicians as colleagues, friends, family, and doctors. HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalWomenPhysiciansDay On February 3rd we are asking not only the medical community, but also our larger community of patients, families, and the public to celebrate National Women Physicians Day in hospitals and clinics, medical schools, and on social media. We are in an exciting time for medicine. We are connecting virtually and creating a collective voice that can be used to create positive changes for physicians and patients alike. Use #IAMBLACKWELL, #WomensDocsInspire and #NWPD to share on social media. NATIONAL WOMEN PHYSICIANS DAY HISTORY In an effort to raise awareness of the importance of a physician-led healthcare team and female physicians’ roles in medicine, Physician Moms Group and Medelita founded February 3rd as National Women Physicians Day. Physician Moms Group successfully celebrated the first National Women Physicians Day on February 3, 2016. The Registrar at National Day Calendar® declared the observance in 2017. About Physician Moms Group Physician Moms Group (PMG) was founded in November 2014 by Dr. Hala Sabry to bring together women physicians, who are also parents, to collaborate and support each other while sharing their medical expertise in an open forum. The PMG’s mission is to provide resources, a platform to network, and an opportunity to share information with like-minded individuals. The PMG network includes over 65,000 women physicians of all specialties across the globe. For more information, visit www.mypmg.org and follow them on Twitter @PhysicianMomsGp. See more details • • • • • •	4 NATIONAL CREATE A VACUUM DAY NATIONAL CREATE A VACUUM DAY February 4, 2026 NATIONAL CREATE A VACUUM DAY National Create A Vacuum Day on February 4th explores spaces void of matter. On this day, we are challenged to create one. A vacuum is created when the pressure inside a space is lower than the pressure outside the area.It’s difficult in a world full of minuscule particles of matter to create a space that has absolutely no matter. However, we create partial or simple vacuums at home. One of the easiest ways is using a syringe. By plugging up the open end and pulling back on the plunger, the space inside will be mostly free of matter. There will always be microscopic particles remaining, though. HOW TO OBSERVE #CreateAVacuumDay Conduct an experiment using vacuums. Return to science class by watching videos that show how to create vacuums. Watch a documentary about the vacuum of space. You might learn about what creatures can survive there, too Use #CreateAVacuumDay to post on social media. NATIONAL CREATE A VACUUM DAY HISTORY Although we continue researching the origins of this fascinating holiday, we’re certain they’re somewhere in the vacuum of someone’s mind. See more details NATIONAL GIRLS & WOMEN IN SPORTS DAY NATIONAL GIRLS & WOMEN IN SPORTS DAY February 4, 2026 NATIONAL GIRLS & WOMEN IN SPORTS DAY Around the country, National Girls and Women in Sports Day is recognized by schools, organizations, and teams during the first week of February. Athletics play an important role in girls’ lives. Besides helping to establish a routine for a healthy, active lifestyle, sports build confidence, leadership skills, and the ability to work with a team. But there is so much more to participating in sports. Women who participated in sports in school are more likely to graduate from college. According to an EY study, women increase their odds of landing leadership positions when they have a background in athletics. Girls develop lifelong valuable relationships during their sports careers, too. It’s not just serious business. It also doesn’t matter the sport. Whether girls choose to be a part of the volleyball team or prefer to aim for par or better in golf, the health, leadership, and academic benefits develop with each one. HOW TO OBSERVE #GirlsAndWomenInSportsDay Support girls and women athletics in your area. Get involved. For more information on how visit Women Sports Foundation. Share how sports influenced your life. Use #GirlsAndWomenInSportsDay to share on social media. You can also learn more about the women who led the way in 6 Women From Sports History. NATIONAL GIRLS AND WOMEN IN SPORTS DAY HISTORY On February 4, 1987, President Ronald Reagan declared the first National Women in Sports Day in recognition of the history of women’s athletics. It also recognized the progress made by the Title IX amendment passed in 1972. See more details NATIONAL HEMP DAY NATIONAL HEMP DAY February 4, 2026 NATIONAL HEMP DAY On February 4th, National Hemp Day proudly weaves a celebration surrounding an industry with a long and innovative history. Did you know hemp has been a part of human civilization for thousands of years? The world’s earliest civilizations used hemp fibers to make fabric for clothing and other materials. Even America’s founding fathers drafted early documents on hemp paper. During the last century, leaders used a “Hemp for Victory” campaign during WWII to encourage farmers to grow hemp for military use. Since then, hemp has been an essential material in the innovation of several industries. For example, shipping, construction, and textiles rely on hemp for numerous products. The construction industry started using hemp in place of concrete (known as hempcrete) since it is windproof and offers a lower carbon footprint. The Industrial Hemp Pilot Program allowed several states to grow, cultivate, and process hemp for agricultural purposes. These programs brought thousands of new jobs to an industry that had long been considered obsolete because of the Schedule I classification of hemp (the same classification as heroin and LSD).In 2018, the hemp industry celebrated a massive win with the passage of the Farm Bill. Hemp – including the leaves, stalks, and stems – has since been rescheduled to a Schedule V classification, the same as OTC low-dose codeine. As a result, the growing, producing, and distribution of hemp are legal on a national level. Products made from hemp such as CBD, clothing, plastics, paint, insulation, and biofuels will now be more readily available. The passing of the 2018 Farm Bill brings massive growth potential. Some publications are estimating that the hemp industry will become a multi-billion dollar industry for the United States. HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalHempDay It’s easy: support your hemp farmers and research hemp-derived products. Celebrate the history of hemp and the farmers who work so hard to grow it. Check out the products they have to offer; hemp can be found anywhere, from soaps and shampoos to socks and shorts. Join other hemp supporters out there on social media by using the hashtag #NationalHempDay on Feb. 4th! NATIONAL HEMP DAY HISTORY cbdMD founded National Hemp Day in 2019 to celebrate the hemp plants’ illustrious past. You can visit www.cbdMD.com for more information! See more details NATIONAL HOMEMADE SOUP DAY NATIONAL HOMEMADE SOUP DAY February 4, 2026 NATIONAL HOMEMADE SOUP DAY February 4th heats up with National Homemade Soup Day. In every cuisine, soup provides a rich basis of flavor and history. Before the era of modern transportation, soup was a product of regionally available foods. For this reason, there are thousands of soup recipes available today. Many soups also offer medicinal properties. What was once considered a wive’s tale, chicken soup now has the backing of the scientific community. Yes, chicken soup helps relieve the symptoms of the common cold. How? Well, scientists believe that a bowl of the soup may reduce inflammation of the lungs. It is thought that chicken soup slows down the activity of white blood cells that can cause inflammation. But that’s not all homemade soup does. Every cook knows the most important ingredient that goes into every pot of simmering soup. They keep the ingredient stored where it will do its best work, too. As they work, they season the soup from their heart giving it just the right amount of love each and every time. Whether they add it with the noodles or the vegetable, the broth or the cream, each cook knows there’s enough to go around. That’s why homemade soup heals the best. HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalHomemadeSoupDay Tell us about your favorite homemade soup. Share a recipe or a memory. Gather the family to learn how to make your best recipe and share the love. Need a new recipe to add to your collection? From chowders and broths to creamy bisques, National Day Calendar® found a few recipes to give a try on National Homemade Soup Day. Wonton Soup Decadent Tomato Bisque Chicken and White Corn Chowder Use #NationalHomemadeSoupDay to post on social media. NATIONAL HOMEMADE SOUP DAY HISTORY National Day Calendar continues searching for the origins of this warm-hearted holiday. But we’re pretty sure someone who seasoned everything with love had a hand in it. See more details NATIONAL SWEATER DAY NATIONAL SWEATER DAY February 4, 2026 NATIONAL SWEATER DAY If you're feeling a little cold today and need an extra layer, look no further. February 4th is National Sweater Day! Today we are honoring one of the most appreciated garments of the winter months and raising awareness about climate change. #NationalSweaterDay We all love a comfy sweater. Wearing a sweater helps us tolerate the cold winter temperature and also allows us to adjust to cooler indoor temperatures, too. National Sweater Day acts as an audit for our energy costs by forcing us to realize that we don't need to have our thermostats set high during the winter months. We can wear a sweater inside, lower our thermostat and be just as cozy. Wearing a sweater indoors indirectly lowers the demand for carbon-heavy energy. On average, if everyone in one home wore a sweater every day indoors and lowered their heat by 2 degrees, their heating bill could be reduced by at least 10%. That's a significant savings during the winter months. Now, imagine if every home did that in a city. The reduction in carbon dioxide emissions would be the equivalent of taking thousands of cars off the road for an entire year. Brief Sweater History The sweater has rough had a rough beginning. First appearing around the 15th century, these now fashionable clothing garments were called "guernseys" or "ganseys" and used as fisherman armor in the Channel Islands. Coastal wives would knit thick, wool tunics for their husbands, often leaving the natural lanolin (sheep oil) on the wool to make the sweaters water-resistant for their husbands while at sea. Each village had their own knitting pattern, making it easy to identify a fisherman if they were lost at sea. In the late 1800s, the term "sweat-er" appeared when athletes (especially rowers) would wear them to encourage sweating and weight loss. Because they were so good at absorbing sweat and keeping muscles warm. During the 1920s, designer Coco Chanel turned the garment into a chic piece of women's clothing when she created the "Cardigan". The 1950s became the "Sweater Girl" era. Actresses like Lana Turner and Marilyn Monroe popularized the sweater when they began wearing tight-fitting cashmere or wool blends. Today, you can find sweaters made of a variety of material that are transformed into unique styles. 6 IDEAS OF CELEBRATION FOR NATIONAL SWEATER DAY Take the "Thermostat Challenge" by lowering the heat in your home or office by 2 degrees and compare monthly bills to see if you did, in fact, save money. Wear your favorite, coziest, or most "vintage" knit and encourage others to do the same. Host a donation drive to collect sweaters for a local shelter. Register for a knitting class or follow a tutorial online. January is also National Hobby Month and knitting is a great hobby to learn. Organize a sweater swap. Instead of buying new sweaters, invite friends, family, and coworkers over one evening and ask everyone to bring their gently used (and clean) sweaters to swap with others. Use the hashtag #NationalSweaterDay and #CelebrateEveryDay to share with us how you're celebrating National Sweater Day. CREATOR OF NATIONAL SWEATER DAY We are currently in search of the creator of National Sweater Day. As of today, we have been unable to find who that could be. We have discovered Canada celebrates their own Sweater Day on February 5 that focuses more on wearing a sweater to lower the carbon footprint. We'll keep searching for the creator while wearing a sweater. Let's face it, North Dakota is cold this time of year. See more details NATIONAL THANK A MAIL CARRIER DAY NATIONAL THANK A MAIL CARRIER DAY February 4, 2026 NATIONAL THANK A MAIL CARRIER DAY National Thank A Mail Carrier Day (also known as Thank a Mailman Day) on February 4th reminds us that someone makes sure the mail gets through 6 days a week 52 weeks a year. The day is a timely note of just how important mail carriers are to our daily lives. Take time out of our day to thank the mail person who is responsible for delivering our mail to us. The Pony Express riders earned a famous reputation in their short existence. Their motto was “Neither rain, or snow, nor death of night, can keep us from our duty.” This motto is believed to be taken, in part, from a motto dating back to ancient times. The most popular variation of this motto is “Through rain or snow, or sleet or hail, we’ll carry the mail. We will not fail.”Fun Facts: In 1775, the Second Continental Congress established the Constitutional Post–the first organized mail service in America. As the nation’s first Postmaster General, Benjamin Franklin established many of the conventions we are accustomed to today. Postage stamps were invented in 1847. On April 3, 1860, the famous Pony Express officially took off. In 1863, free city delivery started, and in 1896, free rural delivery began. In 1963, the Zip Code began. After taking a look back on National Thank a Mail Carrier Day, take time to thank the mail carriers delivering your mail every day! HOW TO OBSERVE #ThankAMailCarrierDay National Thank A Mail Carrier Day gives you an opportunity to say thanks to your United States Postal Service carrier. One way to celebrate is with a friendly smile or a token of appreciation. Let your mail carrier know how much you value them. At National Day Calendar, we sure appreciate the service our mail carrier, Tim, provides. Thanks, Tim! Give your mail carrier a shout out on social media using #ThankAMailCarrierDay. NATIONAL THANK A MAIL CARRIER DAY HISTORY While we continue researching the origins of National Thank a Mail Carrier Day, we promise to deliver any updates to you promptly. See more details • • • • • •	5 NATIONAL CHOCOLATE FONDUE DAY NATIONAL CHOCOLATE FONDUE DAY February 5, 2026 NATIONAL CHOCOLATE FONDUE DAY Observed annually on February 5th, National Chocolate Fondue Day invites chocolate lovers everywhere to celebrate the decadent and timeless tradition of chocolate fondue. This delicious food holiday is guaranteed to bring a smile to your face as you indulge in a velvety, 'dreamy' dip that turns any gathering into a celebration. #ChocolateFondueDay Long before chocolate fondue was a party food, fondue was used a means of survival for Swiss peasants during the winter months. As heavy snows hit their region, food was difficult to come by, other than hunting. Bread was rock-hard and their cheese was aging, dry and frozen. They discovered that by melting the cheese with a bit of wine then dipping their stale bread into it, the combination created a delicious addition to their diet. The word "fondue" comes from the French verb fondre, which means "to melt." Through the years, fondue has become a staple on the tables throughout Switzerland. In fact, in the 1930s, the Swiss Cheese Union declared fondue the national dish! Chocolate fondue, on the other hand, seems to have a slight debate on whether it's a Swiss creation or an American creation. Konrad Egli was the chef at the Chalét Suisse in NY City. As an immigrant from Switzerland, Egli was infamous for his cheese fondue at the hotel. He wanted to create a dessert version of his cheese fondue. After partnering with the Swiss chocolate company Toblerone, he began creating a recipe using their nougat chocolate. Egli debuted his "chocolate fondue" at a press event and immediately became a staple of 1960s and 70s dinner parties. It was the "ultimate" sophisticated dessert for the jet-set era. CREATIVE NATIONAL CHOCOLATE FONDUE DAY CELEBRATIONS Both strawberries and marshmallows are classics go-tos when thinking of chocolate fondue. But, there are so many more food items you could try beyond those. We've compiled a list where salty-meets-sweet to help you celebrate National Chocolate Fondue Day: Candied Bacon: It's smoky, salty, and crunchy making it a gourmet "pro" move. Frozen Cream Puffs: A cold, cream-filled puff dipped directly into into hot, creamy chocolate creates a deliciously sweet treat. Waffles: When you cut crispy Belgian waffles into strips, you create an edible edible sponge for chocolate. Pineapple: Pineapple cuts through the richness of chocolate, creating a sweet and zingy option to strawberries. Ruffled Potato Chips: Chocolate-covered potato chips or Buffalo Chips, are a North Dakota favorite. The deep ridges of a ruffled potato chip can hold a lot of chocolate, creating the ultimate salty-sweet-crunchy trifecta. As always, share your chocolate fondue moments and photos with us on social media using the hashtag #ChocolateFondueDay. HISTORY BEHIND NATIONAL CHOCOLATE FONDUE DAY We were unable to find the creator of National Chocolate Fondue Day. We've dipped into several possibilities, but nothing really enticed our curiosity pallet. See more details NATIONAL SHOWER WITH A FRIEND DAY NATIONAL SHOWER WITH A FRIEND DAY February 5, 2026 NATIONAL SHOWER WITH A FRIEND DAY On National Shower with a Friend Day on February 5th is a tongue in cheek way of educating people about the benefits filtered, chlorine-free water. Winter is the coldest and loneliest season of the year. With dwindling daylight and Valentine’s Day at its heart, February can often leave people feeling dejected and somber. The day injects a bit of humor into the season while also serving to educate people on the benefits of showering in fresh, filtered water (and the effects of chlorine). Learn more about how chlorine is harmful to shower or bathe in or consume. HOW TO OBSERVE #ShowerWithAFriendDay Shower with filtered water. Learn more about the harmful effects of chlorine and how to filter it. Use #ShowerWithAFriendDay to post on social media. NATIONAL SHOWER WITH A FRIEND DAY HISTORY New Wave Enviro, a company located in Denver, Colorado, submitted the day in 2014. The Registrar at National Day Calendar proclaimed the day in 2015 to be observed on February 5th, annually. See more details NATIONAL WEATHERPERSON’S DAY NATIONAL WEATHERPERSON’S DAY February 5, 2026 NATIONAL WEATHERPERSON’S DAY Always celebrated on February 5th, National Weatherperson’s Day, which is also known as National Weatherman’s Day, honors all individuals in the fields of meteorology, weather forecasting, and broadcast meteorology. The day also recognizes volunteer storm spotters and observers as well as any others that work in the weather field. This annual holiday commemorates the birthday of John Jeffries, born on this day in 1744. Dr. Jeffries, a scientist, and a surgeon, is considered to be one of America’s first weather observers. He kept weather records from 1774 to 1816. Additionally, Jefferies pioneered the field of ballooning in the United States and took his first balloon observation in 1784. Those being honored during this celebration work hard to accurately forecast and report the always changing, and often unpredictable, weather. Despite all of the new technological advances, meteorologists continue to face challenges in forecasting the weather. Predicting “Mother Nature” and what path she may choose, is a very daunting task even with the most state-of-the-art technology. Knowing the weather forecast is valuable to us in so many ways. We often look at the forecast to plan our activities for the upcoming days. It affects what we do, how we dress, where we go or even if we go at all. Being prepared for upcoming storms, hurricanes or tornadoes saves lives. NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE: “The primary mission of the Weather Service (NWS) forecast office is to provide the American public with the best possible warning service to save lives. Recent severe weather statistics show that we continue to improve our capability to warn the public of impending hazardous weather. Nationally lead time for flash flood warnings improved from 22 minutes in 1993 to 78 minutes in 2008. Accuracy over the same time period increased from 71 percent to 91 percent. Lead time for tornado warnings has increased from 6 minutes in 1993 to 13 minutes today. Tornado warning accuracy increased from 43 percent to 72 percent. Winter storm accuracy in 2008 was 89 percent with an average lead time of 17 hours. Since 1990, the Tropical Prediction Center’s 24 to 72-hour tropical storm forecast track errors have been reduced by more than 50%. These more accurate and longer lead time warnings help communities stay safe.” HOW TO OBSERVE #WeatherpersonsDay Thank your local weatherperson. It may be the person you turn to on the news to keep you up to date on the latest storms. Or, it may also be the storm spotters who report to the National Weather Service. Their warnings alert us to more imminent dangers that impact our lives and livelihoods. Consider how weather impacts our daily lives and how much you appreciate an accurate forecast whenever possible. Share your experiences and give a shout out to the weatherperson doing an outstanding job in your area! Use #WeatherpersonsDay to post on social media. NATIONAL WEATHERPERSON’S DAY HISTORY The day commemorates the birth of Dr. John Jeffries, one of America’s first weather observers. The day has been celebrated for more than four decades. See more details OPTIMIST DAY OPTIMIST DAY February 5, 2026 OPTIMIST DAY Confident people look to the future with hope, and on Optimist Day we celebrate the volunteers who share their enthusiasm, skills, and talent to make that tomorrow a vibrant and peaceful one. On the first Thursday in February, recognize an optimist whose endeavors have made a difference in your community. Each year, Optimist organizations around the world volunteer their time and skills working with the youth in their communities. They provide leadership, scholarship, wellness and safety, arts and sports programs.Optimist Day recognizes the volunteers and the youth who support their communities in many different ways. Every day, our growing communities rely on the ingenuity and energy of the next generation to be an integral part of our neighborhoods, schools, and towns. These young volunteers and the mentors who guide them connect them to the greater world around us. Their stewardship creates a hopeful and future for us all. HOW TO OBSERVE #OptimistDay Recognize the volunteers in your community. Dedicate the day to their accomplishments and let them know how much you appreciate them. Let them know your community admires their hard work and dedication. Encourage other youth to become involved in community organizations, too. Help them see the benefits of improving the world where they live and connecting with the people who live there. Share the projects and resources of your communities’ volunteer organizations, the volunteers, and youth, too. Use #OptimistDay on social media. Consider your support for Optimist International by purchasing the 2021 National Day Wall Calendar and 40% of all purchases will go Henry County Optimist Club to support youth. OPTIMIST DAY HISTORY The original idea for Optimist Day developed in 1909 when the Optimist Club of America promoted the day to be observed on April 1st as a way to encourage kind acts and further optimism. The idea was to also replace the practical joking associated with April Fool’s Day. For the next several decades, clubs across the country hosted Optimist Day observances in their communities on various dates throughout the year. In 2017, Optimist International declared Optimist Day to be observed on the first Thursday in February with a focus on recognizing the achievements of the volunteers and the youth in the community. Each year, the programs they support to improve their communities and provide opportunities for the youth of all ages. They also coordinate with other volunteer organizations making the future brighter for all involved. See more details • • • •	6 BUBBLE GUM DAY BUBBLE GUM DAY February 6, 2026 BUBBLE GUM DAY Celebrating Bubble Gum Day the first Friday of February every year doesn’t burst many people’s bubble. It’s a fun way to chew your favorite flavor of bubble gum, blow some spectacular bubbles and raise money, too. Bubble Gum Day helps raise money for schools and the charities they support. Students donate 50 cents to be able to chew bubble gum in class on Bubble Gum Day. Long before any substantial chewing gum formed bubbles, ancient human beings chewed bits of resin from trees. All around the world, people collected substances from the available trees and used them for dental care and general enjoyment. It wasn’t until 1928 after decades of failure by those before him, and several of his own, that Walter Diemer created the first bubble producing gum. His employer, the Fleer Chewing Gum Company, marketed it as “Dubble Bubble”. The largest bubble gum bubble ever blown was 50.8 centimeters (20 inches) in diameter. Chad Fell of Haleyville, Alabama blew the bubble with three pieces of Dubble Bubble on April 24, 2004 at Double Springs High School in Winston County, Alabama. HOW TO OBSERVE #BubbleGumDay Grab your quarters and bubble gum! It’s time to chew some gum, blow bubbles and raise some money for a good cause. If your school doesn’t participate, encourage your school to set up a fundraiser. The funds can be donated to a local charity, new band costumes or foreign language emersion trip. Those are just a few ideas to get you started. Use #BubbleGumDay to share on social media. BUBBLE GUM DAY HISTORY In 2006, Ruth Spiro, children’s author and mother, founded the celebration/fundraiser to create a fun way for children to participate in school fundraising. See more details NATIONAL CHOPSTICKS DAY NATIONAL CHOPSTICKS DAY February 6, 2026 NATIONAL CHOPSTICKS DAY Each year on National Chopsticks Day, people worldwide celebrate the humble and ancient utensils on February 6th. Around 1200 B.C., Chinese cooks began using chopsticks to prepare food. These tools were likely long enough to reach into hot cooking pots. Then about 400 B.C., when fuels for cooking became scarce, food was prepared in smaller pieces reducing the number of resources needed to cook it. At the same time, the need for sharp eating utensils faded, and shorter chopsticks entered the scene. The Chinese term for chopsticks is kuai-tzu. Once these handy eating tools found their way to the dinner table, they spread around the world. Portable and elegant in their design, they also vary in style from region to region.Today chopsticks may be made from wood such as bamboo or aspen. Elaborately carved chopsticks may be cut from jade, ivory, or wood, and artisans may ornately paint some chopsticks with miniature scenes. HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalChopsticksDay Use chopsticks to eat your meals. Practice using chopsticks or teach someone how to use them. Share your favorite set of chopsticks or your favorite meal to eat with chopsticks. Visit your favorite restaurant where chopsticks are provided. Make sure you give them a shoutout, too! Of course, you should invite someone to celebrate with you, also! Maybe ask them to join you in a chopstick competition to see who is the most proficient using them. Be sure to use #NationalChopsticksDay to share on social media. NATIONAL CHOPSTICKS DAY HISTORY National Day Calendar continues researching the origins of this dinner time holiday. However, it seems to have been observed since at least 2012. See more details NATIONAL FROZEN YOGURT DAY NATIONAL FROZEN YOGURT DAY February 6, 2026 NATIONAL FROZEN YOGURT DAY National Frozen Yogurt Day on February 6th recognizes a sweet frozen dessert that has gone from fad status to staple freezer item in a few decades. Frozen yogurt sales are increasing every year as people want a healthier alternative to ice cream. The explosion of flavors and topping choices add to the popularity of frozen yogurt. H.P Hood developed the first frozen yogurt in 1970 in the United States. It was created as a soft-serve treat called Frogurt. Not long afterward, Humphreys and Dannon released their own versions of frozen yogurt. Its popularity grew in the 80s, mostly due to frozen yogurts “health food” status. Ice cream manufacturers soon caught on, offering low-fat options. Frozen yogurt is again making a comeback as consumers have begun to prefer the tart taste of yogurt. Not only does it find its way into home freezers, but it also is a sweet stop after work or play. HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalFrozenYogurtDay Enjoy your favorite flavor of frozen yogurt. It’s possible to even make your own. Check out the recipes below or even make another dessert using frozen yogurt. Invite someone to join you in your celebration, too. Add toppings or blend in some fruit. Tell us about your favorites or share a recipe. There’re so many ways to #CelebrateEveryDay! Give the following recipes a try: Creamy Vanilla Frozen Yogurt Chocolate Frozen Yogurt Cherry Cheesecake Frozen Yogurt Frozen Strawberry Yogurt Use #NationalFrozenYogurtDay to post on social media. NATIONAL FROZEN YOGURT DAY HISTORY National Day Calendar continues researching this frozen food holiday. But while we’re at it, we’re going to top our frozen yogurt with some sprinkles, whipped cream, and gummy bears. See more details NATIONAL LAME DUCK DAY NATIONAL LAME DUCK DAY February 6, 2026 NATIONAL LAME DUCK DAY On February 6th, National Lame Duck Day recognizes the ratification of the 20th Amendment to the United States Constitution or the Lame Duck Amendment. The term “lame duck” originated as a description of stockbrokers in 1700s England who could not pay off their debts. The name later carried over to those in business that would continue to do business while known to be bankrupt. In politics, a lame duck is a person currently holding a political office who has either: lost a re-election bid, chosen not to seek another term, been prevented from running for re-election due to a term limit, or holds a position that has been eliminated. The 20th Amendment Before the ratification of the 20th Amendment to the United States Constitution, Congress had a 13-month delay between election day and the day the newly elected officials took office. In other words, the lame-duck was given a 13-month termination notice, crippling their influence. Hence the ‘lame’ or injured duck. An awful lot of people are confused as to just what is meant by a lame duck Congress. It’s like where some fellows worked for you and their work wasn’t satisfactory and you let ’em out, but after you fired ’em, you let ’em stay long enough so they could burn your house down. – Will Rogers The same applied to the president. The 20th Amendment changed the date the newly elected president took office from March 4th to January 20th. During a lame-duck session, members of Congress are no longer accountable to their constituents. Their focus can switch to more personal gain instead of acting on behalf of their constituents with an eye toward re-election. The 20th Amendment shortened this period from 13 months to 2 months. While lame-duck sessions still occur (20 such sessions have occurred since the amendment took effect in 1935), there is less time for sweeping legislation to be approved. Even so, lame-duck Congresses have declared war, impeached a president, censured a senator, and passed the Homeland Security Act, among other actions. It is also considered a time when the peaceful transition of power occurs. Preparations occur for the out-going president to leave the office and the newly elected president to take over the role. HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalLameDuckDay If you are a Lame Duck, reflect on what you have learned and your successes and triumphs. Those who know a Lame Duck: Say thank you, give recognition for their success, and support their future. None of the above: Enjoy today in everything you do and share the information you learned about Lame Duck Day. Use #NationalLameDuckDay to post on social media. NATIONAL LAME DUCK DAY HISTORY National Lame Duck Day commemorates the date in 1933 that the U.S. Secretary of State proclaimed the 20th Amendment ratified. See more details NATIONAL WEAR RED DAY NATIONAL WEAR RED DAY February 6, 2026 NATIONAL WEAR RED DAY National Wear Red Day, on the first Friday in February, is an annual campaign to raise awareness about heart disease in women. The national campaign urges women to learn their risk for heart disease and to take steps to lower their risk. What increases a woman’s chances of heart disease? Smoking Sedentary lifestyle Family history Diabetes Stress Inflammatory diseases like rheumatoid arthritis and Crohn’s Complications during pregnancy Menopause We can prevent or reverse many of these risks by taking action. Speaking with our physician also helps to further lower our risk of heart attack and stroke by making and following a plan. Quit smoking. Ask for help if you need it. Your physician has many tools at her side to make quitting a success. Change your lifestyle. Become more active and improve your eating habits. This will help with many risk factors including stress, family history, and other health conditions. Get routine physical exams. Heart disease and stroke kill one in three women. These diseases are 80 percent preventable according to Go Red for Women’s official website. Go to www.goredforwomen.org for more information. HOW TO OBSERVE #WearRedDay This national campaign has revved up its red! Wear red to show your support for saving women’s lives Show us how you Go Red on your social media profiles using #GoRedWearRed Donate to help raise funds for awareness and research. Get your red gear at shopheart.org and a portion of every purchase goes back to the programming and mission of the American Heart Association. Know your numbers. Find out more about your risk factors at the American Heart Association website. #GoRedGetFit – earn prizes and get healthy while fighting heart disease with the American Heart Association. Find out more at GoRedForWomen.org or join the challenge on Facebook GoRedGetFit. NATIONAL WEAR RED DAY HISTORY The Go Red for Women campaign started in 2004 when the American Heart Association took on the challenge of raising awareness about the number 1 cause of death in women. See more details • • • • •	7 ICE CREAM FOR BREAKFAST DAY ICE CREAM FOR BREAKFAST DAY February 7, 2026 ICE CREAM FOR BREAKFAST DAY The first Saturday in February is a big treat because it’s Ice Cream for Breakfast Day! Whether the sun rises over a frosty morning or a warm one, having a scoop or two of ice cream for breakfast once a year places a bright spot right in the middle of winter. The creamy goodness of chocolate or vanilla will start the Saturday off right. Add some fresh fruit or sprinkle some of your favorite cereal for some crunch. Those who like to get creative with their ice cream might like bacon or avocado flavored ice cream at breakfast time. How about cinnamon toast and coffee ice cream? There are so many ways to participate in this deliciously good day. All you really have to do, though, is have ice cream for breakfast. HOW TO OBSERVE #ICECREAMFORBREAKFASTDAY Break out of the winter doldrums and have ice cream for breakfast. Enjoy your favorite kind or get creative and try something new. Have an ice cream breakfast party, and invite friends over to indulge with you! Use #iceCreamForBreakfastDay to share on social media. ICE CREAM FOR BREAKFAST DAY HISTORY In the 1960s, Florence Rappaport of New York created Ice Cream for Breakfast Day as a way to chase away cabin fever for her six children due to a winter storm that had blown through the area. The annual celebration caught on as her children grew and shared it on their travels. Today, the day has been observed in Canada, New Zeland, England, South Africa, Israel, and more. See more details NATIONAL FETTUCCINE ALFREDO DAY NATIONAL FETTUCCINE ALFREDO DAY February 7, 2026 NATIONAL FETTUCCINE ALFREDO DAY On February 7th, National Fettuccine Alfredo Day celebrates one of the world’s favorite ways to enjoy a plate of fettuccine. Fettuccine alfredo enjoys a history as rich as its flavor. Created in 1908, fettuccine was made out of love and concern by an Italian restauranteur. Alfredo di Lelio’s concern for his pregnant wife’s lack of appetite caused him to put his talents to work. The birth of their first son depended on it. His recipe of noodles, cheese, and butter not only encouraged her to eat but she also inspired him to put it on the menu, too. Since then, the century-old dish has been satisfying pasta lovers around the world ever since. Not only that but fettuccine alfredo lovers experiment with the dish in several ways. Add shrimp, mushrooms or spinach. The meal also pairs well with other vegetables and proteins, too. Cut the richness with a white wine and finish with a fruit dessert. HOW TO OBSERVE #FettuccineAlfredoDay Celebrate with a big dish of fettuccine Alfredo! Invite friends and family to join you, too. As you know, it’s not a celebration if you don’t. Make it yourself (we provide a recipe). Or, go to your favorite Italian restaurant. When you do, be sure to give them a shout out. Primo Fettuccine Alfredo recipe. While you’re celebrating, share your photos, recipes, and more using #FettuccineAlfredoDay to post on social media. NATIONAL FETTUCCINE ALFREDO DAY HISTORY The earliest printed record of the observance we’ve found is a January 26, 2005, Akron Beacon Journal article listing upcoming February food holidays. Several newspapers across the nation follow suit, including the list in their food pages. But, none of them included their source or how long the day has been celebrated. However, the grandson of Alfredo Di Lelio contacted National Day Calendar in 2015 to provide the history behind the delicious pasta dish. We provide his letter below.From Ines Di Lelio, grandson of Alfredo di Lelio The following is the History of Alfredo di Lelio, who created in 1908 “Fettuccine All ‘Alfredo” (Fettuccine Alfredo). It’s now served by his nephew Ines Di Lelio, at the restaurant “Il Vero Alfredo” – “Alfredo Di Roma” in Rome, Piazza Augusto Imperatore 30. “With reference of your article (for which I thank you), I have the pleasure to tell you the history of my grandfather Alfredo Di Lelio, who is the creator of ‘Fettuccine all’Alfredo’ (‘Fettuccine Alfredo’) in 1908 in the ‘trattoria’ run by his mother Angelina in Rome, Piazza Rosa (Piazza disappeared in 1910 following the construction of the Galleria Colonna / Sordi). This ‘trattoria’ of Piazza Rosa has become the ‘birthplace of fettuccine all’Alfredo’. More specifically, as is well known to many people who love the ‘fettuccine all’Alfredo’, this famous dish in the world was invented by Alfredo Di Lelio concerned about the lack of appetite of his wife Ines, who was pregnant with my father Armando (born February 26, 1908). Alfredo di Lelio opened his restaurant “Alfredo” in 1914 in Rome and in 1943, during the war, he sold the restaurant to others outside his family.” Staying in the Family “In 1950 Alfredo Di Lelio decided to reopen with his son Armando his restaurant in Piazza Augusto Imperatore n.30 ‘Il Vero Alfredo’ (‘Alfredo di Roma’), whose fame in the world has been strengthened by his nephew Alfredo and that now managed by me, with the famous “gold cutlery” (fork and spoon gold) donated in 1927 by two well-known American actors Mary Pickford and Douglas Fairbanks (in gratitude for the hospitality). See also the website of ‘Il Vero Alfredo’.(with news also about franchising). I celebrate every year (as this year) in my restaurant (founded by my grandfather Alfredo Di Lelio) the USA Holiday of. fettuccine all’Alfredo (February 7). I must clarify that other restaurants “Alfredo” in Rome do not belong to the family tradition of ‘Il Vero Alfredo – Alfredo di Roma’ and I inform you that the restaurant ‘Il Vero Alfredo –Alfredo di Roma’ is in the registry of ‘Historic Shops of Excellence’ of the City of Rome Capitale. Best regards Ines Di Lelio” See more details NATIONAL PERIODIC TABLE DAY NATIONAL PERIODIC TABLE DAY February 7, 2026 NATIONAL PERIODIC TABLE DAY On February 7th, National Periodic Table Day recognizes the publication of the first table of elements. We also take a look at how the periodic table has changed through the years. The periodic table has a long history. It and the discovery of elements impacted science in many ways. Ancient man only knew of few elements. However, by the 1st century A.D., mankind knew about the elements of gold, silver, copper, iron, lead, tin, mercury, sulfur, and carbon. Over time, we added arsenic, antimony, phosphorus, and zinc to our discoveries. By 1809, there were 47 discovered elements. It was time to organize, and Johann Döbereiner made one of the earliest attempts to do that. He organized the elements in 1817 into groups of three, or triads, based on similar qualities. John Newlands On February 7, 1863, English chemist John Newlands published one of the first table of elements. Newlands divided the known 56 elements into 11 groups based on the “Law of Octaves.” His table suggested that anyone element will have similar properties to elements eight places before and behind it on the table. Arranging the elements according to increasing atomic weight, Newlands was one of the first scientists to detect a pattern to the properties of elements. As a result, his table left room for new discoveries. It even predicted future discoveries would complete the table. In fact, Newlands correctly predicted the discovery of Germanium. Future Discoveries While parts of Newlands’ periodic table contained flaws, so did other later proposed tables. In 1869, chemist Dimitri Mendeleev published a paper developing a new periodic table. Mendeleev’s table also arranged the elements based on atomic mass. By this time, only 60 of the over 100 elements we know today were discovered. As on previous tables, inaccuracies were attributed to some of those elements. While Mendeleev corrected some of these inaccuracies, he didn’t correct them all. Mendeleev made assumptions about others causing elements to be placed incorrectly on the table. Like Newlands, Mendeleev also predicted discoveries, and he correctly predicted the properties of five elements and their compounds. The discoveries throughout Scot William Ramsay’s career from 1892 to 1910, along with John William Strutt, Morris Travers, and Frederick Soddy led to the identification of the noble gasses. In 1904, the Nobel Prize was awarded to Ramsay for discovering five elements.Henry Moseley Henry Moseley, an experimental physicist, contributed to the development of the modern periodic table. In 1913, Moseley discovered that each element has a specific number of protons. As a result, four new chemical elements were later found, though not during his lifetime. Since the early 20th century, the periodic table remains largely unchanged. However, the 21st century is still young. Some researchers suggest new approaches to the periodic table while maintaining its integrity as one of the most valuable tools in the science of chemistry. The current table tallies a total of 118 elements. HOW TO OBSERVE #PeriodicTableDay Test your knowledge of the periodic table. Celebrate with Periodic Table trivia or challenging each other to name the elements. Take it a step further and name the number of protons in each element. Learn more about elements on the periodic table by reading 7 History Making Elements. Visit www.PeriodicTableDay.org for more information. Use #PeriodicTableDay to post on social media. Educators, visit the National Day Calendar Classroom pages for ways to incorporate National Periodic Table Day into your classroom. NATIONAL PERIODIC TABLE DAY HISTORY On February 7, 2016, the first National Periodic Table Day was founded on February 7, 2016. The day serves to promote the challenges overcome to develop the modern periodic table. Mr. David T. Steineker, author, inventor, and chemistry teacher at Jefferson County Public Schools in Kentucky is inspired by those challenges. He took the initiative to celebrate National Periodic Table Day based upon John Newlands’ first table of the elements published on February 7, 1863. See more details NATIONAL PLAY OUTSIDE DAY NATIONAL PLAY OUTSIDE DAY February 7, 2026 NATIONAL PLAY OUTSIDE DAY If it’s the first Saturday of the month, it’s National Play Outside Day. So, no matter what month it is, everyone put down your electronic devices and get outside! All year long, we are given numerous opportunities to get outside and play. But sometimes, life, responsibilities and distractions keep us from spending time in the fresh air as we should. National Play Outside Day is a reminder to stretch our legs and expend some energy in the great outdoors. Benefits of Outdoor Play Why is playing outside so good for us? Besides getting us off the sofa or away from the desk, it also gives us an opportunity to explore our neighborhoods. While it’s impossible to list all the benefits of outdoor play, we do have a few to share. Playing outdoors is a freeing activity. It frees us from routines, enclosed spaces and frames of mind. The outdoors fills us with energy. Whether it’s the fresh air, sunshine or physical activity, we perk up and become motivated to accomplish things. It clears the cobwebs from our brains. We sometimes get stuck on a topic, project or issue and are unable to resolve it. A change of scene often brings clarity we didn’t have before. Outdoor play provides terrific physical activity for our bodies. Our hearts pump fresh oxygen to our limbs and brains. We experience new sights and sounds. Children get to experience the world around them. As a social activity, playing outside encourages positive interactions. When you play outside every month, it becomes habit-forming – and this one good habit to have! It stimulates the imagination. Outdoor play almost has no boundaries. Your yard can be a kingdom or the playground can be a mountain to scale. We’ve only scratched the surface of the benefits of outdoor play. There are so many more! So, be sure to get outside with the family on the first Saturday of every month – or even more often than that! HOW TO OBSERVE #PlayOutsideDay We know the seasons change, so what we were able to do outside last month will be different this month. However, that shouldn’t stop you from celebrating the day. This is your monthly reminder that it’s time to get outside and play. We have suggestions for every season that we’re sure you’ll enjoy! Explore hiking trails near you. Visit the local swimming pool or even take swimming lessons. Check out every park in your neighborhood and climb, slide or swing on every playground set. Start a game of catch, kickball, tag or Frisbee or make up a game. Go to the beach. Run through the sprinkler. Go camping. Go fishing. Fly a kite. Jump in a pile of leaves. Build a fort – of leaves or snow or whatever is handy. Walk around the block. Go for a bike ride. Build a snowperson. Go sledding. Identify the constellations at night and look for meteors. Visit your favorite state or national park. What’s your favorite way to play outside? Introduce some of the games you used to play to your children. Whatever you do, be sure to get outside and play! Use #PlayOutsideDay to share on social media. NATIONAL PLAY OUTSIDE DAY HISTORY In 2011, Aaron Wiggans and Rhonda D. Abeyta founded National Play Outside Day as a reminder to explore and play in the world outside. The day encourages healthful habits that will last a lifetime. See more details NATIONAL SEND A CARD TO A FRIEND DAY NATIONAL SEND A CARD TO A FRIEND DAY February 7, 2026 NATIONAL SEND A CARD TO A FRIEND DAY National Send A Card To A Friend Day on February 7th reminds us to send friendly cheer through the mail. We do that by sending a note or message on a card to the friends we hold dear. Throughout the year, we often think about our friends. We wonder how they are, miss them and remember fond memories of times shared. Sending a card to someone for a variety of reasons dates back to ancient times. The Chinese would send elegantly designed messages as well as the Egyptians, though on different types of paper. During the Rennaisance, greeting cards gained popularity for specific holidays and events. Victorian times increased the use of the greeting card for Valentine’s Day, Christmas, birthdays and more. While our more digital era may turn away from the flowery language of greeting cards, a surprising 80 percent of adults still purchase them. While they may only make these purchases for special occasions and are more likely to include them with a gift when they’re attending an event, they are purchasing. That said, retailers continue to reduce their footprint in the greeting card aisle. All the facts would add up to a faster fading “Just Thinking of You” type of card. However nice it is to receive sweet text, wouldn’t it be less of a chore to go to the mailbox if occasionally you found a notecard from a friend? HOW TO OBSERVE #SendACardToAFriendDay Send a card to your friends. You can buy cards at a store, or you can make them yourself. Whichever way you choose, set aside a few minutes to write a short note or a long note in a card and send one to make a friend’s day! Use #SendACardToAFriendDay to post on social media. NATIONAL SEND A CARD TO FRIEND DAY HISTORY National Day Calendar continues researching the origins of this friendly holiday. As we do, we’re also making friends that we need to send cards to, too! See more details • • • • •	8 NATIONAL BOY SCOUTS DAY NATIONAL BOY SCOUTS DAY February 8, 2026 NATIONAL BOY SCOUTS DAY February 8th annually recognizes National Boys Scouts Day. Since 1910, boys across America have been doing good deeds, learning survival skills, and developing moral foundations through the Boy Scout of America. The Boy Scouts of America has roots in the British Boy Scouts organization which was created in 1908 after the success of the book Scouting for Boys by Robert Baden-Powell. On a foggy day in London an American newspaperman, William Dickson Boyce, became lost when a Boy Scout came to his assistance. With the boy’s guidance, Boyce arrived at his destination. When Boyce offered payment for the assistance, the Boy Scout refused explaining it was a good deed. Boyce was inspired to organize similar youth groups into one organization. On February 8, 1910, Boyce filed papers of incorporation, and the Boy Scouts of America was born. Boy Scouts have had a profound impact on the United States. Many presidents and other dignitaries have been Boy Scouts. A total of 181 Astronauts have also been a part of the Boy Scout program. Boy Scouting Facts Timeline Boy Scouts of America incorporated in 1910 First Boy Scout Handbook published in 1911 Boys’ Life premiered in 1911 First Eagle Scout, Arthur R. Eldred in 1912 Scouting magazine premiered in 1913 Registration of Scouts began, 25¢ annual fee was 1913 Order of the Arrow began in 1915 Federal charter granted by Congress in 1916 The first season at what would become Northern Tier High Adventure Base started in 1923 Boy Scout membership tops 1 million in 1925 Cub Scout program began in 1930 Philmont donated to the BSA in 1938 First BSA Wood Badge course taught in 1948 First Pinewood Derby® held in 1953 Webelos program added to Cub Scouting in 1954 Exploring program began in 1959 Florida National High Adventure Sea Base officially opened in 1980 Tiger Cubs program added to Cub Scouting in 1982 Alexander M Holsinger became the 1 millionth Eagle Scout in 1982 Learning for Life program began in 1991 Venturing program began in 1998 100 millionth member registered in 2000 Anthony Thomas became the 2 millionth Eagle Scout in 2009 HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalBoyScoutsDay With so many Boy Scouts across the nation, celebrate the day. Share your experiences and skills. Learn more about the Boy Scouts and what they have to offer. Share the benefits of Boy Scouts and use #NationalBoyScoutsDay to post on social media. NATIONAL BOY SCOUTS DAY HISTORY February 8th recognizes the anniversary of the date William Dickson Boyce filed the letters of incorporation. February is also Boy Scout Month. See more details NATIONAL IOWA DAY NATIONAL IOWA DAY February 8, 2026 NATIONAL IOWA DAY On February 8th, National Iowa Day recognizes The Hawkeye State. The 29th state to join the United States is known for fertile prairie, rolling hills, raising innovative people and some nostalgic movie moments. From the Mississippi River to the harvests in Plymouth, Harrison or Fremont counties, Iowa’s history, beauty and hospitality flourish. The state was named for Iowa Native Americans who populated the area when European settlement forced Eastern tribes westward. Acquired as part of the Louisiana Purchase, Iowa Territory settlement didn’t start to take place until around the 1830s. Other Fascinating Faces and Places One of the later settlements that remain today is the Amana Colony. A congregation of the Community of True Inspiration, their faith and persecution in Germany led them to immigrate to America for religious freedom. Iowa supplied fertile farmland and a home for them to practice their skills and their beliefs. Today, they open their community to the public. Shop for handmade gifts, homemade baked goods, wine and stay for a home-cooked meal. In the southwestern part of the state, Madison County boasts beautiful covered bridges which were featured in the movie by a similar name. While touring the bridges, be sure to stop by Winterset and take in the birthplace of John Wayne. Not far from the Mississippi River, The Field of Dreams home is just outside Dyersville. They built it so that you would come. For fantastic performances in a historic rock and roll venue, check out the events at the Surf Ballroom. Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens, and The Big Bopper played their last concerts at the Surf Ballroom the night they perished in a plane crash near Clear Lake, Iowa. Nature lovers will find plenty of adventure in Iowa. Effigy Mounds National Park will satisfy those with a mystical and historical curiosity. Rockhounds should seek out Geode State Park. The Corps of Discovery’s Louis and Clark Trail come through Iowa, too. HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalIowaDay From the Quad Cities to Shimek Forest, Iowa offers city and country to explore. Join National Day Calendar as we examine the 29th state’s dynamic people and pioneering history. Travel byways and discovery Iowa’s stunning scenery! Use #NationalIowaDay to share on social media. See more details NATIONAL KITE FLYING DAY NATIONAL KITE FLYING DAY February 8, 2026 NATIONAL KITE FLYING DAY Observed annually on February 8th, National Kite Flying Day encourages exploring kite flying and making. Enthusiasts across the country mark the day by launching their kites or making plans to attend festivals. Kites date back to China in 470 B.C. China is full of lore and histories of the origins of the kite. Many are related to the way wind affects the leaves on the trees, the shelters they lived in, blowing away the sails on their ships, and the hats they wore upon their heads. The stories also tell of kites invented to spy on their enemies or to send messages. Evidence also shows the people of the South Sea Islands were using kites for fishing around the same time as the people of China.Early kites were constructed from bamboo or sturdy reeds for framing. Leaves, silk, or paper made ideal sails. Vines or braided fibers completed the line or tether. While people initially used kites as tools, they also used them for ceremonial reasons as well. Whether they sent messages into the heavens or to lift offerings up to the gods, kites had a symbolic place in the culture. Today kites are popular both as hobbies and for outdoor fun. They range from a simple diamond kite to more complicated box kites and giant sled kites. Stunt kites, also known as sport kites, are designed so the operator can maneuver the kite into dips, twists, and dives with dramatic effect. Tips for Getting Your Kite Up in the Air and Keeping it There Be sure the kite is assembled correctly. Check the wind. Some kites require more wind and others less. Picking the right day for your kite is key. A light breeze (5-20 mph) is generally optimal. Be safe. Don’t fly a kite near power lines, trees, or other sky-high obstacles. Wide-open spaces are best. Be safer. Don’t fly in the rain. When launching the kite, be sure to have your back to the wind. If the wind is light, have a friend hold the kite downwind and hold your line taught, reeling in slowly until the kite launches. Don’t let the line out too quickly. Let the line out at the same pace the kite is gaining altitude. HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalKiteFlyingDay Go outside and fly a kite if weather permits. If not, make one inside. In some parts of the country, the time of year may make it difficult to fly a kite. There are kite festivals at various periods of the year. Use today to scout out those festivals and make a plan to join in. Use #NationalKiteFlyingDay to post on social media. NATIONAL KITE FLYING DAY HISTORY National Day Calendar continues researching the origins of this high-flying holiday. See more details NATIONAL PORK RIND DAY NATIONAL PORK RIND DAY February 8, 2026 NATIONAL PORK RIND DAY Each year on the day of the championship game, another kind of pigskin is celebrated. National Pork Rind Day recognizes the fried edible skin of the pig. A variety of snack producers make these high-protein, no-carb, gluten-free, crunchy snacks. Usually lightly seasoned with a little salt, dieters turn to pork rinds to satisfy their munchies when they are avoiding chips. They also come in several flavors such as barbecue, spicy, cinnamon, and salt & vinegar. Clever cooks use crushed pork rinds in their recipes. Crushed pork rinds make low-carb breading for meatballs, breaded chicken, meatloaf, and even more. But pork rinds have been a favorite of snackers long before paleo, keto, and low-carb diets came along. There is just something about these crunchy little pig skins that make people happy. HOW TO OBSERVE #PorkRindDay Enjoy your favorite brand of pork rinds on National Pork Rind Day. If you’ve never had them, be sure to give them a try. Whip up some dips to enjoy while you watch the big game. You can even explore some new recipes, too. We even have a couple of recipes for you to test. Be sure to invite your friends over to try them out. Pork Rind Chicken Tenders Dipping Sauces However you celebrate, be sure to use #PorkRindDay on social media. NATIONAL PORK RIND DAY HISTORY In 2011, Rudolph Foods declared National Pork Rinds Day to be celebrated on Super Bowl. The Ohio-based company promoted the day by also recognizing the truckers who deliver the pork rinds to grocers, convenience stores, and the big game every year. They handed out free bags of pork rinds to truck drivers. See more details • • • •
9 NATIONAL BAGEL AND LOX DAY DAY NATIONAL BAGEL AND LOX DAY DAY February 9, 2026 NATIONAL BAGEL AND LOX DAY DAY National Bagel and Lox Day recognize one of America’s favorite bagel combinations on February 9th. Bagels are one of the few breads that are boiled then baked. This creates a soft inside while keeping a crisp outside. Bagels originated in Poland in the early 17th century and now sell over a billion dollars worth each year in the United States. Salmon is cured in a salt brine for several months to make lox. The technique was perfected in Scandinavia. Using the fatty belly of the salmon results in a buttery, silky texture that pairs well with cream cheese and bagels.Over the years, many flavors and varieties of bagels have sprung up across the USA. Cream cheese is a favorite topping on bagels. HOW TO OBSERVE #BagelAndLoxDay Enjoy your bagels and lox in several ways. Try an everything bagel with lox and cream cheese topped with spinach. Stop by your favorite bagel shop and give them a shoutout while you’re there. Invite friends to enjoy the day with you. Try these recipes: Lox Bagels II recipe. Use #NationalBagelLoxDay to post on social media. NATIONAL BAGEL AND LOX DAY HISTORY National Day Calendar® continues researching the origins of this tasty food holiday. See more details NATIONAL CLEAN OUT YOUR COMPUTER DAY NATIONAL CLEAN OUT YOUR COMPUTER DAY February 9, 2026 NATIONAL CLEAN OUT YOUR COMPUTER DAY Observed on the second Monday in February, National Clean Out Your Computer Day promotes taking time out of your day to do some basic housekeeping on your computer. All computers need regular organizing and clean up. This includes the removal of old files and clutter. We tend to save emails, documents, and photos on our hard drive when other media can store it for us. Often, we keep duplicates we don’t need, too. Old programs also create havoc, too. Makes sure you are using the latest versions of programs and operating systems, too.Over time, files and programs that are unused on your PC clog the memory and cause confusion during retrieval and use of other data. They may also slow down your computer. HOW TO OBSERVE #CleanOutYourComputerDay Take a look at your files and programs on your computers. If you work in an office, encourage your peers to do the same. Share tips and tricks to efficient computer clean up. Organize your files and folders. Review your emails and delete any that are no longer needed. Delete junk files. Remove duplicate files. Delete old files and programs not being used. Update the programs you do use. Use #CleanOutYourComputerDay to post on social media. NATIONAL CLEAN OUT YOUR COMPUTER DAY HISTORY In 2000, the Institute for Business Technology first promoted National Clean Out Your Computer Day. See more details NATIONAL CUT THE CORD DAY NATIONAL CUT THE CORD DAY February 9, 2026 NATIONAL CUT THE CORD DAY Break free from expensive cable bills on February 9th by celebrating National Cut the Cord Day! The streaming movement has rapidly grown over the past five years, and it doesn’t show any signs of stopping. As the digital world supplies more choices, it also provides the flexibility, selection, and reliability we’ve been looking for. So it’s no surprise that industry analysts estimate that up to six million people will cut the cord on traditional TV subscriptions in 2020. As the devices for streaming continue to grow, more people look to cut the cord from cable. Whether binge-watching old favorites or catching the evening news, cord-cutters can customize a channel lineup for half the price of cable. HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalCutTheCordDay Cutting the cord has never been easier. With apps and online tools, learn more about the benefits and opportunities of cutting the cord. Weigh the pros, cons and potential savings. When you’re ready to lean into the freedom of streaming on-demand content plus live TV, cut the cord! Once you’ve decided cutting the cord is right for you, make sure to have the following items before getting started: High-speed internet access Supported device Valid credit/debit card Valid email address An idea of content needs – those must-have channels or shows for you and your family With so many ways to stream live and on-demand content, it may be overwhelming to know where to start. Setting up a streaming subscription like Sling TV is easier than ever by taking three easy steps: make an account, customize a channel lineup and start streaming! Experienced cord-cutters, share your favorite ways to watch, your experiences cutting the cord and more. Use #NationalCutTheCordDay to join the celebration. Check out limited-time offers – sling.com/deals/special-offer Ready to Cut The Cord and stream your favorite TV shows? If so, we can help! On this #NationalCutTheCordDay we partnered with SLING to offer 6 winners a year of streaming service absolutely free! Like and comment for your chance to win. See Rules for complete details. SLING is the smart choice for live TV. With SLING you can stream 50+ live channels to your TV, laptop, tablet, or phone to watch your favorite sports, news, and entertainment programming. SLING also has 85K+ on-demand movies and shows. With SLING you also get 50hrs of DVR for free, and you can even watch TV with friends who are remote with SLING Watch Party. Have questions? Contact Sling TV’s Cord Cutters Hotline at 855-553-2862 NATIONAL CUT THE CORD DAY HISTORY Sling TV founded National Cut the Cord Day on February 9, 2020, to commemorate the day the service launched in 2015. On the fifth anniversary, Sling TV encourages people across the nation to make the leap from cable to live TV streaming by participating in National Cut the Cord Day. Sling TV will kick off the celebration with six days of exclusive deals. Visit sling.com/deals/special-offer to find out more. See more details NATIONAL FOOTBALL HANGOVER DAY NATIONAL FOOTBALL HANGOVER DAY February 9, 2026 NATIONAL FOOTBALL HANGOVER DAY Each year on the day after the big game, National Football Hangover Day offers a bit of comfort and camaraderie. The Event Every year since 1967, football fans across the country have participated in the most-watched football event in America. This day is one where sports fans gather together to celebrate, place friendly wagers, and indulge in food and drink, some in more excess than others. It’s estimated nearly 14 million people call into work “sick” the day after the big game. If this applies to you, congratulations! You officially join millions of other fans nursing a massive football hangover and headache! Whether you stayed up to celebrate your team’s big win or stayed up mourning your team’s loss, you likely have a hangover. A food coma and a tummy ache are also possible. Or, maybe you drank a little too much of that barley beverage, and your head is pounding. Whatever the excuse, you are clearly able to celebrate National Football Hangover Day like last night’s football champions! Unfortunately, you probably won’t get a ring or an award for your efforts. However, you might get recognition from your employer for being one of the biggest fibbers on the payroll. The Hangover Treating a hangover is debatable. Some people claim to have the “almighty cure” for a hangover, while others say nursing a hangover slowly is the best cure. Hangover symptoms vary from person to person but always include headache, nausea, fatigue, and often thirst. Normally, a hangover is self-treatable and requires no medical attention. A severe hangover could be serious and indicate alcohol poisoning, requiring emergency medical treatment as soon as possible. Mayo Clinic suggests staying hydrated by drinking water will help minimize a hangover. They also suggest avoiding drinking on an empty stomach because alcohol is absorbed into the body at a rapid pace. HOW TO OBSERVE #FootballHangoverDay As difficult as your headache and nausea might be today, we insist on helping you find a way to celebrate National Football Hangover Day like a football champion! The Hair of the Dog seems to be the cure for a hangover, and depending on where you live, the recipe varies. We found adding common ingredients like tomato or clamato juice, a raw egg, a dash of Tabasco sauce and Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice, and vodka to a blender and mixing well, then drinking, will lead you in the right direction for recovery! Share your hangover experience, including your own hangover concoction on social media using #FootballHangoverDay. (Remember to drink responsibly and never drink and drive.) NATIONAL FOOTBALL HANGOVER DAY HISTORY National Football Hangover Day was submitted by ESPN host and sports personality Katie Nolan, Always Late with Katie Nolan, in January 2019. Katie wanted to give back to sports fans by devoting an entire day to recovering the day after the big game day celebrations the night before. She wanted to give special recognition and honor those fans who have spent the entire football season shedding tears and toasting cheers for their favorite football team. The Registrar at National Day Calendar® proclaimed the day to be celebrated annually beginning in 2019. See more details NATIONAL PIZZA DAY NATIONAL PIZZA DAY February 9, 2026 NATIONAL PIZZA DAY National Pizza Day on February 9th celebrates one of America’s all-time favorite foods. Whether it is thin crust, Chicago-style, deep dish, or anything in between, pizza is an American favorite. We love our pizzas, and they come in so many varieties, too. As we nosh on our favorite, explore a few pizza facts: Pepperoni is the most popular pizza at 36% of all pies ordered. Over 3 billion pizzas are sold in the USA each year. Add another 1 billion on frozen pizzas In the United States, 17% of all restaurants are pizzerias. Antica Pizzeria, the first Pizzeria, opened in Naples, Italy, in 1738. Gennaro Lombardi, the first Pizzeria in the United States, opened in 1895 in New York City. Americans consume on average 23 pounds of pizza per person each year. HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalPizzaDay You know what to do. Have your favorite pizza! Whether you visit your local pizza place or make your own, you’ll be celebrating National Pizza Day your way! Try something new. Mix up your toppings. Try a new sauce or get some crazy crust. Be sure to give a shout out to the local staple that’s always filled the pizza need. You know who we’re talking about. The ones with the secret ingredients we make classic movies about. Yeah, that’s the one. And don’t forget to check out the Celebration Deals for all the best offers and discounts. Send us a message with any other great deals you come across that celebrate National Pizza Day, 2020. Throw a pizza party and give the following recipes a try: Perfect Pepperoni Pizzas Beer Bread Pizza Bacon & Artichoke Pizza Margherita Flatbread Pizza Peanut Butter BBQ Chicken Pizza Use #NationalPizzaDay to post on social media. NATIONAL PIZZA DAY HISTORY National Day Calendar continues researching the origins of this ever-popular food holiday. However, the mystery remains. One thing we do know is how to eat pizza. Do you? See more details NATIONAL REHYDRATION DAY NATIONAL REHYDRATION DAY February 9, 2026 NATIONAL REHYDRATION DAY National Rehydration Day on the Monday after the Big Game puts a spotlight on mass dehydration following the most-watched, and cheered for, sporting event in America each year--the Big Game. While the day before is a nationwide celebration, the morning after is a call to everyone – not just the athletes on the big screen- to focus on recovery, wellness, and replenishing the body. #NationalRehydrationDay The Big Game isn’t just a football game. It's a cultural phenomenon full of friends, food and sometimes, too many adult beverages. In fact, the Monday following the festivities is notorious for sluggish productivity and is actually known as America’s most-called-off workday of the year. With over 100 million people tuning in, many take part in celebrations of overindulgence of food and drink. National Rehydration Day reminds us that ‘Hydration Regret’ is a real thing. Seventy-five percent of Americans are chronically dehydrated even on a normal day. A study recently done by Liquid I.V. found 8 in 10 American’s wish they hydrated better, with one-third admitting to feeling the crash when they don’t hydrate. When you add a major celebration into the mix, rehydrating the next day becomes increasingly important to help aid recovery to tackle the Monday ahead. 7 Signs of Dehydration If you’re tired, cranky, headachy, or forgetting what day it is...hydration might be the plot twist. Even 1–2% dehydration can mess with your mood, energy, focus, and how your body feels. Most people don’t even notice when it's happening, but your body is basically waving a little flag with warning signs. Here are signs to look out for: Yellow Pee: Yellow pee = yellow flag. One of the easiest ways to know if you’re dehydrated is through your pee. In fact, over 70% of Millennials see yellow pee as a clear sign of dehydration. If you notice that you are rarely going to the bathroom throughout the day and/or your pee is darker in color, that could be a sign you’re dehydrated. Thirst: Mouth feeling like a desert? Feeling thirsty could mean your body needs fluids and may indicate mild dehydration. Fatigue: Feeling that mid-day slump or decrease in physical energy? This may mean you’re dehydrated and it’s time for a proper hydration break. Brain Fog: Ever feel like you’re losing your train of thought? Take a sip! Dehydration may make it difficult to concentrate, focus, or think clearly and can impair cognition. Nausea: Dehydration may cause nausea for several reasons, primarily due to fluid and electrolyte imbalances. Headaches: Tension headaches you experience throughout the day may be due to dehydration. That ringing? It could be dehydration calling. Hello, you need to hydrate! Irritability: Feel like you're snapping at everyone? Being dehydrated can impact mental performance, cognition function and mood. (These are potential signs of mild to moderate dehydration. If you are concerned about any of these, please seek medical advice.) Dehydration isn’t just uncomfortable, it’s often overlooked. The goal of National Rehydration Day is to shift the "sick day" culture into a "wellness day" culture, promoting hydration and recovery awareness through social media and workplaces across the country. By dedicating this day to rehydration, we encourage a faster return to productivity and a more energized start to the week. HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalRehydrationDay National Rehydration day serves as a strategic reminder that while the Big Game is about the celebration, the day after is about the recovery. Celebrate today by making your recovery a priority. Start with Water: Drink a full glass of water immediately upon waking. Balance Your Electrolytes: Reach for beverages containing sodium, potassium, and magnesium to help your body absorb water more effectively. For instance, Liquid I.V.® provides a science-backed formula in their Hydration Multiplier® Sugar-Free powder that is designed with an optimized ratio of electrolytes, essential vitamins, and clinically tested nutrients to transform ordinary water into extraordinary hydration. Educate Your Team: Ensure you and your ‘team’ are taking hydration breaks using hydration stations around the office (or at home) or stocking up on products like Liquid I.V. in the breakroom or pantry to boost morale and productivity. Eat Your Hydration: Incorporate water-rich foods like cucumber, watermelon, and celery into your meals. Spread the Word: Use #NationalRehydrationDay on social media to share your favorite recovery tips and remind your friends to hydrate! NATIONAL REHYDRATION DAY HISTORY National Rehydration Day was founded in 2026 by Liquid I.V.® to address the recovery needed following America’s largest annual sports celebration. Join National Day Calendar and Liquid I.V. as we educate fans in how to maintain healthy hydration while participating in one of the biggest sporting events in the U.S. About the Founder Liquid I.V.® is America’s #1 powdered hydration brand since 2020. Based in Los Angeles, CA, and part of Unilever, their products are rooted in science, driven by culture, and grounded with impact. Liquid I.V. delivers hydration solutions beyond water alone, helping to elevate the vitality of the people and the planet. More than 1% of their revenue goes directly to programs that expand access to clean water worldwide, reinforcing the company's commitment to a healthier planet for all. As of 2026, Liquid I.V. has donated over 81 million servings globally and continue to make hydration accessible to communities in need. Powered by LIV HYDRASCIENCE™, Liquid I.V.'s science-backed formula is designed with an optimized ratio of electrolytes, essential vitamins, and clinically tested nutrients to transform ordinary water into extraordinary hydration. Every great tasting formula contains 3x more electrolytes than the leading sports drink. Not only does it contain five essential vitamins, the formula is also vegan, gluten-free, and non-GMO. Liquid I.V. Products Hydration Multiplier® Hydration Multiplier® Sugar-Free Energy Multiplier® Sugar-Free Hydration Multiplier® +Energy Hydration Multiplier® +Immune Support See more details NATIONAL TOOTHACHE DAY NATIONAL TOOTHACHE DAY February 9, 2026 NATIONAL TOOTHACHE DAY National Toothache Day on February 9th is a not so subtle reminder of the importance of dental care. Also known as odontalgia, a toothache is pain generating from a tooth or multiple teeth. A toothache can make us miserable, making it difficult to eat, sleep, or sometimes even talk. It’s safe to say, toothaches are never pleasant and not really something to celebrate. We can, however, be aware of how to prevent toothaches. Routine dental care is an essential first step. Avoiding sugary foods and acidic drinks and daily brushing and flossing are important, too. Even so, we can still develop cavities, have accidents that break or chip at a tooth, or find ourselves with an infection. Teeth can also become sensitive to heat or cold. Treating a toothache in the short term may be simply handled by over-the-counter treatments, but seeing a dentist may still be required to resolve the issue. Some toothaches are so severe as to require emergency intervention, thus treating the early signs of a mild toothache is important. HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalToothacheDay Toothaches are worrisome problems. Keep home remedies at hand, but also maintain routine dental care. Avoid a toothache at all costs. Use today to schedule a routine dental appointment or restock the dental floss. Take a moment to review good dental habits with your children and replace some of the sweets with healthy, crunchy veggies. Your teeth with thank you! Use #NationalToothacheDay to post on social media. NATIONAL TOOTHACHE DAY HISTORY National Day Calendar has gnawed over the research but still finds no origin story to go with this achingly interesting holiday. However, we do believe it’s been celebrated longer than the dance move called the floss. See more details • • • • • • •	10 NATIONAL CREAM CHEESE BROWNIE DAY NATIONAL CREAM CHEESE BROWNIE DAY February 10, 2026 NATIONAL CREAM CHEESE BROWNIE DAY On February 10, National Cream Cheese Brownie Day shines a spotlight on an irresistible dessert bar. Combining chocolate and cream cheese has long been a favorite in the bakery. When it’s added to a brownie recipe the results are spectacular. The brownie has been around since the 1800s but was first documented in 1906 in the cookbook The Boston Cooking School Cook Book. There are hundreds of cream cheese brownie recipes. However, we also enjoy them cut up into parfaits or mixed into ice cream. Add a dollop of whipped cream, berries or a sprinkle of nuts and fruit and they become a decadent dessert in their own right.Adding cream to the batter once it’s poured into the pan and swirling it around with a knife gives the finished product an elegant look. It even suggests a celebration when you look at it! No matter how you enjoy cream cheese brownies, we are sure that you will find one that you like. HOW TO OBSERVE #CreamCheeseBrownieDay Maybe you would like to bake a pan of these delicious brownies and share them with your family and friends! Enjoy this Cream Cheese Brownie recipe. Use #CreamCheeseBrownieDay to post on social media. NATIONAL CREAM CHEESE BROWNIE DAY HISTORY Our research has not uncovered the origin of this food holiday. However, we’ve dug into a few pans of cream cheese brownies, and we’re not ashamed to admit it. See more details NATIONAL FLANNEL DAY NATIONAL FLANNEL DAY February 10, 2026 NATIONAL FLANNEL DAY February 10 is National Flannel Day on the National Day Calendar. Do you know what that means? We're celebrating a fabric that has been the uniform of the working class, a staple of grunge style, and a must have clothing item for outdoor enthusiasts for centuries. #NationalFlannelDay If you're wondering what flannel is, we're here to tell you it's a fabric, not a pattern. It's a soft, woven thread that is "brushed" to create a soft texture, while providing additional insulation. For context, brushing is a process that creates raised fibers that are intended to trap air and body heat. While many people call any plaid shirt a flannel, a flannel can also be a solid-colored shirt, too. Brief History of Flannel Flannel was first created in Wales during the 17th century as a replacement for "gwlanen", which was basically plain wool. Farmers needed something that was warm but also absorb dampness of the Welsh climate. By the 19th century, flannel was a necessary piece of workwear for miners, loggers, and railroad workers. Military branches began using flannel as part of their uniforms to keep the soldiers warm in the trenches. The Carhartt brand became a leader in popularizing flannel work shirts as fashion. In the 1990s, grunge bands like Nirvana and Pearl Jam wore flannel shirts, creating a fashion movement in the music scene. Flannel is so popular, horse owners use the material as a blanket for their horses because it provides high-level warmth for the animal. HOW TO CELEBRATE NATIONAL FLANNEL DAY With so many options to choose from, finding a flannel that fits into your life is easier than ever. Here are 5 ideas to help you decide how you will celebrate today: Wear your favorite flannel shirt, pajamas, or even flannel-lined jeans. Pick up a set of flannel sheets. They are much warmer than percale or sateen in cold climates, especially during the month of February. Encourage people to take a "Flannel Funday" by having employees wear their best flannel to work and taking a group photo. Learn about the history of flannel, including the weavers who make flannel. Share your love for National Flannel Day on social media using the hashtag #NationalFlannelDay. HISTORY BEHIND NATIONAL FLANNEL DAY Celebrate Every Day Flannel Celebrate Every Day Flannel Celebration Store We've spent a good amount of time trying find the creator of National Flannel Day. At the time of publishing this article, we have not been able to fill in the gap. What we do know is National Day Calendar staff love to wear flannel. In fact, we have a great selection in our Celebration Shop for you to choose from! Take a virtual trip on over and check out the amazing colors we have to offer! See more details NATIONAL HOME WARRANTY DAY NATIONAL HOME WARRANTY DAY February 10, 2026 NATIONAL HOME WARRANTY DAY National Home Warranty Day on February 10th reminds us to protect the vital appliances and components of our homes. Our homes are filled with complex and vital appliances, technology and other components that over time can and do wear out. At any given time, one or more of our appliances can break down. When the washing machine breaks down, not only is it inconvenient, but it can be expensive. Often, another item is not far behind. Will it be the hot water heater next? Or, just in time for summer, will the central air go kaput? Each repair adds up. A home warranty, unlike home owner’s insurance, covers repair or replacement of these items that break down due to normal wear and tear. Consider how many appliances and systems our homes require these days and protect your investments. Washer Dryer Refrigerator HVAC System Stove Hot Water Heater Garage Door Openers There are different types of home warranties, too. Depending on your needs, home warranties can cover a single appliance or an entire system. HOW TO OBSERVE #HomeWarrantyDay Review the value of a home warranty. Learn how a policy works and what they cover. If you have a home warranty, take the time to review your policy and make sure you have the right coverage for your home. Maybe you downsized or built an addition recently. Share your experiences and use #HomeWarrantyDay to share on social media. NATIONAL HOME WARRANTY DAY HISTORY In 2016, 2-10 Home Buyers Warranty created National Home Warranty Day to remind homeowners annually about the ways to protect each and every valuable component of their home. See more details NATIONAL UMBRELLA DAY NATIONAL UMBRELLA DAY February 10, 2026 NATIONAL UMBRELLA DAY National Umbrella Day casts a little shade on February 10th. The day honors one of the world’s most useful inventions, the umbrella! Not only does the umbrella help keep us dry from the rain, but it also protects us from the heat of the sun. Umbrellas can also be used as a fashion accessory. While the umbrella is primarily practical, they also decorate cocktails. These brightly colored paper umbrellas make for fun party favors especially when visiting sunny locations. Umbrellas have also found their way into the art world. Their color and shape make sharp silhouettes. They also serve as the canvas for art. In movies, umbrellas play a role, too. For example, they played vital parts in both Singing in the Rain in 1952 and in Mary Poppins in 1964. Interesting Umbrella TidBits: The word umbrella comes from the Latin word umbra, meaning shade or shadow. Brolly is a slang word for umbrella, often used in Britain, New Zealand, Australia, and South Africa. Bumbershoot is a fanciful Americanism for an umbrella from the late 19th century. The basic umbrella was invented over four thousand years ago. There is evidence of umbrellas in the ancient art and artifacts of Egypt Assyria, Greece and China. We can credit the Chinese for being the first to protect us from the rain. Their paper parasols received a layer of wax followed by lacquer that made the umbrella withstand the elements. One of the first umbrella shops in existence opened in 1830 at 53 New Oxford Street in London, England. The shop, operated by James Smith and Sons, still operates regular hours at the same location today. In 1928, Hans Haupt’s pocket umbrellas appeared. In 1969, Bradford E. Phillips, the owner of Totes Incorporated of Loveland, Ohio, obtained a patent for the first “working folding umbrella.” Umbrellas have also been fashioned into hats as early as 1880 and as recently as 1987. Photographers use umbrellas with a reflective inside as a diffusion device when employing artificial lighting and as a glare shield and shade, most often in portrait situations. HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalUmbrellaDay Spring is sending rain this way. Be sure your umbrella is handy. Strike a pose with your favorite person under an umbrella and go splashing in puddles. Twirl a paper umbrella. Watch a movie with a scene famous for its umbrella scenes. Make sure you name them and use #NationalUmbrellaDay to post on social media. NATIONAL UMBRELLA DAY HISTORY While the origins of the utilitarian holiday remain a mystery, it’s been celebrated since at least 2004. However, another celebration on the calendar promotes opening umbrellas indoors. The entire month of March recognizes the umbrella, too! See more details SAFER INTERNET DAY U.S. SAFER INTERNET DAY U.S. February 10, 2026 SAFER INTERNET DAY U.S. Every year, Safer Internet Day brings tools, education, and awareness to create a safer internet for both kids and adults. From cyberbullying and identity theft to fraud and human trafficking, the internet can be a frightening place. Safer Internet Day and ConnectSafely.org aim to make the internet a better place. The day brings organizations and individuals together with the common goal of reaching as many internet users as possible and provide them with the tools and resources to keep them safe. Every day, we all face the potential of becoming a victim of internet crimes. However, there are ways to protect ourselves and to teach our children how to correctly use the internet, too. We use the internet to keep our families closer together. Schools use the internet to connect students to tools and resources. Thanks to the internet, libraries are able to share books all over the country creating a larger virtual library. Users bank, visit their physician, order medication and shop all from the comfort of their mobile devices. Each interaction is expected to be respectful and positive. However, sometimes, we’re careless. Either we leave our device at risk or the communication leaves a negative reaction behind. As a world community, we can develop ways to make the internet a safer place to experience. HOW TO OBSERVE #SaferInternetDay Visit SaferInternetDayUS.org for information on making the internet safer and to join others in the effort. Use #SaferInternetDayUS to share on social media. Educators and families, visit the National Day Calendar Classroom for projects and ideas to incorporate into your classroom. SAFER INTERNET DAY HISTORY In the United States, Safer Internet Day U.S. campaign began in 2013. It is celebrated around the world in 100 countries and is a growing collaboration between U.S. Department of Homeland Security and the European Commission as well as support from Ask.fm, Comcast NBC Universal, Facebook, Google, LifeLock, LinkedIn, Microsoft, Symantec, Trend Micro, Twitter, and Yahoo. For more information visit SaferInternetDayUS.org or ConnectSafely.org. See more details • • • • •	11 NATIONAL DON’T CRY OVER SPILLED MILK DAY NATIONAL DON’T CRY OVER SPILLED MILK DAY February 11, 2026 NATIONAL DON’T CRY OVER SPILLED MILK DAY On February 11th, Don’t Cry Over Spilled Milk Day promotes a positive attitude even when things might not be going your way. It’s a day for looking on the bright side of things and then carrying that feeling with you every day after. Do not worry and do not stress over the little things. Life is too short to let the little things bother us. In one of its oldest forms, the proverb was “No weeping for shed milk,” as referenced by James Howell in 1659. The saying has evolved over time, but still retains its original intent. There is no changing what is done, and crying over it serves no purpose.Everyone knows that unexpected or unplanned things happen in life, sometimes daily. With a positive attitude, life is much brighter and easier. HOW TO OBSERVE #DontCryOverSpilledMilkDay Don’t cry over spilled milk. We poured a glass of milk and discussed our favorite ways to face daily challenges: Be prepared! Sometimes the things that happen do so because we didn’t study, prepare or organize our day. While not every detail needs to be planned, the general stuff of the day does. Expect the unexpected. No matter who we are or what we do, things happen. Kids get sick. Customers make special requests. A car pulls out in front of you. The server brings the wrong dish. You take a wrong turn. If you adjust and move on, it will only be a blip on your day. Have a backup plan. These come in especially handy for big occasions. We’re talking about surprise parties or a wedding. In the end, what’s really important about special occasions are the good memories we make. If a little milk should fall, er, spill, while everyone laughs, dances and smiles, it really won’t matter. Breathe. Ask yourself, Will this issue matter in a day? If the answer is, No, then it’s just a little spilled milk. How about a week? Still a no? It’s still just spilled milk. If the concern doesn’t change the entire course of your life, it’s only spilled milk. Share how you cope with life’s twists and turns. Use #DontCryOverSpilledMilkDay to post on social media. DON’T CRY OVER SPILLED MILK DAY HISTORY While National Day Calendar has not found the origins of this uplifting day, we’re not going to cry over spilled milk. We’re going to pursue other avenues and probably spill a little milk along the way. See more details NATIONAL GUITAR DAY NATIONAL GUITAR DAY February 11, 2026 Each year on February 11, National Guitar Day strikes a chord with music lovers and musicians alike. This musical day honors one of the most iconic and versatile instruments in the world--the guitar. Whether you’re a beginner strumming your first chords or a seasoned professional shredding on stage, National Guitar Day is the perfect time to appreciate the instrument that has shaped countless music genres and inspired generations. #NationalGuitarDay The guitar’s roots trace back over 4,000 years. Records show stringed instruments appeared in ancient civilizations, such as Mesopotamia and Egypt. It wasn't until the 16th century the modern guitar evolved in Spain, later gaining popularity worldwide. From the classical guitar to the electric and bass guitars, its influence spans across folk, rock, jazz, blues, and pop music. Fun Facts to String You Along The oldest preserved guitar is believed to be from around 1581 and was built by Belchior Dias in Portugal. The most expensive guitar ever sold was a Fender Stratocaster and signed by several famous musicians. The guitar auctioned for $2.7 million to support tsunami relief efforts. The longest guitar solo on record lasted over 100 hours! A basic guitar has six strings made of steel and nylon that create a different sound when played. An acoustic guitar produces sound through the vibration of the strings. Experts recommend beginners start with an acoustic guitar because it allows your fingers to build strength. The electric guitar is oftentimes for the more advanced guitar player. On average, it should only take a few weeks to learn the technique of guitar playing. Most guitar players will reach an intermediate skill level within a year of regular practice. Unsurprisingly, mastering the guitar, whether electric or acoustic, is a lifelong journey of dedication and practice. 6 WAYS TO CELEBRATE NATIONAL GUITAR DAY Play your guitar. Whether you pick up an acoustic, electric, or bass guitar, take some time to play your favorite tunes or try something new. Learn to play the guitar. If you've never played guitar, today is the perfect day to start! Sign up for a lesson, watch online tutorials, or challenge yourself with a new song. Attend a live show. Support local artists or attend a concert featuring incredible guitarists. Connect with fellow guitar players. Search your area for a guitar club or a group who meets occasionally. Groups and clubs are a great way to get your motivated to keep learning. Appreciate guitar legends. Listen to music by legendary guitarists such as Jimi Hendrix, Eric Clapton, B.B. King, or Andrés Segovia. Share your music. Share your guitar talent on social media by posting a video of your playing using the hashtag #NationalGuitarDay. National Guitar Day FAQs Q: Do I need a guitar to celebrate? A: Not at all! You can celebrate by listening to guitar music, attending a show, or learning about guitar history. Q: Is this the same as National Electric Guitar Day? A: No, National Electric Guitar Day is celebrated on November 27, honoring Jimi Hendrix’s birthday. Join the celebration and let the music play on National Guitar Day! See more details NATIONAL INVENTORS’ DAY NATIONAL INVENTORS’ DAY February 11, 2026 NATIONAL INVENTORS’ DAY National Inventors’ Day honors inventors of the past, the creators of the present, and encourages the architects of the future. On February 11th, National Inventors’ Day celebrates the genius behind design. It also dives into the history behind some of our most unusual inventions. What do Ermal Fraze, Thomas Adams, Melitta Bentz, Patricia Beth, and Stephen Perry all have in common? They are recognized annually on February 11th, along with the Wright brothers, Thomas Edison, George Washington Carver, and Elisha Otis. Thanks to inventors, we can safely ride in an elevator, have a well-lit room at the flip of a switch, speak to someone on the other side of the world or efficiently pump lotion from a bottle. Many inventors go their whole life without recognition for their creations, while others are household names. Nearly everything around us results from someone tinkering in their garage, laboratory, or basement trying to find a solution to a problem. Some inventions may be happy accidents by an observant person; the microwave oven, penicillin, sticky notes, and bubble wrap may never have made their way into their current use if it were not for sharp or persistent inventors. “Necessity is the mother of invention.” The proverb “Necessity is the mother of invention” says a lot about how inventors look at life. They are a progressive, forward-thinking bunch. Where would we be without pacemakers, traffic signals, rubber bands, or coffee filters? Though there are some inventions that we may be better off without. A DVD re-winder doesn’t quite fit the necessary criteria. Or, they are otherwise too impractical. For example, tugging around a stroller fridge for your watermelon along with the cooler and beach umbrella seems to be a bit of overkill. Still, without inventors, the world would be downright dull and much more challenging.Inventors should keep track of their ideas, processes, ingredients, and components. Protect your inventions and get your unique creations patented. HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalInventorsDay Inventors around the country, take a bow. Keep tinkering. Keep seeking a cure, a fix, and improvements to our everyday life. Take time to recognize an inventor and encourage them to keep creating the next great invention. Other inventive ways to celebrate the day include: Read about inventors and inventions that changed the way we look at the world today. We recommend Mistakes that Worked by Charlotte Jones, The Idea Factory: Bell Labs and the Great Age of American Innovation by Jon Gertner, and Five Notable Inventors by Wade Hudson. Learn about the patent process and how to protect your ideas. Put your ideas to work for you! Watch documentaries about your favorite inventions. You might find out something about the inventor you never knew! Use #NationalInventorsDay to share on social media. Educators, visit the National Day Calendar® Classroom for a lesson designed for National Inventors’ Day. NATIONAL INVENTORS’ DAY HISTORY In 1983, President Ronald Reagan proclaimed the first National Inventors’ Day and takes place every year on Thomas Edison’s birthday. See more details NATIONAL LATTE DAY NATIONAL LATTE DAY February 11, 2026 National Latte Day on February 11 celebrates the explosion of flavor of espresso and silky crema. Today's beverage holiday is dedicated to the smooth, creamy, and irresistible coffee classic, the latte. #NationalLatteDay A latte, or cafè latte, is a milk coffee with a smooth and silky layer of foam. A true latte is a combination of a shot or two of espresso, streamed milk and a thin layer of frothy milk on top. Unlike it's cousin the Cappuccino where ingredients are equally balanced, the latte has more of a coffee profile. A good latte begins with preparation of the coffee beans to create an Espresso. Basically, an Espresso is a concentrated form of finely-ground coffee beans that are processed through a small amount of nearly boiling water under high pressure through finely-ground coffee beans. A perfect Espresso consists of three layers: The dark brown base at the bottom, which should provide bitterness and body. The middle layer, usually a caramel-brown color. The Crema top, which is composed of air bubbles and coffee oils. The secret to a great latte is the foam. Microfoam to be exact. When done correctly, the steamed milk will create small bubbles. These bubbles are what the crema is made of and are often described as wet paint or melted ice cream. Latte vs. Cappuccino The Latte and Cappuccino are cousins. It's no wonder many people confuse the two when ordering either drink. Both are made with the same two ingredients--espresso and steamed milk. The difference between the them is the ratios of milk and the texture the milk provides each drink. The easiest way to identify a Cappuccino, is by the milk foam, which is light. The ingredients of a Cappuccino are measured into three equal parts--1/3 espresso, 1/3 steamed milk, 1/3 milk foam. When drinking a cappuccino, the first thing you should taste is the foam, not the coffee. A Cappuccino is traditionally served in a smaller cup because there is less milk. Less milk also means a bolder espresso flavor. HOW TO CELEBRATE NATIONAL LATTE DAY There are endless ways to creamy up your morning and celebrate the art of the latte. Whether you are a purist or a fan of a morning coffee jolt, today is your day! Visit your local coffee shop and order your favorite latte. Challenge your barista to create their best "latte art" and be sure to tip them for the extra effort! Try your hand at making a latte at home. Try a new Latte flavor! Lavender Honey, Salted Caramel, or a spicy Mocha are a few ideas for you to try! Spend some time watching "latte art" tutorials online to learn how to make those pretty patterns for your homebrew.. Even a simple heart or a "rosetta" pattern can turn a mundane morning into a creative experience. Take a photo of your beautiful brew and post it on social media using the hashtag #NationalLatteDay. CREATOR OF NATIONAL LATTE DAY We have found some information indicating National Latte Day was created in 2019 by a place called Jefferson Coffee (New Jersey). We are hoping to find more information to indeed verify this discovery! See more details NATIONAL MAKE A FRIEND DAY NATIONAL MAKE A FRIEND DAY February 11, 2026 NATIONAL MAKE A FRIEND DAY Always observed on February 11th, National Make A Friend Day is a fantastic opportunity to meet someone new and make a new friendship. Friends serve a vital role in everyone’s lives. They are one of life’s most valuable assets. “Walking with a friend in the dark is better than walking alone in the light” – Helen Keller New friends can broaden our horizons by helping us to see new perspectives, challenging us to try something different or connecting us to opportunities. Meeting new people can help sharpen our social skills and keep us from becoming lonely. “Friends are those rare people who ask how you are and then wait for the answer” – Ed Cunningham While friends often share common backgrounds or experiences, they certainly don’t have to have everything in common. One of the simplest ways to make new friends is to explore your interests by taking a class or joining a club. HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalMakeAFriendDay Make a new friend and use #NationalMakeAFriendDay to post on social media. NATIONAL MAKE A FRIEND DAY HISTORY National Day Calendar continues researching the origins of this friendly day, making new friends along the way. See more details NATIONAL PEPPERMINT PATTY DAY NATIONAL PEPPERMINT PATTY DAY February 11, 2026 NATIONAL PEPPERMINT PATTY DAY National Peppermint Patty Day recognizes a treat enjoyed by millions around the world. On February 11th each year, sink your teeth into the minty chocolate sweet. The oldest commercially-made mint patty or cake was made by the Quiggin’s family on the Isle of Man (an island located in the middle of the northern Irish Sea). They had been making the cakes since 1840, but in 1880, four of the sons formed the Kendal Mint Cake Company. In the United States, as early as 1900, peppermint patties were made by regional confectioneries. Companies such as Idaho Candy Company, Trudeau Candie’s, and Pearson’s (which purchased Trudeau in 1951, both were Minnesota companies). Possibly the most known, though not the oldest, York Peppermint Patties were made by the York Cone Company of Pennsylvania. York Peppermint Patties were first made in 1940 and distributed regionally, much like other candy makers of the era. York dominated the market because of its firmness and crispness while the others were soft. A former York employee remembered that the final (sample) test of the patty before it left the factory was called a “snap test.” If the candy did not break clean in the middle, it did not make it onto candy store shelves. In 1975 the company was acquired by Peter Paul Cadbury. Cadbury moved the factory to Reading, Pennsylvania, much to the distress of workers and residents of York. The company then distributed the popular treat across the country. HOW TO OBSERVE #PeppermintPattyDay Recipes abound for peppermint patties. However, the bakers also like to incorporate the flavor of peppermint patties into their baked goods. So, be sure to test out these recipes in your kitchen to celebrate. For example, we found Peppermint Patty Cake, Peppermint Patty Brownies, and Peppermint Pattie Cookies recipes. Other ways to celebrate include: Create a festive treat from peppermint patties to perk up a friend or family member. A fresh bouquet of these minty treats would be a delightful surprise! Mix up a minty peppermint patty milkshake for a chilling change. Add a bit of peppermint kick to your mocha to celebrate the day! Whether you use a syrup, add a peppermint stick or order it from a local coffee shop, you won’t go wrong. Be sure to use #PeppermintPattyDay to share on social media. NATIONAL PEPPERMINT PATTY DAY HISTORY We continue researching the origins of this minty food holiday. However sweet it is, we’ve not discovered who created the day. See more details NATIONAL SHUT-IN VISITATION DAY NATIONAL SHUT-IN VISITATION DAY February 11, 2026 NATIONAL SHUT-IN VISITATION DAY National Shut-In Visitation Day on February 11th serves as a reminder to bring some cheerful company to people who are unable to leave their homes. Visiting a person who is shut-in makes a positive difference in that person’s life. Someone who is shut-in remains in their home due to physical, mental, or emotional reasons. These conditions can cause a person to feel lonely, isolated, sad, and cut off from the rest of the world. Sometimes they do not have family and friends available to visit and spend time with them. Many lack any kind of companionship.We often take for granted our freedom to be able to go outside each day, go to work, eat lunch at a restaurant, work out at the gym or take a vacation. These are things that people who are shut-in are not able to experience on any day. A visit with them would brighten their day, and we could share our experiences with them. HOW TO OBSERVE #ShutInVisitationDay Visit a person who is shut-in due to disability or illness and brighten their day. Become a companion. Some activities you can do include: Play a board game Read a book Watch a favorite movie Work on a jigsaw puzzle Read the National Day Calendar and find ways to celebrate together Read the newspaper Bring a new library book and offer to return old ones Try a new recipe Take up a hobby you’ll both enjoy Explore your ancestry together Use #ShutInVisitationDay to post on social media. NATIONAL SHUT-IN VISITATION DAY HISTORY National Day Calendar has not identified the origins of this selfless holiday. See more details NATIONAL WHITE SHIRT DAY/WHITE T-SHIRT DAY NATIONAL WHITE SHIRT DAY/WHITE T-SHIRT DAY February 11, 2026 NATIONAL WHITE SHIRT DAY/WHITE T-SHIRT DAY National White Shirt Day, also known as National White T-Shirt Day, commemorates the day a historic auto worker strike resolved on February 11, 1937. Manufacturing provided a large part of our workforce in the early part of the 20th century. When the 1929 stock market crash triggered the Great Depression, auto manufacturers laid-off workers and cut costs. GM did as well, eliminating their more expensive models. They stripped down their remaining models and sped up production to grueling pace. As they hired workers back, they did so at lower pay and didn’t consider seniority. In 1935 the Wagner Act allowed workers to organize and join labor unions legally. By 1936, conditions reached a dangerous and fierce pace. Works had organized before, standing in picket lines that put not only their jobs at risk but their lives, too.Sit-ins, though, created an opportunity to shut down the plant entirely without any replacement workers crossing picket lines. On December 30, 1936, GM workers took up residence in the Flint, Michigan Body Plant Number 1, after a plan to walk out was derailed. Their sit-in lasted 44 days and brought production to a halt and impacted not just GM but the entire auto industry. Sit-ins, though, created an opportunity to shut down the plant entirely without any replacement workers crossing picket lines. On December 30, 1936, GM workers took up residence in the Flint, Michigan Body Plant Number 1, after a plan to walk out was derailed. Their sit-in lasted 44 days and brought production to a halt and impacted not just GM but the entire auto industry. HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalWhiteShirtDay Learn more about the history of labor unions and how they’ve influenced change in working conditions. Read about manufacturing and skilled labor in the United States. Did you or someone you know someone who participated in a sit-in strike? Share their experience. Use #NationalWhiteShirtDay to post on social media. NATIONAL WHITE SHIRT DAY HISTORY Bert Christenson, a member of UAW Local 598, initiated National White Shirt/White T-shirt Day on February 11, 1948. See more details • • • • • • • •	12 NATIONAL GIVING HEARTS DAY NATIONAL GIVING HEARTS DAY February 12, 2026 NATIONAL GIVING HEARTS DAY Big hearts give big on National Giving Hearts Day! On the second Thursday in February each year, the celebration offers one of the best opportunities to donate to your favorite charity. Not only that, this is the longest-running giving day in the United States. So many hearts and so much to give! In a single 24 hour period, more funds are raised for charities throughout the upper Midwest. Organizations like soup kitchens, medical foundations, STEM programs, arts programs, and so many more raise money to advance their missions. And the money goes directly to the charities YOU love the most. Plus, you can give to as many charities you want. Give to one, or give to several. In 2021, Giving Hearts Day celebrates its 14th year. More than 34,700 people donated in 2020. Since 2008, tens of thousands of generous donors have given more than $90 million. In 2020, more than $19 million was donated. The average donor gave to 2.2 charities in 2020. Whether you’re a donor or a charity, get involved. Rally your organization and provide support to your favorite charity. And it doesn’t matter where you are on the planet. You can still give. HOW TO OBSERVE ON #GivingHeartsDay Visit the GivingHeartsDay.org website to find your charity. Spread the word. And on the big day, donate to your favorite charity. It’s the best way to show your support and how giving your heart is. The minimum donation is $10, but how much is that really? Two cups of coffee? Use #GivingHeartsDay to share the day on social media, too. NATIONAL GIVING HEARTS DAY HISTORY Fargo, North Dakota-based Impact Foundation submitted National Giving Hearts Day in 2019 to celebrate the 24-hour giving event for charities across North Dakota and northwestern Minnesota. Giving Hearts Day was formed in 2008 by Dakota Medical Foundation (DMF) and Impact Foundation as a way for people to support the charities and causes they love. From just under $500,000 raised in its first year to more than $19 million raised in 2020, it has become a day of exceptional impact. The registrar at National Day Calendar® proclaimed National Giving Hearts Day to be observed on the second Thursday in February, annually. The Registrar at National Day Calendar® proclaimed National Giving Hearts Day to be observed on the second Thursday in February, annually. See more details NATIONAL PLUM PUDDING DAY NATIONAL PLUM PUDDING DAY February 12, 2026 NATIONAL PLUM PUDDING DAY Also known as Christmas pudding, National Plum Pudding Day celebrates a traditional holiday dessert. On February 12th, learn about this tasty treat with an interesting history. Plum pudding is made by steaming or boiling and the pudding is usually served during the holiday season. Interestingly, many of the recipes don’t even contain any plums. One explanation given is that during the 17th century, plums were referred to as raisins or other fruits.Plum pudding is usually made up of nutmeg, raisins, nuts, apples, cinnamon, and dates, along with other ingredients. In England, traditionally every person in the home holds onto the wooden spoon together to help stir the batter. While they are stirring, they also make a wish! Plum pudding has also been known to be called plum duff. HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalPlumPuddingDay Make your favorite plum pudding recipe. Don’t have one? We found a delicious one for you to try and a sauce to top it with, too. Be sure to invite someone to enjoy it with you. Plum Pudding Plum Pudding Sauce Use #NationalPlumPuddingDay to post on social media. NATIONAL PLUM PUDDING DAY HISTORY We stuck our thumb into every possible origin story and only pulled out a plum. See more details • •	13 GALENTINE’S DAY GALENTINE’S DAY February 13, 2026 GALENTINE’S DAY On February 13th, Galentine’s Day brings women together to celebrate each other every year the day before Valentine’s day. Women all have that one friend who cheers on her female companions. She is their best supporter, listener, and companion. No matter what, she has your back. She’s the lady who celebrates ladies. This day is the kind of day a woman like that would throw a party, and she should. The festivities include women of all walks of life, kicking back, and enjoying being women! Celebrating successes and overcoming failure, the day brings women, ladies, and girls together for a good old fashioned session to drink, eat, talk, and celebrate each other. HOW TO OBSERVE #GalentinesDay Invite the women you know to celebrate the day in all their glory. Bring their favorite wine, beer, cocktails, and mocktails. Snacks, dips, chips, and appetizers of all kinds welcome. Turn up the music, dance, and groove the day and night away. Give each other a pep talk, TED talks or have a venting session. Whatever works for you. Do makeovers. Or get dressed up and go out for the night. Book a cruise and take off for the weekend. No matter your style, do it your lady’s way. But be sure to use #GalentinesDay to share it all on social media. GALENTINE’S DAY HISTORY In 2010, during the sixth season (2010) of the comedy Parks and Recreation, character Leslie (Amy Poehler) throws an annual Galentine’s Day party for her girlfriends (ep107 “Galentine’s Day”). Gradually, the idea of Galentine’s Day parties has taken off. By 2017, several national businesses began promoting the celebration, and it began to trend. See more details NATIONAL CHEDDAR DAY NATIONAL CHEDDAR DAY February 13, 2026 NATIONAL CHEDDAR DAY National Cheddar Day adds some cheesy goodness on February 13th! Grilled cheese would be buttered bread without melt-able slices piled high; burgers would be lackluster without a perfect ooze; mac & cheese would just be…mac, to be frank. So many of our iconic American dishes simply wouldn’t be the same without a slice of cheddar’s deliciousness. CHEDDAR HISTORY There’s some history to this love of cheddar as well. How exactly did cheddar become a staple in so many of our favorite foods? Let us tell you! Cheddar first rolled into being in the village of Cheddar in Somerset, England in the 12th century. While cheddar accounts for more than a third of all the cheese sold in the United States, it is a royal hit in the United Kingdom where it was created. In fact, more than half of the cheese sales in the UK go to cheddar. In 1894, renowned cheesemaker Peter McIntosh brought his cheese-making skills to Tillamook County, Oregon where it rains a lot and the grass was always green. He taught the locals all he knew, and in due time he earned himself the nickname “Cheese King of the Coast.” Today, there are more cows than people in Tillamook, and those local farmers have since formed the farmer-owned cooperative we know today as the Tillamook County Creamery Association. No wonder cheddar finds its way into so many recipes or a simple snack. That rich, creamy and sometimes crumbly flavor is what keeps us coming back for more, bite after delicious bite. HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalCheddarDay Hashtag it! Show the world just how much you love cheddar by sharing your favorite creation with #NationalCheddarDay on social media, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram or Pinterest. It’s also a great day to celebrate with others – hosting your own National Cheddar Day party. Bring friends and family together for a wine and cheese night, impromptu fondue or a grilled cheese cook-off, whatever your favorite cheesy recipe, there are tons to choose from here. Finally, if you’re local to Tillamook or traveling to the Pacific Northwest, add the Tillamook Creamery as a destination to see just how cheddar is made; sampling a thing or two as well. Today, nearly one million visitors make the trip to the Creamery each year! That’s a whole lotta chedda. NATIONAL CHEDDAR DAY HISTORY After over a century spent perfecting its award-winning cheddar recipe, Tillamook founded National Cheddar Day on February 13, 2019, to celebrate its 110th birthday and share a passion for cheddar with cheese-lovers nationwide, giving cheddar a day to shine on its own. Founded on the coast of Oregon this farmer-owned cooperative continues to produce the most consistent, best tasting, high-quality dairy products made the most natural way possible. Guided by its values and the belief that everyone deserves real food that makes them feel good every day, Tillamook has earned top awards for their cheese, ice cream, sour cream, butter, and yogurt products made the Tillamook Way. Committed to unwavering values that never sacrifice quality for profit, Tillamook is excited to share National Cheddar Day with cheddar lovers everywhere for years to come. In 2019, the Registrar at National Day Calendar® proclaimed National Cheddar Day to be observed every February 13th. See more details NATIONAL NO ONE EATS ALONE DAY NATIONAL NO ONE EATS ALONE DAY February 13, 2026 NATIONAL NO ONE EATS ALONE DAY In 2026, National No One Eats Alone Day will be celebrated on February 13. No One Eats Alone is a positive initiative from the nonprofit Beyond Differences aimed at creating a lunchtime of inclusion. #NoOneEatsAloneDay Organized by students for students, middle schools across the nation look beyond differences and find ways to start conversations at lunchtime – with everyone. No one eats alone. That means every student in every lunchroom across the country will be eating with someone else. Students have taken up the charge to see to it that they invite other students to join them. They are making room. Filling empty seats or filling tables that were once occupied by only one student. They're starting conversations, closing the divide, and sitting with others. And they're getting to know people across the table. No matter their differences, no matter what, no one eats alone. HOW TO OBSERVE NO ONE EATS ALONE DAY Join the movement. If your school doesn't participate, encourage them to start. Create an inclusive lunchroom at your school and encourage each other to engage in positive conversations. Try these ice breakers: Start with a joke. Offer a compliment. Find something in common. Ask for an opinion about an assignment. Mention a movie you saw this weekend. Tell a funny story about yourself. Talk about the menu - especially your favorite foods. Bring a card game to play. Educators, visit the National Day Calendar® Classroom for lessons and ideas. Find out more at No One Eats Alone and use #NoOneEatsAloneDay to share on social media. NO ONE EATS ALONE DAY HISTORY National No One Eats Alone Day was piloted in 2012 by Beyond Differences in just a handful of schools in Northern California. Now, more than 2,000 schools in all 50 states participate in National No One Eats Alone Day, impacting more than 1 million students. No One Eats Alone FAQ Q. Can anyone participate on this day? A. While No One Eats Alone Day was created by students for students, that doesn't mean you can't incorporate this positive celebration into your everyday life. Q. Do all 50 states celebrate? A. Yes. Schools in all 50 states celebrate this day. See more details NATIONAL TORTELLINI DAY NATIONAL TORTELLINI DAY February 13, 2026 NATIONAL TORTELLINI DAY Pasta lovers will enjoy a traditional stuffed pasta during National Tortellini Day on February 13th! Tortellini is a signature dish from the Italian region of Bologna, where they claim to have created this stuffed pasta packed with flavor. Ravioli, tortellini, and tortellacci are all part of the same family of stuffed pasta. The most common fillings for tortellini are ham, white meat, and Parmesan cheese. Members of an organization called The Learned Order of the Tortellini in the city of Bologna wear special hats to their meetings that are red and gold and shaped like tortellini. They also wear a ribbon, around their neck that has a gold tortellini hanging on it. The Learned Order of the Tortellini has a large membership dedicated to the preservation of the traditional tortellini. There are many ways to prepare a tortellini dish. You may want to top it with a cheese sauce, cream sauce, pesto or tomato sauce, or follow one of the thousands of cooking blogs available for a great tortellini recipe. HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalTortelliniDay Enjoy one of these tortellini recipes: Tortellini Crock Pot Meal Cheesy Italian Tortellini Broccoli and Tortellini Alfredo Tortellini Alfredo Spinach Tomato Tortellini Tortellini Rose’ (Tortellini with Tomato Cream Sauce) Creamy Shrimp Tortellini Tortellini Salad Tortellini Bacon Broccoli Salad Use #NationalTortelliniDay to post on social media. NATIONAL TORTELLINI DAY HISTORY National Day Calendar continues to research the origins of this stuffed pasta day. See more details • • • •	14 NATIONAL CREAM-FILLED CHOCOLATES DAY NATIONAL CREAM-FILLED CHOCOLATES DAY February 14, 2026 NATIONAL CREAM-FILLED CHOCOLATES DAY Chocolate lovers rejoice as February 14th is National Cream-Filled Chocolates Day! On the same day, approximately 58 million pounds of chocolate will be purchased. Much of it will be in heart-shaped boxes, filled with bite-sized chocolates with ooey, gooey centers. Quite a few of these cream-filled goodies will be exchanged and shared on Valentine’s Day. Chocolate makers offer a wide variety of cream-filled goodness, too. Take your pick from marshmallow cream, chocolate, vanilla, strawberry, coconut, hazelnut creme and even creme de menthe. How about coffee cream filled chocolates? Nearly every fruit you can imagine can be made into some sort of creamy center. What’s inside those hard chocolate shells? Well, many chocolate makers provide a map so you don’t accidentally eat one that doesn’t sit well with you. One way to completely avoid the mystery is to create your own gift box with flavors you select. Some chocolate makers offer this option. Not only do you select the chocolates your love likes best, but it’s a personalized gift, too. How chocolately sweet is that? It’s also a terrific way to avoid biting into a flavor that will ruin the evening. Another way to make cream-filled chocolates extra special is by making your own. No matter how you celebrate, be sure you bite into a cream-filled chocolate or two that you like! HOW TO OBSERVE #CreamFilledChocolatesDay You know what day is it is so sample a few of your favorite cream-filled chocolates and give a few, too. They can even be in a heart-shaped box if you like. What other ways can you celebrate? Host a cream-filled chocolate sampling party. Invite friends to make one of their favorites to bring and everyone will get to sample. Supply fruit and sparkling wine to complement the chocolates. Take your party a notch further. Test your sampling skills by seeing who can identify the most cream-filled mystery chocolate flavors. Varieties can range from sweet to savory. We’re thinking a little bacon flavor here, a little coffee there. Try your hand at making your own cream-filled chocolates. While we often give chocolate as a romantic gesture, why not make it together instead. Turn up the heat in the kitchen and melt each others’ hearts while you melt some chocolate. We even supply you with a recipe to try. Nutella Creme Filled Chocolates NATIONAL CREAM-FILLED CHOCOLATES DAY HISTORY National Day Calendar continues researching the origins of this mysterious food holiday. We’ve not even found a chart to guide us through the various fillings, so we’re taking our chances and hoping for salted caramel or dark chocolate nougat. And yes, still searching for the founder of this chocolate celebration! See more details NATIONAL DONOR DAY NATIONAL DONOR DAY February 14, 2026 NATIONAL DONOR DAY Observed each year on February 14th, National Donor Day (also known as National Organ Donor Day) aims to increase awareness about organ donation and the lives it saves. In the United States, more than 120,000 people are waiting for a life-saving organ donation. Give the gift of Life. The observance focuses on five different types of donations: Organs – Tissues – Marrow – Platelets – Blood. Many nonprofit health organizations sponsor blood and marrow drives and organ/tissue sign-ups across the nation. Approximately every two seconds, there is someone in the U.S. who needs blood, which translates to the need for over 41,000 daily donations. Each type of donation saves lives. While we may be able to donate blood, platelets, tissue, marrow, and some organs at any time, most organs are donated upon death. A single donor can save up to 8 lives and help more than 75 people.Some blood donors have been making donations as young as the age of 17. They can donate a pint of blood every 53 days. One pint of blood can save up to three people. If you’ve never thought about donation, you’re of the 17 percent of non-donors. However, only 37 percent of the population of the United States is eligible to donate blood. HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalDonorDay If you’ve received the gift of an organ, tissue, marrow, platelets, or blood, share your story. Look into becoming a donor. Visit donatelifenw.org and organdonor.gov for more information on organ donation. Use #NationalDonorDay to post on social media. NATIONAL DONOR DAY HISTORY National Donor Day was started in 1998 by the Saturn Corporation and its United Auto Workers partners, with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services support and many nonprofit health organizations. See more details NATIONAL FERRIS WHEEL DAY NATIONAL FERRIS WHEEL DAY February 14, 2026 NATIONAL FERRIS WHEEL DAY February 14th is the annual observance of National Ferris Wheel Day. The holiday honors the birth of George Washington Gale Ferris, Jr., the man who invented the Ferris Wheel. Preparations for the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition began in earnest in 1891. Director of works for the fair, Daniel H. Burnham, laid out the challenge: create a centerpiece to the show that will rival the Eiffel Tower in Paris. Erected the year before, the Eiffel Tower quickly became a world attraction. Ideas were tossed about, plans presented, and plans rejected. George Washington Gale Ferris was inspired. He contemplated several ideas, but it wasn’t until one evening in a Chicago chophouse that he struck on an idea that could fit the challenge. After sketching out the design on napkins, he proceeded to develop his plans. When presented with the concept, Burnham balked, doubting it could safely carry people to such heights. Ferris persisted. Spending $25,000 of his own money, he paid for safety studies, obtained $600,000 more from investors, hired engineers, built the 250-foot diameter wheel, and hoisted it up between 140-foot twin towers. It was a colossal success at 26 stories tall and making a whopping $726,805.50. In 1893, that was a hefty profit for the fair. Despite the wheel’s success, Ferris struggled after the fair. Lawsuits over who owed who bankrupt him. His wife left him. In 1896, a few short years after the fair, he died at the age of 37 of typhoid fever. The original wheel suffered a similar fate. In 1906, it was destroyed with dynamite for scrap metal. However, the Ferris Wheel lives on, and we continue to enjoy wheels around the world. WHEELS AROUND THE WORLD Tianjin Eye Ferris Wheel in Tianjin, China, is built over a bridge spanning the Hai River. The London Eye overlooks the Thames River in London. The Eccentric Ferris Wheel Company built the ever classic Wonder Wheel of Coney Island in New York City from 1918-1920. Take your breath away looking over Niagara Falls from a seat on the Niagara Skywheel in Canada. HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalFerrisWheelDay If you are near a Ferris Wheel, catch a lift up to the top and enjoy the view. Invite someone to join you and share the experience. As you know, it’s the best way to #CelebrateEveryDay! Share your favorite Ferris Wheel using #NationalFerrisWheelDay to post on social media. NATIONAL FERRIS WHEEL DAY HISTORY We’ve been around and around about the origins of this day. And while we know it honors the inventor of the Ferris Wheel; we have yet to identify the founder of the day. See more details VALENTINE’S DAY VALENTINE’S DAY February 14, 2026 VALENTINE’S DAY Valentine’s Day began as St. Valentine’s Day, a liturgical celebration of one or more early Christian saints named Valentinus. February 14th first became associated with romantic love during the High Middle Ages as the tradition of courtly love was then flourishing. During 18th century England, this day evolved into an occasion in which lovers expressed their love for each other by presenting flowers, offering confectionery and sending Valentine cards. Ancient History Mixed opinions prevail regarding who or what was celebrated in mid-February. Some point to martyred saints by the name of Valentine or Valentinus. The most popular story tells of the saint who defied a decree by Emperor Claudius II who outlawed marriage for young men because he believed single men made better soldiers. St. Valentine, preferring young lovers to be wed than have them sneaking around (or believing in the power of love), would marry them in secret. However, it may have been another Valentine who performed the marriages. Either way, at least two of them were beheaded for their actions. Another possible origin for Valentine’s Day takes us back to a pagan festival called Lupercalia. As a way to discourage participation in the fertility festival, the Christian church placed St. Valentine’s Day in the middle of February. Modern Celebrations Since the Renaissance, we’ve been exchanging Valentine’s cards. These handmade missives of romance grew into a more commercial venture by the Victorian era. Today, school children exchange Valentine greetings, too. They prepare for the day by making unique boxes to receive their many hearts, cupids, and pun-filled rhymes. Chocolates and candy have also become a part of the celebration. While couples tend to be the focus of the day, singles celebrate being single, too. Friends take each other out or reject the overall notion of Valentine’s Day. Dinner and a movie, candlelight, and flowers also fit the bill for couples. It’s one of the busiest days of the year for florists. HOW TO OBSERVE #ValentinesDay You can surprise your special someone with flowers, chocolate or a card. Bring a smile to their face with an original poem or homemade meal. If you’re short on ideas, the Dating Divas offer a list of 115 Literal last-minute Valentine’s Day ideas to save your goose! Get something special for your Valentine and use #ValentinesDay to post on social media. VALENTINE’S DAY HISTORY Credit is traditionally given to Pope Gelasius for declaring February 14th as Saint Valentine’s Day around the year 496 to separate the church from the Roman celebration of Lupercalia, an ancient pagan fertility festival that occurred on February 15th. See more details • • • •	15 NATIONAL GUMDROP DAY NATIONAL GUMDROP DAY February 15, 2026 NATIONAL GUMDROP DAY Observed on February 15th, National Gumdrop Day recognizes a favorite candy of many; the gumdrop! There’s no question as to what to do. Eat gumdrops and eat as many as you want! Gumdrops are a tasty, colorful, chewy candy that is made with gelatin and then coated with sugar. They come in a variety of flavors and can either be fruity or spicy. These little candy treats make terrific embellishments for decorating gingerbread houses and other baked goods. The classic board game, Candy Land, features both a Gumdrop Pass and a Gumdrop Mountain. Besides enjoying them by the handful, there are many other ways to use gumdrops: In cookies Decorate cakes or cupcakes In popcorn cake For crafts For gifts You can also make gumdrops yourself. According to many recipes, you would need vegetable oil, sugar, corn syrup, fruit juice, powdered fruit pectin, baking soda, and food coloring. Credit for the modern gumdrop goes to chemist and candy manufacturer Percy S. Truesdell. According to articles written after his death in 1948, Truesdell took the once hard, poorly flavored glob of sugar and turned it into the smooth, chewy delight we enjoy today. While at the University of Ohio, the chemist altered the consistency of the candy by experimenting with the amount of starch used. He later worked for the Snyder-Chafee Company until 1915. In 1916, Truesdell founded and incorporated the P.S. Truesdell Candy Manufacturing Company. At his death, he became known as the Gumdrop King. HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalGumdropDay Listen to The Crew Cuts sing their song “Gum Drop” or play a game of Candy Land. As you do, be sure to enjoy your favorite gumdrops, too! Use #NationalGumdropDay to post on social media. NATIONAL GUMDROP DAY HISTORY While National Day Calendar has not uncovered the origin of National Gum Drop Day, it has been observed since at least 2004. See more details NATIONAL WISCONSIN DAY NATIONAL WISCONSIN DAY February 15, 2026 NATIONAL WISCONSIN DAY On February 15th, National Wisconsin Day recognizes The Badger State. Rich in copper, lead, forest and fertile farmland, Wisconsin became the 30th state on May 29, 1848. In 1634, French explorer Jean Nicolet was the first European to reach Wisconsin while seeking a Northwest passage to China. A mining boom, not fur trading, led to the nickname The Badger State. According to oral history, the miners burrowed into the hillsides much like badgers for shelter instead of setting up more permanent homesteads. The first wave of settlers to the area also began the uprooting of the Ho-Chunk, Menominee, Chippewa and other indigenous people. Early in Wisconsin’s settlement, dairy production began to take root. By the turn of the century, the state became known for its dairy farms and synonymous with cheese. Mining, dairies, and breweries grew one after the other. An influx of German immigrants in the 1850s brought a new brand of dreamers. Brewers cropped up across Wisconsin satisfying the thirst of The Badger State. As with brewers in other regions of the country, the 18th Amendment of 1919 prohibiting alcohol drowned out much of the competition leaving only a handful after the legislation was repealed in 1933. From Lake Michigan to Superior and numerous river and lakes in between, Wisconsin offers ample opportunity for water recreation and sport. There are also year-round trails perfect for summer hiking or substantial snow for winter activities. HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalWisconsinDay “Discover a taste of Wisconsin. Join National Day Calendar as we explore the 30th state’s history, people, and culture. Uncover and Travel Wisconsin with all her hidden treasures and amazing landscapes!” Use #NationalWisconsinDay to share on social media. See more details SINGLES AWARENESS DAY SINGLES AWARENESS DAY February 15, 2026 SINGLES AWARENESS DAY On February 15th, Singles Awareness Day reminds us that there’s nothing wrong with being single. In fact, the day after Valentine’s Day points out all the ways that singledom benefits our communities and more. There are several benefits to being unattached. Singles can come and go as they please with no regard to a partner’s schedule, wants or needs. Career opportunity? A single doesn’t need to consult a spouse before accepting an offer. It’s also easier for a single to keep up healthy habits. There isn’t anyone to sabotage their efforts to work out and eat healthily. Singles also tend to be more self-reliant and involved in their communities. Singles come in all ages, too. Whether they’re single by choice or happenstance, recently single or pursuing singledom for the long haul, they tend to lead independent lives. However, that doesn’t mean they are alone. Singles may be raising a child or grandchild. They may be caring for a parent or sibling. Despite the images of a spinster, a partying bachelor, a single’s lifestyle can take on quite a different look. They may take on many roles from a professional to a community leader, caregiver, and volunteer. HOW TO OBSERVE #SinglesAwarenessDay Take a closer look at the single people in your life. They may not need a matchmaker, just someone who doesn’t see them as a fifth wheel. Singles, participate in local events. Use #SinglesAwarenessDay to post on social media. SINGLES AWARENESS DAY HISTORY Our research has found that Singles Awareness Day has been around since 1999. In a blog post dated February 11, 2005, Mississippi State University student, Dustin Barnes lays claim to the creation of the day. According to his article, Barnes and his high school friends invented it “back in the day.” The earliest record we could find of the day in print is 1999. Another celebration has been taking place in the United Kingdom for some time. Some of the articles we found references to the celebration in the UK while others make no reference at all. Whether the observance was created in the US or crossed the pond and grew from there, we can’t be sure. See more details • • •
16 NATIONAL ALMOND DAY NATIONAL ALMOND DAY February 16, 2026 NATIONAL ALMOND DAY On February 16th each year, National Almond Day recognizes the versatile and healthful almond. Whether you are eating them by themselves, using almond milk, pasta, flour, butter, oil or meal, almonds offer a delicious flavor along with many health benefits. Almonds are one of the most heart-healthy foods on the market, packed with vitamin E, magnesium and fiber. According to a survey of 500 health professionals, almonds may be beneficial to a healthy lifestyle. According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, “Scientific evidence suggests, but does not prove that eating 1.5 ounces per day of most nuts, such as almonds, as part of a diet low in saturated fat and cholesterol, may reduce the risk of heart disease.” Recent research from Purdue University suggests that eating almonds can help people feel satisfied for several hours, which can support weight management and counter weight gain. Eighty percent of the world’s almonds are grown in California. HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalAlmondDay There are so many ways we can celebrate almonds. Whether we just snack on them or go all out and bake with them, it will be a worthy celebration. We also have several other suggestions for you to try: Collect a variety of seasoned, roasted almonds and enjoy a taste test. Which is your favorite? Toasted, smoked, spicy, or sweet? Step into the kitchen and add almonds to your savory cooking. They add flavor to your meats, sauces, and salads. Try almond butter for an alternative spread or mixed into dips. Create a sweet dessert or healthy substitute using almonds. Use #NationalAlmondDay to post on social media. NATIONAL ALMOND DAY HISTORY Within our research, we were unable to identify the creator of National Almond Day. See more details NATIONAL DO A GROUCH A FAVOR DAY NATIONAL DO A GROUCH A FAVOR DAY February 16, 2026 NATIONAL DO A GROUCH A FAVOR DAY National Do A Grouch A Favor Day is a call to kindness on February 16th. Everyone knows a grouch, and some of us may even be guilty of being one. On February 16th, maybe you can be the one to find the sweeter side of a grouch. For some, it’s in their nature to be grouches all of the time; while others may just be having a rough day or two. On National Do a Grouch a Favor Day, we have an opportunity to turn the grouches frown upside down! A grouch can be called by a number of names, some of which won’t be described here. However, a few that might come in handy are curmudgeon, crank, grump, sourpuss, bellyacher, grouse, crosspatch, malcontent, crab, and grumbler. If you manage to turn their mood around they might become known as the neighborhood idealist. The grouch that you know might be a friend, relative, co-worker, boss, neighbor or that someone who lives in your house. The favor you do on National Do a Grouch a Favor Day can be simple or elaborate. Either way, doing them a favor is going to feel right for you!! A grouch is a habitually irritable or complaining person, a grumbler. ~ Merriam-Webster Dictionary Maybe February 16th would be a fun day to watch the movies Grumpy Old Men and Grumpier Old Men. Let’s make it a better day for your favorite grouch! HOW TO OBSERVE #DoAGrouchAFavorDay There may be ways to a grouches heart. We have a few ideas about that and so we’ve shared them. Find out their favorite baked good and surprise them with it. Listen to their grumblings and grumble along with them, just for the day. You might find out some of the reasons why they’re such a grump. Just visit with them. Offer to help with a difficult project. Do something to make a grouch’s day better and Use #DoAGrouchAFavorDay to post on social media. DO A GROUCH A FAVOR DAY HISTORY National Day Calendar, while using the sweetest of honey, has yet to find the origins of this fun holiday. No grouches have been harmed in our search and few may have been cheered in the process. See more details PRESIDENTS DAY PRESIDENTS DAY February 16, 2026 PRESIDENTS DAY On the third Monday in February, the United States celebrates the federal holiday known as Presidents Day. The day takes place during the birth month of the country’s two most prominent presidents, George Washington and Abraham Lincoln. While the day once only honored President George Washington on his birthday, February 22nd, the day now never lands on a single president’s birthday. Across the country, most Americans know the day as Presidents Day. More and more of the population celebrates the day to honor all of the past United States Presidents who have served the country. Throughout the country, organizations and communities celebrate the day with public ceremonies. HOW TO OBSERVE #PresidentsDay Some businesses close, including banks and federal buildings. Celebrate your favorite U.S. president. Here are some ways to participate: Watch a documentary about the POTUS. For example, The Presidents by the History Channel. See if you can name all the presidents in order. Challenge yourself to some presidential trivia: Who are the three presidents who served in 1841? Forty years later, this same phenomenon occurred again in 1881. Name the three presidents who served that year. Name the three presidents who died on July 4th. Who were the four presidents who were assassinated while in office? Use #PresidentsDay to post on social media. PRESIDENTS DAY HISTORY The origin of Presidents Day lay in the 1880s when the birthday of George Washington was celebrated as a federal holiday. In 1968, Congress passed the Uniform Monday Holiday Bill. The bill moved several federal holidays to Mondays creating three-day weekends. During the debate on the bill, one proposal suggested George Washington’s birthday be renamed Presidents Day to honor the birthdays of both George Washington and Abraham Lincoln. Washington’s birthday is February 22nd and Lincoln’s birthday is February 12th. Although Abraham Lincoln’s birthday was celebrated in many states, it was never an official federal holiday. Following much discussion, Congress rejected the name change. Despite the rejection, soon after the bill went into effect in 1971, and the observance of Washington’s birthday shifted to the third Monday in February, gradually Presidents Day became the commonly accepted name. Over time, the observance came to be known to many as a day to honor both Washington and Lincoln. However, today another shift has occurred and many see the day as a celebration of all the U.S. Presidents. Answers Martin Van Buren, William Henry Harrison, John Tyler Rutherford B. Hayes, James A. Garfield, and Chester A. Arthur. John Adams, James Monroe, Thomas Jefferson. Abraham Lincoln, James A. Garfield, William McKinley, John F. Kennedy See more details • • •	17 FASTNACHT DAY FASTNACHT DAY February 17, 2026 FASTNACHT DAY With deep roots in Germany, Fastnacht Day is a pre-Lenten celebration that takes place the day before Ash Wednesday. Fastnacht means “fast” and “night” in German. In Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, Fastnacht represents an entire season of festivities leading up to Shrove Tuesday. The traditions are rooted in the same pre-Lenten celebrations that have taken place for centuries. Those fasting for Lent used up the rich foods they would be giving up in a feast. One of the traditional items to come out of the celebration was a pastry made from potatoes and yeast. This delicious doughnut known as fastnacht came the U.S. by way of the Pennsylvania Dutch. In their settlements, the pastry is one of the principal food traditions. The sweet treat is often cut into a triangle or square. Along with fastnacht, the celebration in Pennsylvania Dutch country includes a sumptuous feast before the long 40 days fast. HOW TO OBSERVE #FastnachtDay Make fastnacht to celebrate. Or, enjoy a fastnacht from a local baker and take part in fastnacht festivities. Share where you get your fastnacht and use #FastnachtDay to post on social media. FASTNACHT DAY HISTORY Fastnacht Day is entwined with other similar pre-Lenten holidays such as Fat Tuesday and Paczki Day. See more details FAT TUESDAY FAT TUESDAY February 17, 2026 FAT TUESDAY The last day of Carnival and the day before for Ash Wednesday, Fat Tuesday is the intertwining of a period of festivals and feasts that lead to a time of fasting and reflection. Also known as Shrove Tuesday and Mardi Gras, this enduring celebration has many traditions and deep roots around the world. Mardi Gras (French for Fat Tuesday) dates back to an ancient Roman festival honoring the deities Lupercalia and Saturnalia which took place in mid-February. When Christians arrived in Rome, they incorporated the festival into Lenten preparations. For centuries, this solemn feast prepared Christians for the season of Lent and used up valuable meat and supplies they would be abstaining from in the days to come. Traditions surrounding the day have changed through the ages. Through time and culture, the practices of Lent and Carnival, Mardi Gras, and Shrove Tuesday have varied and become incorporated into regional customs. In the United Kingdom, Shrove Tuesday is also known as Pancake Day. Pancakes are the perfect menu item when the future includes abstaining from fats, eggs, and sweets! In Russia, they celebrate the entire week during Shrovetide as Pancake Week. Carnival & Mardi Gras While the French didn’t originate the medieval feast, they did put their stamp on it. From parades to beignets and colorful masks, the last day of Carnival is full of elaborate costumes and lavish food sure to hold the revelers over through a long fast. During the 16th century, their ancestors celebrated Boeuf Gras (fatted calf) which included a tradition of parading a bull decorated with flowers through the city. The decorated animal is followed through the streets by a retinue of colorfully dressed attendants and bands playing unusual instruments. There was even a Boeuf Gras Society in Mobile, Alabama at one time. (See history below for more information.) New Orleans holds the crown for Carnival and Mardi Gras celebrations in the United States. While the city is filled with French flavor and style, its culture is an eclectic infusion of many cultures. Colorful King Cake and thick, savory muffuletta sandwiches only suggest the indulgence possible on Fat Tuesday. Regional specialties like Etouffee, Po’boys, and jambalaya all add to the atmosphere of the day. And while we satisfy our cravings, let’s not forget our beverages. Signature creations from New Orleans hit the spot. Be sure to try the Sazerac made with absinthe or the citrus cocktail Arnaud’s Special. For a smooth drink with some punch mix up a Vieux Carré made with whiskey, cognac, and sweet vermouth. But you don’t have to have a cocktail to enjoy the feast! Fat Tuesday has plenty of beverages full of refreshing flavor. Coffees, sodas, and shakes of every flavor can be found. HOW TO OBSERVE #FatTuesday Join in festivals around the country or have your own Fat Tuesday feast! Share your favorite traditions by using #FatTuesday, #MardiGras, #ShroveTuesday Find your Fat Tuesday deals here. FAT TUESDAY HISTORY The roots of the celebration have been woven together for centuries from medieval spring festivals and feasts that were based on the Christian calendar. Fat Tuesday is celebrated around the world in its various forms all of which harken back to these roots of spring festivals and religious fasting in preparation for the Holy day of Easter. Credit for bringing Mardi Gras to America goes to French explorers Pierre Le Moyne Sieur d’Iberville and Jean Baptiste Le Moyne Sieur de Bienville. In 1699, d’Iberville reached the mouth of the river on Shrove Tuesday near what is now Louisiana and named it Pointe du Mardi Gras. Thanks to their establishment of Fort Louis de la Mobile, modern-day Mobile, Alabama lays claim to the first Mardi Gras celebration on American soil in 1703. When de Bienville established Nouvelle Orleans in 1788, Mardi Gras celebrations reportedly began immediately. In 1875, Louisiana declared Fat Tuesday an official holiday. See more details NATIONAL CABBAGE DAY NATIONAL CABBAGE DAY February 17, 2026 NATIONAL CABBAGE DAY National Cabbage Day on February 17th recognizes a delightful garden staple that provides some of the best recipes for the Celtic holidays coming up next month. It’s an excellent day to test your corned beef and cabbage skills alongside other delicious seasonal dishes. From the French caboche, meaning head, cabbage comes in a variety of forms. The cabbage family is quite varied and includes Brussels sprouts, broccoli, cauliflower, bok choy, kohlrabi and kale. Cabbage is an ancient food with origins in Asia Minor (Turkey today) and the eastern Mediterranean. French explorer Jacques Cartier was the first to bring cabbage to the Americas. When selecting a cabbage, the head should be firm and dense. The fibrous leaves of a healthy cabbage should be shiny and crisp with no browning or bruising. Cabbage is versatile and can be eaten raw, steamed or sautéd. A popular ingredient in Asian, German, Irish and Latin recipes, it’s a culturally diverse food. Having low calories (6 per leaf) makes cabbage a popular diet food as well. It has no fat or cholesterol, is low in sodium and carbs, and is a good source of Vitamin C. HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalCabbageDay Bring out your favorite cabbage recipes. Wrap up pigs in a blanket or eat cabbage fresh. Make some delicious soup or vegetable wraps. In some areas of the country, you may be able to start planning your garden. Will you be planting cabbage this year? It’s time to decide on the variety you want to plant. Imagine all the goodness you can make in your kitchen then! No matter how you celebrate, be sure to invite someone to join you. Share your delicious creations with friends and family. If you don’t have a recipe to share, we’ve found several tasty ones to try. Slow Cooked Garlic Pepper Cabbage Corned Beef & Cabbage Stir Fry Kielbasa and Cabbage Healing Cabbage Soup Use #NationalCabbageDay to post on social media. Educators, visit the National Day Calendar Classroom for projects and ideas to help you Celebrate Every Day! NATIONAL CABBAGE DAY HISTORY National Day Calendar continues researching the origins of this vegetable holiday. We have yet to find the creator of the day under any cabbage leaf, newspaper article or proclamation. See more details NATIONAL CAULIFLOWER DAY NATIONAL CAULIFLOWER DAY February 17, 2026 NATIONAL CAULIFLOWER DAY Each year on February 17th, National Cauliflower Day celebrates one of the most versatile and nutritious vegetables in the garden. Cauliflower takes center stage in kitchens across the country, proving that with a little creativity, this cruciferous vegetable can become almost anything! #NationalCauliflowerDay Cauliflower is part of the Brassicaceae family, alongside cabbage, kale, and Brussels sprouts. Most of us see the white heads of the cauliflower, but it also comes in stunning shades of purple, orange, and green. In order to keep the heads of cauliflower white, farmers have to perform a process called blanching to prevent the sun from turning the vegetable yellowish-brown. Blanching is the process of tying the large leaves of cauliflower shut. Cauliflower is a packed with nutrients, being naturally high in fiber and B-vitamins. It's also low in calories and carbohydrates, making it a "go-to" substitute for many high calorie foods like breads, potatoes, and even desserts. A Kitchen Chameleon One of the quirkiest modern attributes of cauliflower is how neutral the flavor is. Because it has a high water content and a mild flavor profile, cauliflower can take on the flavor and texture of just about anything. You can substitute cauliflower in the place of flour, meat, and dairy, providing healthier options. Here are a few popular food items cauliflower is being used for: Pizza Crust Rice Steak Mashed Potatoes Creamy soups Sauces Cakes Puddings Cauliflower History Cauliflower has ancient roots dating between 600 B.C. to 1200 A.D. Early records show it may have first appeared in present day Turkey and Greece during the 6th century B.C. By the 12th and 13th centuries, botanists in Syria and Spain documented cauliflower as a luxury vegetable. Meaning, only the higher class people were able to access and enjoy it. Cauliflower seems to have arrived in Italy around the 15th century. It quickly became the center of cultivation. Eventually, the vegetable made its way to France and took center stage at the royal courts of King Louis XIV. Seeds eventually arrived in North America in the 1600s. However, it was discovered the vegetable was extremely hard to grow. It wasn't until the mid-1920s that cauliflower became widely available in U.S. markets. 5 NATIONAL CAULIFLOWER DAY CELEBRATE Today is the day to being your quest of discovery by incorporating cauliflower into your meals today! If you usually steam your cauliflower, try roasting it with olive oil and turmeric, then toss it in a buffalo sauce for "cauliflower hot wings." Swap out your traditional pizza crust or mashed potatoes for a cauliflower alternative. You will be pleasantly surprised at how delicious the healthy version will be! Look for purple or orange cauliflower at your local market to add a pop of color to your dinner table. If you’re a gardener, today is a great day to start planning your spring garden. Research the best cauliflower varieties for your climate and start your seedlings indoors! Post a photo of your favorite cauliflower dish on social media using the hashtag #NationalCauliflowerDay. HISTORY BEHIND NATIONAL CAULIFLOWER DAY We have been unable to find the specific creator of National Cauliflower Day. In fact, the date also remains a mystery. We suspect the day popped up in the 2010s as the "low-carb" movement became popular. While we may not know exactly who first declared this food holiday, it is clear that it was created by someone who recognized that this 'cabbage flower' deserved a standing ovation. We're certain foodies, chefs, and health enthusiasts are cheering the loudest! See more details NATIONAL RANDOM ACTS OF KINDNESS DAY NATIONAL RANDOM ACTS OF KINDNESS DAY February 17, 2026 NATIONAL RANDOM ACTS OF KINDNESS DAY Each year on February 17th, National Random Acts of Kindness Day grows in popularity. It is celebrated by individuals, groups and organizations nationwide to encourage acts of kindness. The movement of Random Acts of Kindness inspires people every day. As a favorite celebration for many, people everywhere are enjoying doing these acts of kindness. Not only do the acts of kindness bring joy to the receiver, but they spread positive reactions to the giver, too! “I was a recipient of the kindness but more glad to be a contributor!” (Unknown) Our research found that the Random Acts of Kindness Foundation celebrates Random Acts of Kindness Week. The Random Acts of Kindness Foundation is an internationally recognized non-profit organization founded upon the powerful belief in kindness and dedicated to providing resources and tools that encourage acts of kindness.In New Zealand, where this day originated, Random Acts of Kindness Day is celebrated on September 1st. However, it is also recognized by some on other days throughout the year. Nevertheless, doing random acts of kindness is something that can be done every day of the year. A Few Quotes of Kindness: “Kindness is a language which the deaf can hear and the blind can see.” (Mark Twain) “No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted.” (Aesop) “Remember there’s no such thing as a small act of kindness. Every act creates a ripple with no logical end.” (Scott Adams) “Kind words and actions can seem so small, but their effects are truly endless.” (Author Unknown) HOW TO OBSERVE #RandomActsOfKindnessDay Make a note to do nice things throughout the day. Are you looking for ideas? We’ve collected a few that will get you started. Pay for the coffee or meal of the person in front of you in line. Leave a kind note for someone, no explanation needed. Share words of encouragement. You never know who might need them. Put your skills to work for someone in need. For example, offer to create a résumé for someone seeking a new job. Drop off a load of groceries at the local food pantry. Mail a “thinking of you” card to someone you’ve not to talk to in a while. Order a bouquet of flowers to be delivered to anyone in the hospital. That means, call the florist and tell them to pick a hospital or nursing home and deliver flowers to the person the front desk thinks needs it the most. It could be a sick child, an elderly person with no family or a college student down on their luck. Send a thank you note to the local fire department, police departments, or any military personnel. Just smile. Share your random acts of kindness using #RandomActsOfKindnessDay to post on social media. NATIONAL RANDOM ACTS OF KINDNESS DAY HISTORY Josh de Jong of New Zealand founded National Random Acts of Kindness Day. See more details PACZKI DAY PACZKI DAY February 17, 2026 PACZKI DAY The sweet holiday of Paczki Day takes place the day before Ash Wednesday. The Polish tradition of indulging in fried dough filled with jams, custards or other sweet surprises dates back to the Middle Ages. A PUNCH-kee or POONCH-key or POOCH-key is traditionally a round Polish pastry filled with fruit and coated in sugar. Those who would be fasting during Lent needed to empty the pantry; this Polish pastry was an ideal way to use up what was in the larder. More modern versions fill the paczki with custard or cream and even cover the outside with a glaze and sprinkles. The day is also full of music and entertainment much like Fat Tuesday and borrows many traditions from the French. HOW TO OBSERVE #PaczkiDay Order a paczki from your local bakery and enjoy it! What type of filling will you have? Traditional or will you be more modern? Join in the celebration and use #PaczkiDay to share on social media. PACZKI DAY HISTORY The celebration of Paczki Day dates back to the Middle Ages and is celebrated around the world. See more details PLUTO DAY PLUTO DAY February 17, 2026 PLUTO DAY Every year on February 18, we celebrate the date the dwarf planet Pluto was discovered. Join us as we travel through space to discuss who discovered this mysterious planet and why it's been a discussion of classification controversy. #Pluto Percival Lowell was the astronomer who first predicted the existence of a "Planet X" hidden beyond Neptune. Lowell dedicated much of his life to searching for this mysterious ninth planet; unfortunately, he passed away in 1916 without ever finding it. It would take another 14 years of searching before Lowell’s "hunch" was finally proven correct. On February 18, 1930, Clyde Tombaugh—a young astronomer working at the Lowell Observatory—finally spotted the elusive object. On March 19, 1930, the observatory officially announced to the world that the ninth planet had been found. While several names were considered, the name Pluto (the Roman god of the underworld) was ultimately chosen. It was a fitting tribute, as the first two letters, P and L, serve as a permanent nod to the initials of Percival Lowell. Pluto the Dwarf Planet On August 24, 2006, the International Astronomical Union (IAU) reclassified Pluto as a dwarf planet, removing it from the list of planets in the solar system. The IAU established three specific criteria that a celestial body must meet to be considered a full-sized planet. That criteria is: It must orbit the Sun. It must have sufficient mass to assume a nearly round shape (hydrostatic equilibrium). It must "clear the neighborhood" around its orbit. According to the IAU, Pluto meets the first two criteria but fails the third. Pluto shares its orbital path with a vast collection of debris in the Kuiper Belt. Modern technology has allowed astronomers to find other bodies (like Eris) that are comparable in size. Today, the IAU officially recognizes five dwarf planets: Ceres, Pluto, Eris, Haumea, and Makemake. Despite these facts, scientists and the general public, have had a hard time accepting the idea that Pluto is no longer a planet. Many people remember the mnemonic, “My Very Educated Mother Just Served Us Nine Pizzas.” The first letter in each world helped them to remember the order of the planets. The “P” in Pizza, referred to Pluto. The mnemonic was changed to “My Very Educated Mother Just Served Us Noodles.” Just because it is no longer a planet, you can still learn interesting facts about Pluto: Since its discovery, Pluto has not made a complete orbit around the sun. It has five known moons. Pluto’s extremely thin atmosphere consists mostly of nitrogen. One day on Pluto equals 6.4 days on Earth. It has ice mountains that are taller than the Rockies. HOW TO OBSERVE #PlutoDay Planetariums, observatories, and science centers often hold special events on February 18. Here is how you can participate: Set up a telescope! Even though Pluto is hard to spot, it's a great excuse to stargaze. Learn more about the differences between planets and dwarf planets. Do you think Pluto deserves its "Major Planet" status back? If so, write a post or start a discussion. Check out documentaries like The Year of Pluto, Mission Pluto, or Chasing Pluto. No matter where you stand on the "planet" debate, share your love for this icy world on social media using #PlutoDay. PLUTO DAY HISTORY Pluto Day commemorates the anniversary of its discovery each year on February 18th, 1930. See more details • • • • • • •	18 ASH WEDNESDAY ASH WEDNESDAY February 18, 2026 ASH WEDNESDAY Ash Wednesday signals the beginning of Lenten season for Christians. It takes place 46 days before Easter and the day after Shrove Tuesday. Ash Wednesday services focus on the death and repentance the ashes represent. In many churches, the ashes are made from the palm branches that are burned from the previous Palm Sunday service. Following a service or mass, the pastor or priest will invite their congregation to receive the ashes on their forehead. A cross pattern or other similar mark is made. This solemn day begins a time of meditation, reflection, self-examination, study, and contemplation when Christians consider their own mortality and sinfulness in preparation for Easter. HOW TO OBSERVE ASH WEDNESDAY Attend an Ash Wednesday service. Learn more about the history of Ash Wednesday. Share your Ash Wednesday events and services. ASH WEDNESDAY HISTORY The use of ashes during spiritual occasions has ancient non-Christian roots. However, Ash Wednesday and the beliefs that accompany it, date back to the 6th century. See more details NATIONAL BATTERY DAY NATIONAL BATTERY DAY February 18, 2026 NATIONAL BATTERY DAY Get a charge out of National Battery Day! Observed each year on February 18th, the day serves to appreciate the convenience batteries provide to our everyday lives. Today we would be hard-pressed to find someone in the United States who doesn’t benefit from a battery. Even those who live “off the grid” have battery-operated devices such as a flashlight, radio, or watch. A battery changes chemical energy into electricity by bringing the different chemicals together in a specific order. When correctly ordered, the electrons will travel from one substance to another, creating an electrical current. Long Road of the Battery While battery manufacturing for everyday personal use developed in the last 50-60 years, archaeologists found evidence of a device that may have been used to electroplate gold onto silver, much like a battery would. In 1936, during the construction of a new railway near Baghdad, a Parthian tomb was found. Archaeologist Wilhelm Konig found a clay jar containing a copper cylinder encasing an iron rod. Konig suggested the find was approximately 2,000 years old. Benjamin Franklin first coined the term “battery” in 1748 to describe an array of charged glass plates. 1800 In 1800, Italian scientist Alessandro Volta layered silver, cloth, or paper soaked in salt or acid and zinc into what he called “voltaic piles.” The voltaic piles generated a limited electrical current. Volta proceeded to publish his work, and we get the word “volt” from his name to describe the electric potential. William Cruickshank, an English chemist, designed a battery for mass production in 1802. Corrosion in batteries has always been an issue, but it was much worse until John Daniell came along. Daniel, a chemist, receives credit for developing a way to reduce corrosion when storing batteries. In 1820 he invented the Daniell Cell, which incorporated mercury, reducing the corrosion. 1896 Over time, various scientists and inventors developed gradual improvements to the battery. In 1896, the National Carbon Company (later known as the Eveready Battery Company) manufactured the first commercially available battery called the Columbia. Two years later, National Carbon Company introduced the first D-sized battery for the first flashlight. The 1900s and beyond Until 1957, watches needed to be wound routinely to keep time. Then in 1957, the Hamilton Watch Company introduced the first battery-operated watch. Today batteries are available for numerous purposes. In our modern age, portable electricity isn’t something we think about every day because it is easily accessible. We charge the batteries on our phones by using the batteries in our cars as we travel down the road. We even have portable chargers that can charge our batteries where ever we are. The variety of batteries change every day. Solar batteries recharge daily and store power in cells. They come in numerous sizes, too. HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalBatteryDay How many batteries do you rely on in your life? From your car to your smoke detectors, batteries are everywhere. Count the items in your home that use batteries. How often do you buy them? Do you have a battery charger? Don’t forget, our phones, watches, hearing aids, and many more items all use batteries. Medical devices rely on them to keep people alive, too. They monitor our children as they sleep, and they serve as backup systems for our security and safety. Spend the day learning more about batteries – the different kinds, where battery design is headed, and more. Read about the types of batteries available on the market. Some last longer, are rechargeable, and are more environmentally friendly. Take stock. How many batteries does your home and environment require? Toys, remote controls, cars – the numbers add up. Discover the best ways to recycle your batteries. Some batteries are easier to recycle than others. Educators and families, visit the National Day Calendar Classroom for projects and ideas to celebrate the day. Use #NationalBatteryDay to post on social media. NATIONAL BATTERY DAY HISTORY National Battery Day commemorates the anniversary of Alessandro Volta’s birth on February 18, 1745. See more details NATIONAL CRAB STUFFED FLOUNDER DAY NATIONAL CRAB STUFFED FLOUNDER DAY February 18, 2026 NATIONAL CRAB STUFFED FLOUNDER DAY Crab and flounder take center stage on February 18th when National Crab Stuffed Flounder Day arrives each year. The day recognizes the unique, flavorful delight when crab and flounder combine. This one-of-kind dish is composed of a stuffing made with crab meat, bread crumbs, butter, and seasonings, which is stuffed into the whole flounder or rolled up into the fillets and baked. Flounder is a flatfish in approximately 100 different species. Around the United States, the winter flounder and Pacific flounder are common species. While there are thousands of species of crabs, only certain ones are edible. In the United States, some of the more popular and tasty ones are the blue crab, stone crab, Dungeness, king, and rock or snow crabs. They come in both hard and soft shells and can be found along all the coasts and Hawaii. Popular along the East and Gulf Coasts, there are a variety of restaurants that serve crab-stuffed flounder, and there are plenty of recipes to try your hand at making at home. HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalCrabStuffedFlounderDay The day is perfect for snowbirds vacationing along sunny beaches. It’s an excellent time to order up a plate or two at your favorite seafood restaurant. Or maybe you should try your hand at making it at home. We’ve even found a couple of recipes worth testing. Be sure to invite friends and family to join you. How else would you celebrate? Crab Meat Stuffed Flounder Roulades Crab Meat Stuffed Flounder If you are also celebrating National Drink Wine Day on February 18th, a sweet Riesling or a Chardonnay will pair well with Crab-Stuffed Flounder. Use #NationalCrabStuffedFlounderDay to post to social media. NATIONAL CRAB STUFFED FLOUNDER DAY HISTORY National Day Calendar continues to research the origins of this seafood holiday. We’ve cast about seeking answers and while we reel back in, we’re going to see what the catch of the day is and celebrate a little more! See more details NATIONAL DRINK WINE DAY NATIONAL DRINK WINE DAY February 18, 2026 NATIONAL DRINK WINE DAY While February 18th is observed annually as National Drink Wine Day, it would be a shame to celebrate only one day a year. Perhaps this day is just a reminder to drink wine. Wine does have its benefits after all. Moderate drinkers of wine have lower risks of liver disease, type II diabetes, certain kinds of cancers, heart attack, and stroke. It also can reduce the bad cholesterol (LDL) and increase the good (HDL).Drinking wine includes other benefits as well. When paired with the right meal, it enhances the flavors of spices, fruits, and sauces. A glass of wine helps relax us. Learning about wine keeps our minds sharp, too. Since the fruits, regions, and the making of wine have such a complex story, those who delve into find themselves traveling to learn more. HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalDrinkWineDay Since February 18th is also National Crab-Stuffed Flounder Day, may we suggest a fresh, fruity white wine pairing the celebrations together? With so many wine varietals a wine tasting would be a perfect way to celebrate. Visit a vineyard or host one of your own. Raise a toast to your favorite wine and let us know which one it is. Always drink responsibly and try a new wine. Use #NationalDrinkWineDay to post to social media. NATIONAL DRINK WINE DAY HISTORY National Day Calendar continues researching the origins of this celebratory day. However, we’ve sipped a few wines and suspect either a winemaker or connoisseur created this day. See more details • • • •	19 IWO JIMA DAY IWO JIMA DAY February 19, 2026 IWO JIMA DAY On February 19, we honor Iwo Jima Day as one of the most significant chapters in military history. Today, we pay tribute to the sacrifice and uncommon valor during Operation Detachment. #IwoJimaDay The Battle of Iwo Jima began at 9:00 a.m. on February 19, 1945, when the first wave of U.S. Marines deployed onto the island’s "Black Sands." Nearly 70,000 Marines and Navy personnel landed on the volcanic shores with the objective of capturing three vital airfields. However, the impossible terrain of soft, shifting ash offered no cover, leaving the troops dangerously exposed to an entrenched and aggressive Japanese defense. What was originally projected as a 10-day operation spiraled into 36 days of relentless, deadly combat, cementing Iwo Jima as one of the most significant and bloodiest chapters in U.S. Marine Corps history. Extraordinary Courage The first 48 hours of invasion were extremely chaotic for troops. Though the Marines successfully established themselves on the beach, the loss of lives was immense due to the ground. Men were sinking into the sand and tanks would lose traction while leaving the waters edge. Loose sand prevented trenches from being built. Marines were essentially lying on a flat surface with no way to dig in for safety. It was also during the first 48 hours that six Navajo Code Talkers worked around the clock, sending over 800 messages without a single error. They provided coordinates for Japanese pillboxes and hidden artillery, coordinated coordinating the delivery of ammunition and water to the troops, and ensured the wounded were evacuated from the most dangerous zones. It was later said by their commander that the Code Talkers saved the mission and the Marines might never have taken the island without them. While the Marines fought on land, the U.S. Navy also suffered significant losses from Kamikaze attacks on ships surrounding the island, contributing to the total death toll. HONORING IWO JIMA DAY Iwo Jim Day is a time to celebrate the "living history" of survivors. Learn about the Navajo Code Talkers or watch a documentary about those who were there. Honor veterans by taking time to to write letters to residents at local veterans homes or take the time to visit in person. Show your support by attending a a ceremony in your local community honoring those who served at Iwo Jima. Share your gratitude by posting on social media using the hashtag #IwoJimaDay. HISTORY BEHIND IWO JIMA DAY Were were unable to find the specific creator of Iwo Jima Day. We suspect the day is a combination of a few events. First, the U.S. Marine Corps created the tradition in 1945 to honor the massive loss of life. While most states informally observe and honor Iwo Jima Day, Massachusetts is the only state that has created a General Law, mandating the Governor to proclaim February 19 as Iwo Jima Day. See more details NATIONAL ARABIAN HORSE DAY NATIONAL ARABIAN HORSE DAY February 19, 2026 NATIONAL ARABIAN HORSE DAY See more details NATIONAL CHOCOLATE MINT DAY NATIONAL CHOCOLATE MINT DAY February 19, 2026 NATIONAL CHOCOLATE MINT DAY Recognized by the US National Confectioners Association, National Chocolate Mint Day is observed annually across the nation on February 19th. This holiday has been set aside for all the chocolate mint lovers to eat their favorite treats all day long. The Aztecs and Mayans are given much credit for their ways with chocolate. And while chocolate was brought back to Europeans, they were not fond of the dark, bitter bean, so they used more for medicinal purposes. As it was mostly consumed as a hot beverage, Europeans mixed mint, cinnamon and other spices to make it more palatable. Over time, they added sugar, and the combination of chocolate and mint became fashionable Fast forward to the mid-1800s when inventions and improvements in processes made it possible for confectioners to begin mass-producing chocolates. Even then, small candy shops served a local public. Advertisements for mint chocolates, or chocolate mints, did not start showing up in newspapers until the turn of the century. The International Dairy Foods Association states that mint chocolate chip is the 10th most popular flavor of ice cream. One of the earliest mass-producers of chocolate mints was Huyler’s in New York. Their chain of stores spread across the country. Today we find mint chocolate in everything from ice cream to brownies, cookies and candies, liquors and sauces. Girl Scouts first sold Thin Mint cookies in 1953 and are still their most popular cookie. Mint chocolate is also the name of an herb with edible leaves that tastes like chocolate and mint. HOW TO OBSERVE #ChocolateMintDay Below is a favorite frosting recipe for chocolate cake. It looks great decorated with chocolate mint candies, a perfect way to celebrate National Chocolate Mint Day! Mint Frosting for Chocolate Cake 1 package cream cheese (8 0z), softened 1/4 cup butter or margarine, softened 3-1/2 cups powdered sugar 1 teaspoon mint extract Green food coloring In a large bowl, beat cream cheese and butter on medium speed until light and fluffy. On low speed, beat in mint extract, 2 to 3 drops of green food coloring and 3-1/2 cups powdered sugar until mixed. Beat on medium speed until fluffy. Store frosted cake in refrigerator. The following are some other chocolate mint recipes for you to try: Layered Mint Chocolate Fudge Chocolate Mint Brownies Mint Chocolate Chip Cookies Chocolate Mint Pie And, for those who are thirsty: Chocolate-Mint Martini Use #ChocolateMintDay to post on social media. NATIONAL CHOCOLATE MINT DAY HISTORY National Day Calendar continues researching the origins of this minty celebration. While we do, we’ll be sure to leave a chocolate mint on our pillow in the morning to inspire our search. See more details NATIONAL LASH DAY NATIONAL LASH DAY February 19, 2026 NATIONAL LASH DAY National Lash Day on February 19th each year promotes the love and need for true and false eyelashes. The day offers an opportunity to explore the benefits and fashion of lashes. Eyelashes are a staple item to every makeup look and beauty enthusiast. Lashes have always been known to make your eyes pop and stand out from the crowd. As important as how they make us look, they also help keep dirt or substances from entering the eye and aid in preventing infections. Another important benefit eyelashes provide is preventing eye moisture from evaporating. Lashes shade our eyes in a variety of lengths and colors, too. Needless to say, eyelashes are a true necessity for every person at any age. HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalLashDay Celebrate your lashes in every shape and style by using #NationalLashDay to post on social media. NATIONAL LASH DAY HISTORY House of Lashes submitted National Lash Day in 2015 to celebrate the beauty and functionality of lashes. The Registrar at National Day Calendar proclaimed the day to be observed February 19th, annually. At House of Lashes we believe in an Eco-Chic green environment and pledge to keep our products animal cruelty-free. In this way, we manufacture all of our lash boxes out of recyclable packaging and our lashes are hand-crafted using 100% sterilized premium human hair and cruelty-free synthetic fibers. Our inspirations are derived by remarkably creative and diverse communities and have a passion to serve individuals to make them look and feel beautiful. We strive to become the top pioneering eyelash brand around the globe as we pride ourselves in premium quality products and continue to provide excellent customer service. “HOL” is founded by a beauty and fashion expert who spent four years researching lashes from all over the world narrowing down the top ten most flattering styles for every eye shape. At House of Lashes, we believe lashes make everything better and stand behind the mantra ‘Quality is Queen.’ See more details NATIONAL VET GIRLS RISE DAY NATIONAL VET GIRLS RISE DAY February 19, 2026 NATIONAL VET GIRLS RISE DAY On February 19th, National Vet Girls RISE Day recognizes the immense dedication of the nearly 2 million U.S. veteran women. On National Vet Girls RISE Day, not only is it a day to recognize women veterans, but it is a day for women veterans to support one another and to share resources, build relationships and spread awareness concerning the needs of women veterans The willingness of America’s [Women] veterans to sacrifice for our country has earned them our lasting gratitude. ~Jeff Miller Since the Revolutionary War, women have served in the armed forces, and many have not been recognized for their service. Today, the contributions of nearly 2 million women veterans deserve acknowledgment. The day celebrates the bonds they formed and their experiences through military service. While we can never truly repay the debt we owe our heroes, the least we should do for our brave veterans is to ensure that the government takes a proactive approach to delivering the services and benefits they have earned, so they can access the care they need and so richly deserve. ~Kirsten Gillibrand Like thousands of military personnel, support transitioning from military to civilian life develops both their professional and personal success. Honoring their accomplishments, skills, and essential contributions both in the military and civilian fields elevate the place of the woman veteran to her proper position. From the world wars of Europe to the jungles of the Far East, from the deserts of the Middle East to the African continent, and even here in our own hemisphere, our “women” veterans have made the world a better place and America the great country we are today. ~ John Hoeven HOW TO OBSERVE #VetGirlsRISEDay Connect with other women veterans for camaraderie and support on National Vet Girls RISE Day. Join a VGR meetup at various designated restaurant locations throughout the United States and affirm your support of women veterans. Tell us about your favorite woman veteran and use #VetGirlsRISEDay to share on social media. Follow AVWA and VGR on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for upcoming AVWA and VGR events. (@avwaorg and @VetGirlsRock1) NATIONAL VET GIRLS RISE DAY HISTORY Vet Girls RISE founded National Vet Girls RISE Day on February 19, 2019, to bring awareness to the contributions of women veterans to the United States military and to provide an opportunity for women veterans to celebrate the bonds they formed during their service. The Registrar at National Day Calendar® proclaimed the day to be observed annually on February 19th. About Vet Girls Rise Vet Girls RISE, an initiative under Active Veterans With Answers, founded in 2017, Vet Girls RISE serves as a resource and knowledge stream for women veterans. With the struggles of transitioning from military to civilian life; Vet Girls RISE was created to educate, enlighten, and support women veterans through professional and personal growth that improves the awareness, potential, and identify talents. Women veterans who miss that camaraderie can find it in Vet Girls RISE. See more details • • • • •	20 LOVE YOUR PET DAY LOVE YOUR PET DAY February 20, 2026 NATIONAL LOVE YOUR PET DAY On February 20th, pet lovers everywhere observe National Love Your Pet Day. This holiday focuses on giving extra attention to our pets. The day encourages pampering our pets and focusing on the special relationship pets hold in our lives. See more details NATIONAL CAREGIVERS DAY NATIONAL CAREGIVERS DAY February 20, 2026 NATIONAL CAREGIVERS DAY National Caregivers Day on the third Friday in February honors the health care professionals across the country providing long-term and hospice care. Around the nation, dedicated health care professionals serve those who require long-term or hospice care. They provide vital services, reassuring patients and the families who care about them. Often loved ones require care we are not able to provide. We are either not physically able or do not have the skills or means to provide them. Expert caregivers are trained to provide round-the-clock services in safe environments. Their care enables the family to focus on their loved one’s healing process. In hospice care, a caregiver allows the family to spend time with their loved one without worrying about medical responsibilities. Caregivers deliver a variety of duties from personal care to medical services with compassion and professionalism. Their days may be long and demanding, but they provide support to those who need it most. The celebration recognizes caregivers who provide quality, compassionate care every day. HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalCaregiversDay Take time to thank a caregiver for their dedication and care of our loved ones. There are several ways to show your appreciation: Give them a card of thanks. This may seem like a simple gesture, but it will mean a lot to the caregiver. Let them know with a kind word of encouragement. Your recognition will inspire them to continue their quality work. Tell their supervisor how much you appreciate the services. Compliments are rarely voiced. Take the time to make yours heard. Employers can provide a special appreciation luncheon. Use #NationalCaregiversDay to post on social media. NATIONAL CAREGIVERS DAY HISTORY Providers Association for Home Health & Hospice Agencies (PAHHHA) founded National Caregivers Day in 2015 to dedicate a day to caregivers everywhere. The first observance occurred in 2016. For more information, please visit http://pahhha.org/. See more details NATIONAL CHERRY PIE DAY NATIONAL CHERRY PIE DAY February 20, 2026 NATIONAL CHERRY PIE DAY Some pie lovers will be eating their favorite pie on February 20 during National Cherry Pie Day. Whether they eat it for breakfast, lunch or supper or a slice at every meal depends on just how much they love cherry pie! It seems only right that we celebrate the cherry pie so close to Presidents Day as we all know the story (albeit untrue) of President George Washington and the cherry tree. Cherries were, however, one of his favorite foods. According to the American Pie Council, the pie came to America with the first English settlers. The early colonists cooked their pies in long narrow pans calling them “coffyns” like the crust in England. As in Roman times, the early American pie crusts often were not eaten, but just designed to hold the filling during baking. It was during the American Revolution that the term crust was used instead of “coffyn.” In the United States, cherry pie is often referred to as a “great American dish.” Recipe books have many different versions of recipes for cherry pie. HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalCherryPieDay As with any baking holiday, it is an excellent opportunity to visit your local bakery. Pick out a delicious pie to share with co-workers or family and be sure to give the baker a shout out, too. You can always bake up your favorite recipes. Give some lessons to the younger generation while dusting up the kitchen. A little flour never hurt anyone. Be sure to try out some new recipes. If you need a few, we list some for you to try. Cherry Pie Fresh Cherry Pie Perfect Cherry Pie Baked Fresh Cherry Pie And don’t forget to share your deals and creations with us! We love to see how you celebrate! Use #NationalCherryPieDay to post on social media. NATIONAL CHERRY PIE DAY HISTORY Pull up a chair and have a slice of cherry pie with us while we continue to research the origins of this pie celebrating day. See more details NATIONAL COMFY DAY NATIONAL COMFY DAY February 20, 2026 NATIONAL COMFY DAY On February 20th, National Comfy Day gives us all permission to get comfortable! We all deserve a day to get cozy in our favorite spot and relax. Short for comfortable, comfy is a word we use to describe the places and things that make us the utmost at ease. At the end of the day, we are all connected by a desire to be comfy. Some are drawn to their favorite blanket. Others define comfy by a sandy beach in the sunshine. Our beloved pets and special hoodie add to our comfy satisfaction, too. Combine a little ambiance and take out, and the comfy level improves even more. National Comfy Day is all about achieving the perfect level of comfy and celebrating it to its fullest! HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalComfyDay Live the comfy life! That includes giving comfy gifts and wearing all things comfy! Curl up on your comfy sofa and dream comfy dreams. From head to toe, cover everyone in comfort. Let us know how you’re going to celebrate National Comfy day, too! Celebrate with #NationalComfyDay on social media. NATIONAL COMFY DAY HISTORY In 2021, “The Comfy Bros” founded National Comfy Day to be celebrated on February 20th, the day The Comfy was invented! Their story starts back in 2017 when Michael and Brian Speciale transformed the way the world stays warm by inventing the world’s first true wearable blanket. Just a month after forming their company, The ‘Comfy Bros’ were invited to make their pitch on ABC’s Shark Tank. With only a prototype in hand, they closed a deal with Barbara Corcoran, and The Comfy went on to become the third most successful product ever to launch on Shark Tank. Today, The Comfy has expanded to a range of products designed to wrap everyone in a giant warm hug. The Comfy Bros remain steadfast in their mission to bring happiness to all and give back through their Comfy Cares program. The Comfy is available in over 100 countries, has made millions of customers happy, has over 30,000 5-star reviews, and press coverage ranging from Good Morning America to USA Today! So take our advice, get Comfy this National Comfy Day! See more details NATIONAL LEADERSHIP DAY NATIONAL LEADERSHIP DAY February 20, 2026 NATIONAL LEADERSHIP DAY National Leadership Day is set aside to acknowledge the power of leadership. Every year, on February 20th, we recognize the impact that leaders make in people’s lives as they seek to develop themselves and others. When you think about it, in every relationship, one person influences another, whether a parent or child, spouse or friend, student or teacher, employer or employee. In our everyday interactions with one another, someone is leading or influencing the other to do something or become something. This means that anyone can be a leader, whether you have a title or not. Over 50 years ago, John C. Maxwell defined leadership as this: “Leadership is influence; nothing more, nothing less.” When we talk about leadership, we know that leadership is about growth – for yourself, your relationships, your productivity, and your people. To lead well, you must embrace your need for continual improvement so that you can be the best leader you can be. The observance aims to empower people to help others and be change agents and difference makers in someone’s life. This is the opportunity we have on National Leadership Day: To show people what it means to be a good leader and inspire them to be a positive force of change in another person’s life. HOW TO OBSERVE – #NationalLeadershipDay “Leadership is not about titles, positions, or flow charts. It is about one life influencing another.” John C. Maxwell National Leadership Day is your opportunity to celebrate the value and contributions of positive leadership around you. Share your leadership stories and recognize the leaders in your life. Recognize a leader within your company, community, or home by telling them you value them as a leader. Share a story about them on social media and tag your post with #NationalLeadershipDay. Share your favorite leadership quote or book on social media. Tag your post with #NationalLeadershipDay. Commit to reading (or re-reading) at least one leadership development book or take a course to sharpen your leadership skills this year. Connect with those you lead and share a leadership lesson or value and allow them to share their takeaways. Visit the John Maxwell website (www.johnmaxwell.com) for leadership development books, podcasts, speakers, and more! Remember to use #NationalLeadershipDay on social media so we can connect with and share your stories. RECOGNIZING THE POWER OF LEADERSHIP “In a time when the world is desperate for good leadership, we are incredibly excited to be the catalysts behind National Leadership Day – the day that will inspire people to become more effective leaders. From now on, we will see February 20, which is also our Founder’s, John C. Maxwell’s birthday, as an opportunity for the Maxwell Leadership Enterprise to ignite, engage and equip people to lead well. Our mission is simple: To add value to people who multiply value to others; and our time is now!” Mark Cole, CEO Maxwell Leadership Enterprise NATIONAL LEADERSHIP DAY HISTORY The Maxwell Leadership enterprise founded National Leadership Day in 2021 to recognize what it means to be a good leader. Everyone can lead, regardless of their title or position. Once you realize the impact of your influence, you will see that you can make a difference right where you are. That is the power of leadership! The inaugural National Leadership Day in 2022 also commemorates John C. Maxwell’s 75th birthday on February 20th. Considered the foremost authority on leadership, when others were writing about management, Maxwell began to define leadership, pointing out the difference between managing (position/process-focused) and leading (people-focused). Over 90 books, millions of trained leaders, and tens of millions of readers, subscribers, and followers later, Maxwell has received many awards for leadership from Forbes, Inc 500, and many other organizations. He also received a Horatio Alger award for his contribution to service. The Registrar at National Day Calendar proclaimed National Leadership Day in 2022 to be observed annually. About The Maxwell Leadership Enterprise Carrying out the transformational leadership legacy of John C. Maxwell, the Maxwell Leadership enterprise’s mission is to add value to people so they can multiply value to others. Through leadership development programs and resources, our goal is to help people to increase their impact and influence by equipping them to become better leaders. See more details NATIONAL MUFFIN DAY NATIONAL MUFFIN DAY February 20, 2026 NATIONAL MUFFIN DAY On February 20th, National Muffin Day serves up a delicious celebration packed with flavor and options, too! Bakeries offer these single-serving quick breads in several sizes. From mini bite-sized muffins and jumbo ones to the favored muffin tops, they also offer a varied nutritional value. Depending on the ingredients, a muffin can be high in fat and calories. However, substituting whole grains, changing a few other ingredients, and limiting the serving size can increase the nutritional quality of a muffin. Baking with fresh fruits and berries brings a brightness to muffins. It also keeps them from becoming dry as they bake. One of America’s favorite muffins is the blueberry muffin. Another way to add flavor and texture is by mixing in nuts and oats. Bakers often have bits of chocolate and bananas that need to be used. Mixing them into the muffin batter will keep your muffin eaters happy in the morning, too! HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalMuffinDay Bake up a batch of your favorite muffins. Running short on time? Stop by your favorite bakery and pick up a half dozen to share. Be sure to give a shout-out to the baker to let them know how much you appreciate their service. And use #NationalMuffinDay to post on social media. NATIONAL MUFFIN DAY HISTORY We will continue to research this delicious national food holiday. Until then, we’ll put another batch in the oven and see what cooks up! See more details NATIONAL TARTAR SAUCE DAY NATIONAL TARTAR SAUCE DAY February 20, 2026 NATIONAL TARTAR SAUCE DAY There are many reasons for observing National Tartar Sauce Day the Friday after Lent begins. Things start to get fishy for one. For another, tartar sauce compliments more than just fish. So it’s time to get this celebration started by counting the ways! Fabulous for dunking fries, fritters, and battered appetizers, tartar sauce adds a zesty tang to fried foods. When used as a sauce, it adds a creamy brightness to fish, chicken, and beef recipes. As a marinade, it’s excellent for grilling, too. Mix it into a pasta or potato salad. Add it to steamed vegetables, and tartar sauce completes a meal. But tartar sauce doesn’t stop there! Have a hankering for Tex-Mex? Add some spice and top off your tacos. Are spring rolls on the menu? For sweeter dipping, mix a little coconut extract into the sauce. Turn up the heat with wasabi, but keep it fresh with chopped cucumber. For every season, from shore to garden, tartar sauce adds up to a versatile condiment no matter where you are. How will you celebrate National Tartar Sauce Day? HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalTartarSauceDay Have a little or a lot of tartar sauce with any part of your meal. Try a new recipe using tartar sauce, like Big Boy Pizza, or create an all-new recipe. Visit @frischsbigboy on Facebook during Lent to check out new recipes being created by area food bloggers. Share your favorite way to enjoy tartar sauce by using #NationalTartarSauceDay to post on social media. NATIONAL TARTAR SAUCE DAY HISTORY Frisch’s Big Boy founded National Tartar Sauce Day in 2017 in honor of the tangy sauce that has become more than just a topping for fried fish. Samuel Frisch opened the first Frisch’s cafe in 1905 in Cincinnati. In 1923, son Dave Frisch took over operations with two of his siblings after his father’s death. Then in 1946, Dave Frisch sampled the first Big Boy double-decker hamburger. What proved to be a momentous decision, Dave Frisch makes the Big Boy sandwich using his homemade tartar sauce to replace the original recipe that called for Thousand Island dressing. Dave’s signature tartar sauce becomes a staple on Frisch’s menu. It has been sold in pint jars for the take-home market since 1960. During Lent, Frisch’s tartar sauce is in high demand for its Frisch Fry menu, but its original claim to fame was on the Big Boy sandwich. The Registrar at National Day Calendar® declared National Tartar Sauce Day to be Celebrated the Friday after Lent Begins annually. See more details • • • • • • •	21 NATIONAL BOILED PEANUTS DAY NATIONAL BOILED PEANUTS DAY February 21, 2026 NATIONAL BOILED PEANUTS DAY February 21 is National Boiled Peanuts Day on the National Day Calendar. Today, we are celebrating not only one of America's oldest snacks, but also learning why this delicious treat has become a global snacking staple. #NationalBoiledPeanutsDay Boiling peanuts has been a cultural practice in the Southern U.S. since the 1800s, but it has been widely growing in popularity across the country, too. Originally called "goober peas," boiled peanuts are often referred to as the "Edamame of the South". Whatever you call them, boiled peanuts have been a tradition during family celebrations and social gatherings throughout many parts of the country. It is believed the practice of eating boiled peanuts originated in West Africa, where boiling Bambara groundnut was a staple among African tribes. When enslaved Africans were brought to the U.S. from Africa, they also brought the practice of boiling peanuts. Because peanuts have distinct similarities to groundnuts, slaves began using the excess or unsold peanuts to celebrate as a substitute. Boiled peanuts continue to be a beloved snack of the South, commonly found at roadside stands and sporting events. Beyond that, boiled peanuts are a staple in India, Haiti, Thailand, Indonesia, Brazil, Peru, Mexico, China, Ghana, Nigeria and beyond. Health Benefits of Boiled Peanuts Boiled peanuts pack a punch in terms of health benefits. They are rich in protein, fiber, and healthy fats. They can help support heart health and aid in weight management by keeping you feeling full longer. Boiled peanuts are loaded with antioxidants, which help reduce inflammation. As if those aren’t enough health benefits, they also provide essential vitamins and minerals, including magnesium and vitamin E. Whether you’re looking for a savory treat or a nutritious snack, boiled peanuts are a great choice for your taste buds and your health! 5 Boiled Peanut Tidbits Boiled peanuts are not crunchy or sweet. Each time you bite into boiled peanuts, you experience a rich, savory, and a bit salty sensation in your mouth. The soft yet firm bite is an addictive, causing you to want more. Boiled peanuts are boiled all over the world, including places like India, China, Mexico, Brazil, Ghana, and Nigeria. Each place has their own unique twists on preparation and flavoring. Salt is the classic seasoning for boiled peanuts. However, boiled peanuts can be flavored with Cajun spices, garlic, hot sauce, and more, adding to the fun and variety. Boiled peanuts use raw or "green" peanuts, meaning they're not fully dried. Boiling raw peanuts helps give a softer, almost bean-like texture compared to roasted peanuts Boiled peanuts are said to have four times the number of antioxidants found in other kinds of nuts. In addition, they are 100% Vegan, Gluten Free, non-GMO, Cholesterol Free, Keto and Paleo friendly, making them a healthy snack for all. HOW TO CELEBRATE NATIONAL BOILED PEANUTS DAY For decades, people have been incorporating boiled peanuts into your holiday celebrations. They make a unique and tasty addition to Thanksgiving, Christmas, or even New Year's gatherings. Here are a few ideas to help you celebrate National Boiled Peanuts Day: Classic Peanut Boil. Hosting your own peanut boil celebration is a great way to enjoy this food day. Invite friends and family over, set up a big pot of boiling peanuts outside, and let everyone dig in. Game Day Snack. Boiled peanuts are perfect for game day gatherings. Set out bowls of peanuts for everyone to munch on while watching the game. Tailgate Party Treat. If you're heading to a tailgate party, bring along a cooler full of boiled peanuts to share. They're easy to transport and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Road Trip Snack. Boiled peanuts are a great snack for road trips because they can be transported easily. Pack a bag to keep you satisfied on long drives. Pre- or Post-Workout Boost. With their clean profile of simple ingredients, vegan and gluten-free, and 7 grams of plant-based protein per serving, boiled peanuts are the perfect pre- or post-workout snack Share #NationalBoiledPeanutsDay on social media and post your National Boiled Peanut Day celebrations with others. FOUNDER OF NATIONAL BOILED PEANUTS DAY National Boiled Peanuts Day National Boiled Peanuts Day National Day Calendar® National Boiled Peanuts Day was approved by the Registrar at National Day Calendar to be celebrated on February 21. Beginning in 2025, we are adding this delicious food holiday to the list of days for the month of February. Join us in celebrating one of America's oldest snacks and learn why this delicious treat is a cultural icon. About the Founder Dixie Grace, founder of Dixie Grace's Boiled Peanuts, is a female entrepreneur who had a vision to share boiled peanuts with the masses after taking a road trip through the South. It was during her travels she discovered boiled peanuts at a roadside convenience store and was blown away by their unique taste, texture and nutritional benefits. She immediately knew she needed to find a way to bring this delicious healthy treat to as many people as possible. “I have been given a precious gift that must be shared with the world” ~Dixie Grace, Founder of Dixie Grace's Boiled Peanuts Today, Dixie Grace's Boiled Peanuts provides a modern twist on an iconic snack. She is making history as the first Black American to commercialize the peanut since George Washington Carver. She sources premium ingredients to use in her artisanal cooking process to unleash the amazing taste, texture and health benefits of boiled peanuts upon the world. Dixie has revolutionized boiled peanuts in a grab-n-go format to allow people to enjoy the iconic snack of boiled peanuts anywhere. See more details NATIONAL GRAIN-FREE DAY NATIONAL GRAIN-FREE DAY February 21, 2026 NATIONAL GRAIN-FREE DAY National Grain-Free Day on February 21st inspires families and friends to gather and enjoy each others’ company over grain-free meals. What a remarkable way to devote an entire day to loved ones who cope with dietary limitations. Not only does the day create a way to recognize the difficulties of a restricted diet, but it celebrates the family and brings everyone back into the kitchen for a meal designed just for them. Often someone who cannot have wheat, corn or rice due to an allergy or another autoimmune disease finds themselves eating celery sticks at the latest family gathering or office party. But what we truly miss are the traditional family meals and feeling included. The celebration sets out to create an entire day full of meals entirely grain-free. Friends and family join in the festive atmosphere and enjoy the delicious aromas of the recipes the menu has to offer. Create a memorable spread and don’t leave out the dessert! HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalGrainFreeDay The observance celebrates family and friends enjoying good food together like they always have. While you’re gathering friends and family, try one of these terrific ideas to celebrate the day! Exchange delicious grain-free recipes to grow your repertoire. Cook together – experiment together. Find new ways to enjoy your favorite foods grain-free. Try something new. Maybe there’s a new family favorite yet to be discovered. Share every successful dish. Use #NationalGrainFreeDay to share on social media. NATIONAL GRAIN FREE DAY HISTORY In 2019, Siete Family Foods founded National Grain-Free Day to support those whose dietary restrictions require them to eat grain-free. By raising awareness, they hope to bring them back around the table again, enjoying family meals. See more details NATIONAL RED SOCK DAY NATIONAL RED SOCK DAY February 21, 2026 NATIONAL RED SOCK DAY Wear your red socks on National Red Sock Day to help save a life and limb! Did you know leg health can indicate risk for heart attack, stroke, and amputation? One in five adults over the age of 60 have a condition called Peripheral Artery Disease (P.A.D.), and many don’t even know they have it. National Red Sock Day on the Third Saturday in February raises awareness about P.A.D., its risk factors, and what you can do. P.A.D. is caused by plaque build-up in the peripheral arteries, mainly the arteries in the legs. It is the most debilitating disease many people have never heard of, and yet, it is responsible for nearly 200,000 amputations annually. More than half of those amputations are preventable with early diagnosis and treatment. P.A.D. Symptoms Leg pain Leg cramps Neuropathy Tingling Numbness Non-healing foot ulcers Additionally, 3 in 5 heart attack sufferers have P.A.D. This is why National Red Sock Day takes place in February, which is also American Heart Month. P.A.D. Risk Factors Diabetes Cardiovascular disease High blood pressure High Cholesterol Smoking Obesity Hereditary Diabetics are one of the highest risk groups with cases rising fast. More than half of American adults have Pre/Diabetes, and the most prevalent complication is vascular. In fact, 1 in 3 diabetics over 50 have P.A.D. However, the most horrifying aspect of this disease is that most people don’t know they have it until it reaches its advanced stages. P.A.D. can lead to heart attack, stroke, and amputation. Diagnosis and appropriate treatment in early stages can help keep life and a limb healthy longer. Diagnosis involves checking leg pulses in patients over age 50. National Red Sock Day aims to raise awareness and encourage a candid conversation between patients and their physicians to test sooner for P.A.D. HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalRedSockDay Wear your red socks on National Red Sock Day to help raise awareness about P.A.D. The red sock design symbolizes good circulation, keeping life and limb healthy. The blue toe and heel indicate how poor circulation in the feet can indicate risk for heart attack, stroke, and amputation. Help The Way To My Heart expand critical life and limb saving P.A.D. education, advocacy, and support by purchasing official P.A.D. Awareness Socks at www.TheWayToMyHeart.org/Red-Sock-Day Have a conversation with your doctor about P.A.D. Make sure to report risk factors, including a history of high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, obesity, diabetes, and smoking. If you need help explaining your symptoms, The Way to My Heart offers various resources to guide you. Another way to participate is by donating to The Way to My Heart’s campaign. You can also follow The Way to My Heart on Facebook. Also, please share the word on social media using #NationalRedSockDay to help raise awareness. NATIONAL RED SOCK DAY HISTORY The Way To My Heart founded National Red Sock Day in 2022 to raise awareness about P.A.D. and how early diagnosis can make a difference. Its mission is to support P.A.D. patients, caregivers, and providers through high-touch advocacy, education, and interaction. The organization offers numerous programs to support patients, from facilitating communication between patients and medical professionals to improving access to critical life and limb-saving resources. Its efforts are dramatically reducing healthcare costs by eliminating unnecessary amputation and improving patient outcomes. The Registrar at National Day Calendar proclaimed National Red Sock Day to be observed annually on the third Saturday in February. See more details NATIONAL STICKY BUN DAY NATIONAL STICKY BUN DAY February 21, 2026 NATIONAL STICKY BUN DAY National Sticky Bun Day on February 21st recognizes a delicious pastry that comes rolled up and dripping with a sweet, sugary topping. Known as “schnecken” meaning snail, the sticky bun is rolled into a sweet spiral resembling its German name. Still considered to be a Pennsylvania specialty, many believed the sticky bun’s origin in the United States began in the 19th century. German settlers brought their baking traditions with them when they began settling in and around Philadelphia. Most often served for breakfast or as a dessert, sticky buns consist of rolled pieces of leavened dough. Most contain brown sugar and sometimes cinnamon. Before the dough is placed in the pan, the pan is lined with sticky sweet ingredients such as maple syrup, honey, nuts, sugar, and butter. When the buns are finished baking, the baker flips the pan upside-down so the sticky bottom becomes the topping.Famous cousins to the sticky bun are the cinnamon roll, caramel roll and monkey bread. HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalStickyBunDay If you are craving this delicious sticky delight, try making some of your own with one of these sticky bun recipes. You can also stop by your local bakery and pick up their freshly baked sticky buns. Serve them with tea, coffee or hot cocoa. Marcia’s Famous Sticky Buns Super Easy Sticky Buns Butterscotch Sticky Buns Easy Caramel Sticky Buns Ice Cream Sticky Buns Use #NationalStickyBunDay to post on social media. NATIONAL STICKY BUN DAY HISTORY While enjoying a sticky bun, we’ll continue researching the origin of this sweet day. See more details • • • •	22 NATIONAL CALIFORNIA DAY NATIONAL CALIFORNIA DAY February 22, 2026 NATIONAL CALIFORNIA DAY On February 22nd, National California Day recognizes the Golden State. For more than a century, Spanish missionaries settled in California. Manifest Destiny and the Mexican American War would play a pivotal role in making California a U.S. Territory. Under the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo, Mexico sold California along with its territories north of the Rio Grande for 15 million dollars. Only days before the treaty was signed, gold was found at Sutter’s Mill in the Sierra Nevada Mountains. The gold rush of 1849 would set off an era of settlement unlike any a new territory had ever seen. On September 9, 1850, two years after the gold rush began, California became the 31st state. While many think of sunny beaches and orange groves, California has a diverse climate. Each region boasts an opportunity for seasonal outdoor adventures. Whether surfing or downhill skiing is on the agenda, it’s sure to be found. If hiking among giant redwoods or touring historic missions is more to your liking, you’ll discover it here. Of course, we can’t overlook Northern California’s wine country. Beautiful road trips and wine tastings along the magnificent Napa Valley or Sonoma County are a must for wine lovers. Swimmin’ pools and movie stars, Califonia has those in large numbers. While moving pictures weren’t born in California, Hollywood sure made them flourish. By the turn of the 20th century, Hollywood built a foundation of movie studios that continued to grow and many of which still exist today. HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalCaliforniaDay Take a tour of California and find something new to discover! Join National Day Calendar as we explore the 31st state’s history, people, and culture. Uncover hide-a-ways, mysteries and incredible landscapes. Use #NationalCaliforniaDay to share on social media. See more details NATIONAL COOK A SWEET POTATO DAY NATIONAL COOK A SWEET POTATO DAY February 22, 2026 NATIONAL COOK A SWEET POTATO DAY Across the United States, National Cook A Sweet Potato Day on February 22nd celebrates a root vegetable packed with flavor and a bit of history, too. The sweet potato is eaten and loved, each day, by millions of people across the nation. Either Central America or South America is thought to be the center of origin and domestication of sweet potatoes. In Central America, sweet potatoes were domesticated at least 5,000 years ago. Peruvian sweet potato remnants dating as far back as 8,000 BC have been found in South America. The sweet potato is an excellent source of vitamin A, which supports good vision, the immune system, and bone growth. Sweet potatoes are a good source of vitamin B-6, magnesium, and vitamin C. It’s also great for the complexion. While many Americans confuse the sweet potato with a yam, the two are different. A yam is a starchy tuber while the sweet potato is truly a sweet root vegetable. The sweet potato also comes in a variety of sizes and colors, including pale to bright orange, white, and purple. High in fiber and low in fat and calories, this root vegetable is a healthful alternative to snack foods when prepared without added butter, sugar, or salt. Unlike other potatoes, sweet potatoes like long, hot growing seasons. This might explain why it is the state vegetable of North Carolina. When storing your sweet potatoes, keep them in a cool, dry place. However, don’t refrigerate them unless they’re cooked. Refrigeration will give them a bitter taste, ruining their sweet flavor. Cooks find numerous ways to experiment with sweet potatoes, too! HOW TO OBSERVE #CookASweetPotatoDay No matter how you cook a sweet potato, be sure to invite someone to share it with you. What’s your favorite meal of the day? Then make a sweet potato dish! Breakfast, lunch, supper or dessert call for sweet potatoes in some form. While you’re celebrating, share your favorite dishes with us. We even have a few for you to try: Sweet Potato Pecan Pie Oven Baked Sweet Potato Fries Sweet Potato Pineapple Casserole Louisiana Sweet Potato Pancakes Sweet Potato Casserole with Crunchy Pecan Topping Sweet Potato Cake Use #CookASweetPotatoDay to post on social media. NATIONAL COOK A SWEET POTATO DAY HISTORY National Day Calendar continues to research the origins of this sweet potato cooking challenge See more details NATIONAL MARGARITA DAY NATIONAL MARGARITA DAY February 22, 2026 NATIONAL MARGARITA DAY National Margarita Day on February 22nd rims a glass with salt and serves up a beverage that tastes like the summer sun. Known to be the most common tequila-based cocktail served in the United States, the margarita is a cocktail that consists of tequila, triple sec, and lime or lemon juice. A key ingredient is the freshly squeezed lime juice. In the United States, the most common lime is the thick-skinned Persian lime. When margaritas are made with lemons, they have a much softer taste. When it comes to sorting out the legends associated with the origin of the margarita, there are many. Two things are certain; the cocktail included tequila, and the bartender edged the rim of the glass with salt. In Mexico, when drinking straight tequila (especially if the quality was bad), the best course of action was to down it in one swallow, suck on a wedge of lime and lick a dash of salt off the back of your hand. It makes sense that the salt followed the lime and the tequila to the margarita glass. Today, lime is not the only flavor of margarita, and the specialists behind the bar have gotten creative mixing dried herbs, infused sugars, and exotic salts to enhance both the presentation of the glass and the flavor of the cocktail. Margaritas can be served on the rocks (shaken with ice), frozen (blended with ice), or straight up (without ice). Legends There are many different stories and myths, beginning as early as 1938, as to how and when the margarita was created. In the December 1953 issue of Esquire magazine, the margarita cocktail was the “Drink of the Month.” The recipe as printed was: 1 ounce tequila Dash of Triple Sec Juice of 1/2 lime or lemon Pour over crushed ice, stir. Rub the rim of a stem glass with a rind of lemon or lime, spin in salt—pour, and sip. (Wikipedia) The margarita was further popularized with the 1977 release of Jimmy Buffett’s song “Margaritaville.” HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalMargaritaDay Mix up a margarita at home or as your favorite bartender to make you one. What’s your favorite flavor? Find your Margarita Day deals by visiting our Celebration Deals page. Let us know using #NationalMargaritaDay to post on social media. Remember, always drink responsibly and never drink and drive. NATIONAL MARGARITA DAY HISTORY National Margarita Day is claimed to have been founded by a few dozen bartenders, so it’s hard to trace its exact origin. See more details NATIONAL SUPERMARKET EMPLOYEE DAY NATIONAL SUPERMARKET EMPLOYEE DAY February 22, 2026 NATIONAL SUPERMARKET EMPLOYEE DAY Supermarket employees are a vital element of our supply chain and community. That’s why Supermarket Employee Day on February 22nd is a time for the food industry to acknowledge employees at every level. All across the country, supermarket employees help feed families and enrich lives. From every shipment ordered and received to every shelf stocked, these employees help ensure the supplies we need are available every day. They deliver produce, dry goods, prepared meals, frozen foods, and so much more. Nearly 6 million employees in the United States comprise our nation’s $800 billion food industry workers. Supermarket employees have consistently sought to enhance the health and well-being of each customer, addressing his or her unique needs and tastes all while facing unprecedented challenges. These employees have met and exceeded any challenge they have faced, with the result of the American public witnessing their food retailers’ courage, compassion, dedication, and leadership in a bold redefinition of customer service and community outreach. Supermarket Employee Day recognizes employees everywhere, celebrating their accomplishments and efforts to support the food industry and our communities. HOW TO OBSERVE #SupermarketEmployeeDay Celebrate the day by recognizing supermarket employees at every level. Join local celebrations at your supermarket. Encourage state and local representatives to proclaim the day. Engage in social media campaigns to share your appreciation. It’s also a day for supermarkets to shine the spotlight on their phenomenal employees. Honor your supermarket superhero by using #SupermarketEmployeeDay when you post on social media. NATIONAL SUPERMARKET EMPLOYEE DAY HISTORY In 2021, FMI – the Food Industry Association (FMI) proclaimed the first National Supermarket Employee Day to celebrate Supermarket Heroes with the national recognition they deserve. The first observance garnered the participation of nearly every type and level of FMI membership around the world. Additionally, eleven states issued proclamations. Media coverage also shared local and national stories spotlighting events around the country. The National Day Calendar proclaimed National Supermarket Employee Day in 2022 to be observed on February 22nd, annually. See more details • • • •
23 NATIONAL BANANA BREAD DAY NATIONAL BANANA BREAD DAY February 23, 2026 NATIONAL BANANA BREAD DAY February 23rd annually recognizes a well-known food holiday, National Banana Bread Day. Bakers know that to make sweet and delicious banana bread, they need to use fully ripe, mashed bananas. The resulting quick bread is moist and almost cake-like. And while some recipes call for yeast, most don’t. Either way, the finished product makes a tasty sliced snack. Toast it and add butter for an even more satisfying treat! In the 1930s, baking soda and baking powder made banana bread and other quick breads standard features in American cookbooks. Pillsbury’s included banana bread recipes in its 1933 Balanced Recipes cookbook, too. The release of Chiquita Banana’s Recipe Book in 1950 further secured the banana bread’s acceptance. Surprisingly, bananas first made their appearance in the United States in 1870. For a long time, Americans saw the tropical fruit as merely that – a fruit, not an ingredient. It would take a few decades before they started seeing the banana’s potential. Early Banana Bread One early recipe came from The Vienna Model Bakery. It advertised banana bread as something new in the April 21, 1893, edition of St. Louis Post-Dispatch. A new restaurant/bakery chain owned by Gaff, Fleischmann & Company, The Viena Model Bakery was known for its baked goods and was likely one of the first to produce banana bread in the United States. The recipe was made with banana flour, made by drying strips of the fruit, then grinding it to a powder. This process had long been used in the West Indies. In Hawaii during World War I, a surplus of bananas resulted from very few ships available to export the fruit. To prevent waste, alternative uses for bananas were developed. For example, bakeries started incorporating the fruit into their bread. This recipe was printed in The Maui News on April 12, 1918, for banana bread: 2/3 banana 1/3 flour Yeast, coconut milk, or water There was also rationing of staple food items such as flour. Banana flour was a suggested substitute. It was touted as a health food and recommended for a vegetarian diet. This, of course, is not the quick bread we know today. A recipe submitted by Mrs. Dean in the February 18, 1918, issue of The Garden Island paper for a banana muffin might more closely resemble the quick bread we think of today. 1 cup cornmeal 3-1/2 teaspoons of baking powder 2 tablespoons of sugar 1 sifted banana 3/4 cup rye flour 1 teaspoon salt 3/4 cup milk 1 egg 1 tablespoon Crisco Mix dry ingredients, add banana, milk, and egg, and Crisco. Quick Bread and Muffin The difference between a quick bread and a muffin in baking has a lot to do with the type of fat and how it is mixed, creating a different crumb or texture to the bread. In 1927, Unifruit (a wholesale produce company) offered a free cookbook called From the Tropics to Your Table. The book offered recipes full of bananas as ingredients, including banana muffins and breads. This little cookbook would have been handy during the Great Depression, which was just around the corner. At the time, families utilized every scrap of food, including overripe bananas. They cooked overripe bananas and other fruits and vegetables into breads, stews, and other dishes when flavor and texture were not as appealing raw. HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalBananaBreadDay Bake your favorite version of banana bread to celebrate. With so many varieties to try – banana nut, chocolate banana, and more – you can make more than one! Invite someone to join you or give a loaf or two away. The celebration is just too good not to share! Buttermilk Banana Bread Banana Sour Cream Bread Applesauce Banana Bread Banana Chocolate Chip Bread Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Banana Bread Use #NationalBananaBreadDay to post on social media. NATIONAL BANANA BREAD DAY HISTORY National Day Calendar continues researching the origins of this quick bread celebration. We suspect it was founded by someone who thinks it’s the best thing since sliced bread! See more details NATIONAL DOG BISCUIT DAY NATIONAL DOG BISCUIT DAY February 23, 2026 NATIONAL DOG BISCUIT DAY All dog owners, remember that February 23rd is National Dog Biscuit Day! This day is also observed around the world as International Dog Biscuit Appreciation Day. Dog biscuits come in a variety of sizes, shapes, and flavors. They serve to reward a man’s best friend for good behavior as part of their training. Dog owners may also give a biscuit to show their canine companions just how much they love them, too. Sometimes, dog biscuits serve to deliver vitamins and medicines we may have difficulty getting our pooches to take otherwise.Specialty treats offer dogs and their owners so much to chews from! Even dogs on restricted diets won’t have trouble finding a dog biscuit that’s gentle on their tummy. Others help keep teeth healthy and fresh, too! What better reward could you ask for? HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalDogBiscuitDay Get your canine companion a dog biscuit to celebrate. Go for a walk to burn off any extra calories or explore the varieties available. Maybe you’ll find a new treat your furry friend loves. We even have some homemade options to try. Peanut Butter and Pumpkin Dog Treats Peanut Butter and Banana Dog Biscuits Homemade Dog Treats Diabetic Dog Treats Bacon-Flavored Dog Biscuits Use #NationalDogBiscuitDay to post on social media. NATIONAL DOG BISCUIT DAY HISTORY While National Day Calendar continues to search for the origins of this day, we’re going to treat our furry friends to an extra dog biscuit to celebrate. We have no doubt a dog lover created this day, too. See more details NATIONAL TILE DAY NATIONAL TILE DAY February 23, 2026 NATIONAL TILE DAY On February 23rd, National Tile Day recognizes a timeless element of architecture and design. Around the world, tile plays a variety of roles. From the modest to the sublime, tile proves to be versatile and attractive. Historically, only the wealthy could afford tile in their homes. The expense of handmade or small batch production meant tiles were difficult for the ordinary person to obtain. With the advent of the industrial revolution, tile not only became more affordable but the designs and features expanded with the technology.Beautiful tile finds its way into every room of the home, outdoor spaces, commercial and industrial buildings by providing an infinite number of styles through color, texture, and dimension. The durability and energy efficiency of tile adds value, and no material is more sustainable or has lower maintenance costs. HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalTileDay Take time to appreciate the quality craftsmanship of the tile work around you. If a remodel or building is in your future, consider tile in your design. Tile offers not only texture but color and warmth too. Share your experience with tile design and its versatility indoors and out. What are your favorite styles and latest innovations in tile? There’s so much to discover! Share your story or image showing why you choose tile with #NationalTileDay on Instagram and Twitter. NATIONAL TILE DAY HISTORY Coverings, the largest international tile & stone show in North America, founded National Tile Day in 2017 to shine a spotlight on the benefit of tile in residential and commercial design. The Registrar at National Day Calendar® declared the day to be observed annually on February 23rd. See more details • • •	24 National Tortilla Chip Day National Tortilla Chip Day February 24, 2026 NATIONAL TORTILLA CHIP DAY National Tortilla Chip Day, a day set aside for the crunchy snack loved by millions across the nation, is observed annually on February 24th. Everyone loves tortilla chips! We most commonly served them with salsa, chile con queso, guacamole, cheese dips or other dips. Tortilla chips are made from corn tortillas cut into wedges and then fried. The tortillas are made from corn, vegetable oil, salt, and water. Typically made with yellow corn, tortillas can also be made with white, blue or red corn. Even though tortilla chips have always been considered to be Mexican food, known as tostadas, they were first mass-produced in Los Angeles in the late 1940s. Rebecca Webb Carranza receives credit for making the crisp chips popular. She and her husband operated a deli and tortilla factory in Los Angeles. When the tortilla manufacturing machine discarded the misshapen tortilla, Carranza realized they could be cut into triangles and fried. She then sold them for a dime a bag at the El Zarape Tortilla Factory. Carranza received the Golden Tortilla Award in 1994 for her contribution to the Mexican food industry. The United States is one of the primary markets for tortilla chips. Another favorite dish made with tortilla chips is nachos. Ignacio “Nacho” Anaya created the dish we call nachos around the year 1943. The tortilla chips are served with melted or shredded cheese and often additional toppings are added, such as meat, salsa, refried beans, tomatoes, diced onion, lettuce, olives, jalapenos, guacamole, and sour cream. HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalTortillaChipDay Tortillas offer so many ways to celebrate! Whether you dip them or pile them high with your favorite toppings, you know you can’t go wrong. Celebrate with recipes or by going out for your favorite appetizer. Go and get your favorite dip and enjoy some tortilla chips. Use #NationalTortillaChipDay to post on social media. NATIONAL TORTILLA CHIP DAY HISTORY Nacho sure who originated this day, but we’re pretty sure they loved tortilla chips! We’ll let you know when we know more. See more details •	25 NATIONAL CHOCOLATE COVERED NUT DAY NATIONAL CHOCOLATE COVERED NUT DAY February 25, 2026 NATIONAL CHOCOLATE COVERED NUT DAY National Chocolate Covered Nut Day on February 25th recognizes the delicious and crunchy snack drizzled, covered, dunked or smothered in chocolate. The possibilities are endless with so many different types of nuts and chocolate combinations. For thousands of years, nuts have been a staple of the human diet. The walnut was a favorite of the ancient Greeks and Romans, while Native Americans favored pecans. Both chocolate and nuts can be good for you. Dark chocolate seems to possess a substantial amount of antioxidants, while the nuts contain the essential fatty acids and linolenic acids. The fats in nuts, for the most part, are unsaturated fats, including monounsaturated fats. Nuts also provide arginine, a substance that may help make the walls of the arteries more flexible and less prone to blockage from blood clot formation. Many nuts are good sources of vitamins E and B2 and are rich in protein, folate, fiber, and essential minerals, such as magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, copper, and selenium. The first chocolate-covered peanut candy was Goobers, originally sold in 1925. The word “Goober” was a common slang word for peanut. One of the more recognized chocolate-covered nuts is the M & M. These chocolate-covered peanuts or chocolate-covered almonds have become a favorite of many. The peanut M & M was introduced in 1954. They were tan until 1960 when the colors red, yellow, and green were added to production. HOW TO OBSERVE #ChocolateCoveredNutDay Whether it be unsweetened chocolate, sweet chocolate, semisweet chocolate, white chocolate or dark chocolate mixed with peanuts, cashews, almonds, macadamias, pecans, or any other nut, enjoy your favorite combination!! Use #ChocolateCoveredNutDay to post on social media. Try this chocolate-covered peanut recipe: Homemade Chocolate Covered Peanuts NATIONAL CHOCOLATE COVERED NUT DAY HISTORY While we continue to seek the origins of this day, we’re not withholding any reward. Chocolate, with or without nuts, is a staple snack in the National Day Calendar offices. That doesn’t mean we won’t stop looking for the founder of the day. It just means, it might be helpful if the answer was at the bottom of a bag of Brach’s chocolate-covered peanuts. See more details NATIONAL CLAM CHOWDER DAY NATIONAL CLAM CHOWDER DAY February 25, 2026 NATIONAL CLAM CHOWDER DAY Each year on February 25th people across the nation have a bowl and spoon ready to be filled with clam chowder as they prepare to participate in National Clam Chowder Day. A clam chowder in its simplest form is a soup or stew containing clams or fish. The most common type of chowder includes milk or cream as well as potatoes, though the Manhattan clam chowder has tomatoes. The origin of the word “chowder” is up for a little bit of debate. The French word for cauldron is “chaudiere.” The English word “jowter” means fish peddler. Both are on the hook for possible origins. In chowder, along with the clams, it is common to find diced potatoes, onions (often sautéed with pork or bacon drippings) and celery. Following is a list of the basic clam chowder variants: New England clam chowder Manhattan clam chowder Rhode Island clam chowder Delaware clam chowder New Jersey clam chowder Hatteras clam chowder Minorcan clam chowder Long Island clam chowder Puget Sound clam chowder HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalClamChowderDay Make your region’s best clam chowder. Better yet, have a clam chowder taste-off! Invite friends and family to cook up a variety of chowders from all over the country and try them all. Let us know which one you liked best. Maybe you’ll find a new appreciation for chowders. And it’s an excellent way to #CelebrateEveryDay, too! My Best Clam Chowder Manhattan Clam Chowder St. Augustine Minorcan Style Clam Chowder Slow Cooker New England Clam Chowder Use #NationalClamChowderDay to post on social media. NATIONAL CLAM CHOWDER DAY HISTORY While we dig for the origins of this piping hot holiday, we don’t mind if we have another serving or two to keep us warm. How about you? See more details • •	26 NATIONAL CHILI DAY NATIONAL CHILI DAY February 26, 2026 NATIONAL CHILI DAY National Chili Day on the fourth Thursday in February honors one of America’s favorite winter dishes–chili. It’s also known as chili con carne (chili with meat). In Spanish, chili refers to “chili pepper” and carne means “meat”. Chili is most commonly made up of tomatoes, beans, chili peppers, meat, garlic, onions, and cumin. However, cooks offer up so many variations to the basic chili recipe. And, with so many varieties, chili cook-off competitions love to feature chili as a favored entry. American frontier settlers used a “chili” recipe of dried beef, suet, dried chili peppers and salt. All this was pounded together and formed into bricks and dried. They could then boil the bricks in pots on the trails. At the Columbian Exposition in Chicago in 1893, the San Antonio Chili Stand helped people from all over the United States appreciate the taste of chili. Because San Antonio was a significant tourist destination, it helped Texas-style chili con carne spread throughout the South and West. In 1977, House Concurrent Resolution Number 18 of the 65th Texas Legislature designated chili con carne as the official dish of the U.S. state of Texas. Before World War II, hundreds of small, family-run chili parlors (also known as chili joints) popped up throughout the state of Texas as well as other places in the United States. Each new chili parlor usually claimed some kind of secret recipe. Ways to enjoy chili There are many ways that people enjoy the great taste of chili, some of which include: Add chili to hot dogs to create chili dogs. Top burgers with chili and enjoy a chili burgers. Combine chili and chili with fries and make chili cheese fries. Make the ultimate baked potato by stuffing it with chili. “Frito pie” is chili with spaghetti noodles. Transform mac and cheese into chili mac. Mix rice and chili for another flavor favorite. Add croutons to your chili for added crunch. HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalChiliDay There are so many ways to enjoy chili. Just about everyone has their own recipe, too. Ready to try something new? We found several for you to try or share your favorites! Three-Bean Vegetarian Chili Chili-Corn Chip Pie Spicy Slow-Cooked Chili Spicy Chicken Chili Stew Biscuit Bowl Chili Use #NationalChiliDay to post on social media. Find your Chili Day deals here. NATIONAL CHILI DAY HISTORY Rich Kelly of Hard Times Cafe in Arlington, VA founded National Chili Day. The day has been celebrated with cook-offs, pot lucks, feeds and bottomless bowls since at least 2006. See more details NATIONAL LETTER TO AN ELDER DAY NATIONAL LETTER TO AN ELDER DAY February 26, 2026 NATIONAL LETTER TO AN ELDER DAY Every year on February 26th, National Letter to an Elder Day encourages putting pen to paper and writing to an elder you know. The day serves to remind that loved ones enjoy hearing from us and that a simple letter brightens their day. Everyone knows that writing is a powerful way to stay connected. If you’ve ever received an unexpected letter, you know what a pick-me-up it can be. Letter to an Elder Day takes that unexpected gift one step further and delivers that love to the elders in our life or those who may be isolated from others. HOW TO OSBERVE #LettersToAnElderDay Write a letter to an elder. Host a letter-writing party to write as many letters as possible. Create a classroom letter-writing project. Visit Love for Our Elders to join their letter-writing campaign. Send a handmade card. Use #LettersToAnElder on social media to join the conversation. NATIONAL LETTERS TO AN ELDER DAY HISTORY Love for Our Elders founded National Letters to an Elder Day in 2020 to encourage handwritten letters to elders all across the country. The story begins with a young boy and his grandpa. When Jacob Cramer lost his grandfather, he began to volunteer at a local senior living community as a way of honoring his memory. The residents lovingly referred to him as “Bingo Boy” because of his entertaining and lively way of calling the community’s bingo game (a much-heated affair, he’s sure to tell you). While volunteering, Jacob discovered that many of the residents rarely received messages or visitors from family and friends and that loneliness was a chronic and ever-present problem. So Jacob decided to start writing letters of love to senior communities; quickly, his moniker changed from Bingo Boy to Letter Boy. He found grace and love in his relationships with his friends in the senior community and eventually decided to take his letter-writing efforts national. Jacob created a nonprofit that urged people to write letters to elders (or anyone else in need who are older than them) and facilitated the delivery to seniors worldwide. Since 2013, Jacob and his team have amassed an army of 50,000+ letter writers worldwide. During the COVID-19 pandemic, they branched out to collect video messages of hope, love, and encouragement, created public awareness campaigns, and engaged individuals, classrooms, and companies. National Letter to an Elder Day is held on February 26 to coincide with the birthday of Jacob’s grandmother, Doris. See more details NATIONAL PISTACHIO DAY NATIONAL PISTACHIO DAY February 26, 2026 NATIONAL PISTACHIO DAY February 26th recognizes all things pistachio and National Pistachio Day is the day to celebrate! Pistachio lovers rejoice as they eat their favorite nut all day long. For those who do not eat pistachios, buy some and give them to someone who does. Crack them open and eat them up or enjoy them in ice cream or your favorite pistachio dessert!Pistachios arrived in the United States sometime in the 1880s, but they have been cultivated in the Middle East since Biblical times. The pistachio tree grows to about 20 feet tall needing little or no rain and must have high heat. Amazingly, in Iran, they claim to have 700-year-old pistachio trees! A new tree takes between 7 and 10 years to mature and bear fruit. Pistachio Facts: All pistachio shells are naturally beige in color. Some companies dye nuts red or green if nuts are inferior or for consumer demand. California produces about 300 million pounds of pistachios each year, accounting for 98 percent of America’s production. Pistachio shells typically split naturally when ripe. The kernels are often eaten whole, either fresh or roasted and either salted or unsalted. In the Middle East, people call the pistachio the smiling nut. In China, people call the pistachio the happy nut. Health Benefits “Pistachios are an excellent source of vitamin B6, copper and manganese and a good source of protein, fiber, thiamine and phosphorus. Scientific evidence suggests but does not prove that eating 1.5 ounces (42.5g) per day of most nuts, such as pistachios, as part of a diet low in saturated fat and cholesterol, may reduce the risk of heart disease.” US Food and Drug Administration, July 2003 A Great Thing To Do — Recycle the Pistachio Shells! The empty pistachio shells are useful for recycling in several ways. If unsalted, the shells need not be washed and dried before reuse, but washing is simple if that is not the case. Practical uses include as a fire starter; kindling to be used with crumpled paper; to line the bottom of pots containing houseplants for drainage and retention of soil for up to two years; as a mulch for shrubs and plants that require acid soils, as a medium for orchids; and as an addition to a compost pile designed for wood items that take longer to decompose than leafy materials (it can take up to a year for pistachio shells to decompose unless soil is added to the mix). Shells from salted pistachios can also be placed around the base of plants to deter slugs and snails. Many craft uses for the shells include holiday tree ornaments, jewelry, mosaics and rattles. Research indicates that pistachio shells may be helpful in cleaning up pollution created by mercury emissions. HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalPistachioDay Eat some pistachios! Eat a bunch of pistachios. How else can you celebrate? Start the day with a pistachio biscotti. We even have a Cranberry Pistachio recipe for you to try. It will be the perfect addition to your morning coffee. Do you know someone who loves pistachios? Pick them up a bagful or stop by the baker and buy a pistachio treat. How about Pistachio Lemon Truffles? Add pistachios to a salad or soup. They’ll add a nice crunch and amazing flavor, too. Crushed pistachios create a delicious crust on fish and other proteins. Look for recipes for pork and chicken, too. Add pistachios to your baked goods. Like other nuts, pistachios add a crunchy texture but they also bring their own flavor to the mix. Don’t forget your oatmeal and yogurt. Pistachios will make your healthy snack or breakfast even better. Use #NationalPistachioDay to post on social media. NATIONAL PISTACHIO DAY HISTORY Within our research, we were unable to identify the creator of National Pistachio Day. See more details NATIONAL SET A GOOD EXAMPLE DAY NATIONAL SET A GOOD EXAMPLE DAY February 26, 2026 NATIONAL SET A GOOD EXAMPLE DAY When we observe kindness in others, we are often inspired to offer kindness ourselves. Someone set a good example for us to follow, and we must continue those good examples for others in our lives. National Set A Good Example Day on February 26th encourages us to set a good example that inspires others. Everyone influences others. The influence could be positive or negative. Even from a young age, we experience good and bad behavior. Parents can positively influence their children at an early age. Additionally, many others, such as our extended families, educators, mentors, community leaders, and even organizations, can positively influence us in many ways. Some of the ways we can easily set a good example include: Demonstrating kindness. Being compassionate. Acting with fairness. Practicing tolerance. Being just. Treating others with respect. These good examples reflect a person’s values and positively affect them and others. Setting a good example can be applied in every setting, including home, school, work, and in the community at large. Set A Good Example Day encourages individuals of any age and from any background to contribute to the well being of others. A simple act of kindness, consideration, or good conduct enhances the person and the whole community. HOW TO OBSERVE #SetAGoodExampleDay National Set a Good Example Day encourages everyone to demonstrate thoughtfulness, courtesy, graciousness, and common sense values and virtues in their daily lives. Get caught helping another person. Wear an attitude of respect for other human beings. Develop the tools in yourself to be efficient, productive, and responsible, and let others see you using these tools. You can also: Celebrate others who set good examples. Let them know how their leadership impacts your life. Be a good example. Demonstrate positive virtues every day so others can benefit. They will be more likely to set a good example themselves. Recognize good examples at work, home, school, and in your community. Share the good examples you find valuable in your life. Follow the conversation and learn more by using #SetAGoodExampleDay on social media. NATIONAL SET A GOOD EXAMPLE DAY HISTORY The Way to Happiness ® Foundation International founded National Set a Good Example Day on February 26, 2022, to celebrate those who are setting good examples for others and to encourage more people to do the same.The Registrar at National Day Calendar proclaimed National Set a Good Example Day to be observed annually on February 26th. See more details NATIONAL SMALL DOG DAY NATIONAL SMALL DOG DAY February 26, 2026 NATIONAL SMALL DOG DAY The last Thursday in February is National Small Dog Day and specifically dedicated to celebrating the small dogs in the pack, their mighty personalities, and the huge impact they have on our lives. Join us as we highlight the endearing and unique attributes and distinct traits of small dogs. #NationalSmallDogDay We love small dogs because they are adorably cute and make the best cuddle buddies. It's no wonder we fall in love with them at first glance. Small dogs have unique attributes and bring their owners endless joy, whether they are showing off two-footed dance moves, confidently protecting their homes, or curling up in a warm lap. National Small Dog Day celebrates everything there is to love about small dogs and aims to educate humans on the importance of providing nutrition that supports their specific needs. Dogs that weigh 20 pounds or less fall under the small dog or toy dog breed category. Small dogs have different needs than larger dogs and providing your small dog with the proper nutrition is one of the most important things you can do. When choosing food for your small dogs, look for: Nutrient dense food to help support their faster metabolism and longer life spans. Food with higher antioxidant levels to support their immune systems. Protein-rich meals to support strong muscles. Smaller kibble to ensure it fits into their mouths. Wet food encourages selective eaters to engage with their bowl. National Small Dog Day National Small Dog Day National Day Calendar® 5 NATIONAL SMALL DOG DAY CELEBRATION IDEAS Learn about the different types of small dog breeds. If you’re already the owner of a beloved dog, take the extra time to make your dog’s day. Repay that unconditional love with creative tokens of dog-gone appreciation. Get your dog the toy they've been wanting and visit the dog park to play with you pup! Mix up your small dog’s mealtime. We recommend trying Beneful IncrediBites Paté Wet Small Dog Food With Farm-Raised Chicken by Purina! Small dog owners are invited to join the celebration on social media by posting pics of their favorite pint-sized pups with the hashtag #SmallDogDay and tagging @beneful. HISTORY BEHIND NATIONAL SMALL DOG DAY National Small Dog Day was submitted by Purina Beneful and approved by the Registrar at National Day Calendar to be celebrated the last Thursday in February. Join Beneful and National Day Calendar as we celebrate everything there is to love about small dogs and educate owners on the importance of meeting the unique nutritional needs of small dogs. About the Founder Purina Beneful, a part of Nestlé Purina PetCare, creates richer lives for pets and the people who love them. Founded in 1894, Purina has helped dogs and cats live longer, healthier lives by offering scientifically based nutritional innovations. Purina manufactures some of the world's most trusted and popular pet care products, including Dog Chow, Purina ONE, Pro Plan, Friskies and Tidy Cats. Our more than 11,000 U.S. associates take pride in our trusted pet food, treat and litter brands that feed 46 million dogs and 68 million cats every year. Nearly 500 Purina scientists, veterinarians, and pet care experts ensure our commitment to unsurpassed quality and nutrition. Over the past five years, Purina has contributed more than $150 million towards organizations that bring, and keep, people and pets together, as well as those that help our communities and environment thrive. For more information, visit purina.com or subscribe here to get the latest Purina news. To learn more about Beneful, go to purina.com/beneful. See more details NATIONAL TELL A FAIRY TALE DAY NATIONAL TELL A FAIRY TALE DAY February 26, 2026 NATIONAL TELL A FAIRY TALE DAY On February 26th, have a happily ever after kind of day. It is National Tell A Fairy Tale Day! What were once oral histories, myths, and legends retold around the fire or by traveling storytellers, have been written down and become known the world over as fairy tales. Origins of Fairy Tales The origins of most fairy tales would fail today’s standards of the Association of Fairy Tales. They told unseemlily tales and would be rated as inappropriate for children. Most traveling storytellers told fairy tales with dramatic detail to make children behave, teach a lesson or pass the time much like ghost stories around a campfire today. Many of the stories have some basis in truth. For example, some believe Margarete von Waldeck, the daughter of the 16th century Count of Waldeck, inspired the story of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. The area of Germany where the family lived was known for mining. Some of the tunnels were so tight they had to use children – or small people such as dwarfs – to work the mines. Margarete’s beauty is well documented, and her stepmother sent her away. Margarete also fell in love with a prince but mysteriously died before she could have her happily ever after. As the stories evolved, they took on a more magical quality with fictional characters such as fairies, giants, mermaids and gnomes, and sometimes gruesome story plots. Toes cut off to fit into a slipper, a wooden boy killing his cricket, or instead of kissing that frog prince his head must be cut off, but those are the unrated versions.Brothers Grimm, Aesop, Hans Christian Andersen The brothers Grimm collected and published some of the more well-known tales we are familiar with today. Jakob and his brother Wilhelm set out on a quest to preserve these tales at a time in history when a tradition of oral storytelling was fading. In 1812, they published their first volume of stories titled Household Tales. Their stories’ darker qualities were clearly meant for an adult audience. Rumpelstiltskin is one of the tales they collected. Several other versions exist and the little man claimed many different names across Europe. From Trit-a-trot in Ireland to Whuppity Stoorie in Scotland, Rumplestiltskin makes it difficult for historians to identify him. While some storytellers have a long and sometimes ancient history such as Aesop (The Fox and the Goose, The Ant and the Grasshopper), others are more recent like the Grimm brothers. Hans Christian Andersen, first published in 1829, brought to us written versions of the Princess and the Pea, The Ugly Duckling, The Little Mermaid, and many more. Where Grimm’s tales could take on a darker cast and unmistakably written with adults in mind, Andersen’s stories are sweet and warm. HOW TO OBSERVE #TellAFairyTaleDay National Tell A Fairy Tale Day encourages you to tell a fairy tale or two. If you think you don’t have a fair tale to tell, you might be wrong. We’ve told a few in our day, so we have a few tips to share with you. Engage your audience. Children like to participate. Have them quack every time you mention the Ugly Duckling or make the motions of climbing Jack’s beanstalk. Use repetition. Repeated stanzas, syllables, or movements will keep the kids engaged. It not only helps them to remember the story but sets them up for the next round of the repeated phrase or stanza. Give your characters a voice. Nobody likes a monotone storyteller. Buehler, Buehler, Buehler. No, not even children like the monotone. Varying your voice for each character and inflecting excitement, sadness and disappointment will create drama and stimulate the imaginations of the little minds listening to you. Ask questions as you go. It’s an excellent way to keep your story flowing and to gauge the children’s listening skills. Find out if someone has a story of their own. You might be in the presence of a great storyteller! Share your favorite fairy tale with friends and family. Try relating them from memory as this has long been a tradition. Visit a library or local bookstore for storytime. Use #TellAFairyTaleDay to post on social media. You can also learn more about your favorite fairy tales in 5 World-Favorite Fairy Tales and the Stories Behind them. NATIONAL TELL A FAIRY TALE DAY HISTORY Within our research, we were unable to find the creator or the origin of National Tell A Fairy Tale Day. See more details NATIONAL TOAST DAY NATIONAL TOAST DAY February 26, 2026 NATIONAL TOAST DAY Would you believe National Toast Day honoring the humble slice is on the Last Thursday in February? But it is so very versatile. It carries a multitude of jams, jellies, marmalades and fruit compotes. We don’t stop there. Toast transports proteins and veggies, sprouts, and soaks up sauces and drippings. Perhaps we have overlooked the necessity of toast, and it shall have its due. We’re able to toast it to a variety of shades pleasing everyone. Whether we lightly toast it or char it to a dark crisp, it serves as a perfect medium for building breakfast or sandwiches. It accepts seasoning quite well, too. Add butter, gee, avocado, or honey. It doesn’t matter your preference. Cinnamon and sugar? Well, it might depend on your mood. Or perhaps the bread you have on hand. Is it cinnamon raisin bread or whole wheat? Do you only have two ends left? Some think those are the best kinds of toast. Others well, you can’t teach everyone the best kinds of toast making. HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalToastDay Raise a toast to your toast. Be it burnt to a crisp or golden brown, honor your toast. Use #NationalToastDay to share on social media. NATIONAL TOAST DAY HISTORY National Toast Day was started in 2014 by The Tiptree World Bread Awards to celebrate toast and all the breads we make it with. While the organization is in the UK, the day has found a following in the United States. See more details • • • • • • •	27 ANOSMIA AWARENESS DAY ANOSMIA AWARENESS DAY February 27, 2026 ANOSMIA AWARENESS DAY Anosmia Awareness Day on February 27th brings attention to a condition causing a loss of smell. Of all our senses, smell perhaps is taken for granted more than any other. There are many causes of Anosmia. The most common reasons are due to upper respiratory or sinus/nasal infections or diseases. We’ve all experienced a cold or allergy that’s temporarily prevented us from smelling.However, other conditions cause a permanent or long-term loss of the sense. When anosmia symptoms are prolonged or lifelong, many anosmics do not get to enjoy the flavor of foods, the scent of an infant or use their sense of smell as an early warning system for danger.Our olfactory sense has a powerful effect on memories and emotions. When we lose this sense, the impact is terrific. Anosmia Awareness Day provides an opportunity to learn more about the condition and where to go for support. HOW TO OBSERVE #AnosmiaAwarenessDay The day offers many opportunities to explore smell and the absence of it. Learn more about anosmia by reading. We recommend Season to Taste: How I Lost My Sense of Smell and Found My Way by Molly Birnbaum and A World Without Smells by Lars Lundqvist. Explore your world and the smells in it. What would it be like without those odors? Smoke, mold, and sweat serve as warning signals to us. Other smells play positive roles in our lives. What are they and how would losing them impact your life? Learn more about anosmia and how to find treatment, visit anosmiaawareness.org. Resources across the country support those with anosmia. Share your experiences and use #AnosmiaAwarenessDay to share on social media. ANOSMIA AWARENESS DAY HISTORY Daniel Schein founded Anosmia Awareness Day in 2012 to provide improved educational opportunities and support to those with olfactory conditions. See more details NATIONAL KAHLUA DAY NATIONAL KAHLUA DAY February 27, 2026 NATIONAL KAHLUA DAY National Kahlúa Day on February 27th recognizes the rich, cream coffee liqueur that also serves up a great many delicious desserts! This alcoholic beverage adds to cocktails and adult flavored desserts equally well. To celebrate, you may want to use Kahlua, a coffee-flavored rum-based liquor, to flavor your ice cream or another dessert such as cheesecake or cake. It also tastes great in coffee, hot chocolate, creamy cocktails, as a shot or on the rocks. Pedro Domecq began producing Kahlúa in 1936. In 1994, the company merged with Allied Lyons forming Allied Domecq. In 2005, Allied Domecq was partially acquired by Pernod Ricard which merged with the Swedish Vin & Sprit (V & S Group) in March of 2008. Kahlúa is made from coffee and rum, so it does contain caffeine. Kahlúa is found to be used in a few notable cocktails, including the following: B-52 Baby Guinness Black Russian Mudslide White Russian Espresso Martini Caribbean Mudslide HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalKahluaDay The day can be celebrated by baking with Kahlúa flavor. Kahlúa lends a delicious and rich flavor to desserts of all kinds. It elevates cakes, mousse and so much more. If you like chocolate, that’s an excellent place to start. Celebrate with a taste of Kahlúa cook-off or just try one of these recipes below. Kalhua Sour Cream Coffee Cake Kahlua Brownies Of course, you could serve up a beverage or two, as well. (Remember always drink responsibly and never drink and drive) and use #NationalKahluaDay to post on social media. NATIONAL KAHLUA DAY HISTORY National Day Calendar continues researching the origins of this beverage holiday. See more details NATIONAL POLAR BEAR DAY NATIONAL POLAR BEAR DAY February 27, 2026 NATIONAL POLAR BEAR DAY National Polar Bear Day, also known as International Polar Bear Day, focuses our attention on conservation efforts and learning more about the fabulous polar bear on February 27th. Polar bears can reach a height of 9 ft tall and a weight of 1400 pounds. They use their large, slightly webbed front paws to paddle as they swim. As they are powerful swimmers, some polar bears swim hundreds of miles from land. However, some of the distance may have been covered by floating on sheets of ice. The polar bears have a warming layer of fat covered by their thick coat of insulating fur, which helps them live in colder environments. The polar bears have a warming layer of fat covered by their thick coat of insulating fur, which helps them live in colder environments. HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalPolarBearDay Learn more about the polar bear, its environment, and how it lives. You can do this by reading more about the polar bear or watching documentaries. Arctic Tale, directed by Sarah Robertson and Adam Ravetch, was released in 2007. Queen Latifah narrates as the documentary follows a polar bear cub named Nanu and a walrus named Seela to maturity. The 2006 documentary The White Planet follows a year in the life of the Arctic Circle. Narrated by Jean-Louis Étienne and directed by Thierry Piantanida, Thierry Ragobert, and Jean Lemire, the film earned a Genie nod for Best Feature-Length Documentary. Ice Walker: A Polar Bear’s Journey through the Fragile Arctic by James Raffan Use #NationalPolarBearDay to post on social media. NATIONAL POLAR BEAR DAY HISTORY Each year, Polar Bears International sponsors National Polar Bear Day. They have been celebrating the day since at least 2011. See more details NATIONAL RETRO DAY NATIONAL RETRO DAY February 27, 2026 NATIONAL RETRO DAY On February 27, National Retro Day takes us back to a time before smartphones and the internet. Every generation looks back and asks, “Remember when?” This celebration indulges our love for the good ol’ days while remaining in the present. No matter the decade, pick a point in time where people talked more face to face than text to text, had dinner at home around the table and the kids played games that didn’t require internet. What’s your retro? On National Retro Day, swoop the hair into a mile-high beehive or strut those eight-inch bell bottoms. Can you maximize the curls for a stellar Afro? Don’t hesitate to break out the old roller skates and see if you still have those mad skills. Tie the hair up with a polka dot bandana and strike muscle pose like Rosie the Riveter. Maybe you prefer a moonwalk, a leather jacket, and a single glove. With no smartphones, internet, and social media, we spent more time focused on each other when we were together. Each moment recorded in memory for us to look back retrospectively and not for the whole world to see. HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalRetroDay Whatever your retro is, wear it, drive it, play it on Retro Day. What’s your retro? Let us know by using #NationalRetroDay on social media. You can also follow #NationalRetroDay on YouTube, Facebook, Instagram,and Twitter or visit www.nationalretroday.com. Take a trip down memory lane by reading about these 7 Groovy Reto Styles From History. NATIONAL RETRO DAY HISTORY Hermelinda A. Aguilar and Robert and Tina Duran founded National Retro Day to take a look back at how life was before social media, the internet and smartphones became a necessity of our daily lives. The Registrar at National Day Calendar® proclaimed the celebration in 2018 to be observed annually on February 27. See more details NATIONAL SKIP THE STRAW DAY NATIONAL SKIP THE STRAW DAY February 27, 2026 NATIONAL SKIP THE STRAW DAY On the fourth Friday in February, The Coral Keepers ask you to consider a different way on National Skip the Straw Day! For thousands of years, humans have enjoyed slurping a refreshing beverage through a cylindrical tube. If Marvin Stone (the inventor of the first paper straw in 1888) were alive today, he might be shocked to know of the five large areas of the ocean, called gyres, where plastic garbage collects. The sea’s currents create vortexes trapping plastics, and in the collection are plastic drinking straws. Straws and other plastics cause harm to marine life in many ways. Birds, fish and other sea life consume plastics accidentally or when they mistake it for food. Plastics don’t biodegrade. They break down into smaller and finer, microscopic pieces. When plastics break down, they produce bisphenol A (BPA) which interferes with reproductive systems in marine life. It also produces styrene monomer which is a suspected carcinogen. According to the National Park Service, Americans use 500 million drinking straws daily! So, on National Skip the Straw Day that’s potentially 500 million fewer straws that don’t end up in landfills or the ocean. We can give you all sorts of other statistics to convince you to Skip the Straw on National Skip the Straw Day (and on other days), but we would rather show you how. HOW TO OBSERVE #SkipTheStrawDay For most of us, the easiest way is to pick up the glass and tip it back like our parents taught us to do when we four or five. It may take some practice and maybe both hands. There are other fun, eco-friendly, healthy options. Bamboo straws are a renewable, reusable and biodegradable. Paper straws, while still disposable, are biodegradable and from a renewable source. Glass straws are coming in durable, colorful designs fit for a variety of beverages. Stainless steel straws are an option for those of us who like our cold drinks really cold! Other Ways to Observe: Volunteer to help clean up your local beaches, parks or neighborhoods. Take note of how many straws are included in all the litter. Plan ahead. Do you frequent fast-food restaurants or get beverages to go? You will often receive the straw before you have the chance to say no. Be prepared when you order to request your drink without a straw. Share your solutions and use #SkipTheStrawDay on social media. NATIONAL SKIP THE STRAW DAY HISTORY The Coral Keepers, students at Whitehall Middle School in Whitehall, MI, along with their advisor, Susan Tate, founded National Skip the Straw Day in 2017 to encourage Americans to give up the straw habit and help spread awareness about the damage caused by disposable plastics. The Registrar at National Day Calendar® declared the day to be observed annually on the fourth Friday in February. See more details NATIONAL STRAWBERRY DAY NATIONAL STRAWBERRY DAY February 27, 2026 NATIONAL STRAWBERRY DAY We continue with February’s heart-shaped and red theme by observing National Strawberry Day on February 27th. These juicy, sweet berries can brighten up any dish and are delicious all on their own. There are a few different stories behind the origin of the name. The more widely accepted version is that the berries would drop off the leaves and become “strewn” about the plant. Overtime “strewn-berries” became “strawberries”. There was a time (and some gardeners still do this today) when strawberry beds were mulched with straw, insulating the plants over the winter, keeping weeds at bay during the growing season and making them easier to harvest. Another sweet story tells of English children stringing the berries on grass straws and selling the “straw berries” in their neighborhoods. Not only are they delicious, but they are also fragrant. One of the more aromatic fruits, they belong to the rose family. Strawberries are grown in nearly every corner of the Earth (if the Earth had corners) except for her most frozen southern and northern reaches. Along with all these possible locations, there are over 600 varieties of strawberries as well. An excellent source of Vitamin C, strawberries are also a good source of folic acid, potassium and fiber. At 55 calories and zero fat in 1 cup, these sweet things hit the spot when a snack time is calling! HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalStrawberryDay While the best season for strawberries is from late April to August, now might be a good time to scout out strawberry festivals and pick-your-own farms or plan to plant your own strawberry patch. Imagine sitting in your very own patch eating sun-warmed, sweet berries you picked or even grew yourself under clear blue skies. Berry Picking Tips: Pick fully ripe berries. Strawberries don’t continue to ripen if picked too early like bananas or pears. Don’t overfill your container. Berries are tender and can bruise easily. Don’t wash the fruit until you are ready to eat. Strawberries are susceptible to mold and washing will speed up spoilage. The best time to pick strawberries is on cool, cloudy days, but if they will be eaten right away, any time is perfect! If you pick more than you can eat before they spoil, strawberries freeze very well. Pluck off the green caps and toss into a freezer bag. Use for smoothies, ice cream or cake toppings. You may want to have a fresh bowl of strawberries now, or maybe give one of the following recipes a try: Strawberry Pretzel Salad Strawberry Spinach Salad Easy Strawberry Banana Smoothies Easy Fresh Strawberry Pie Strawberries and Cream Bread Pudding Use #NationalStrawberryDay to post on social media. NATIONAL STRAWBERRY DAY HISTORY While we continue to research the origins of this national food holiday, one resource shows the day has been celebrated by the grocery industry since at least 2013. And it’s showing no signs of stopping, either. See more details POKÉMON DAY POKÉMON DAY February 27, 2026 POKÉMON DAY February 27 is officially Pokémon Day on the National Day Calendar. We are taking you on a journey through the world of Pokémon to learn why the Pokémon brand has reached the hearts of millions of kids, adults and fans across the globe. #PokemonDay At its core, Pokémon games focus on collecting as many Pokémon as possible and training them to battle other Pokémon — all while celebrating themes like teamwork, perseverance, friendship, and good sportsmanship. Each Pokémon has unique characteristics and abilities, and with more than 1,000 Pokémon discovered to date, there’s something for all types of Trainers to love and call their favorite Pokémon. Pokémon Day commemorates the launch of the first Pokémon video games, Pokémon Red and Pokémon Green, in Japan on February 27, 1996, kicking off a global phenomenon that catapulted Pokémon into one of the most popular and successful entertainment properties in the world. Since then, the community of global Pokémon fans — known as Trainers — come together to celebrate their love for the brand on Pokémon Day. The widespread popularity of Pokémon is more than children trading cards in schoolyards or watching an animation on television. It's about bringing generations of fans together to collect, trade, and play with fellow Trainers. Due to its enduring fandom around the world, Pokémon has had a significant impact on pop culture and entertainment with a unique ability to connect people across different cultures and backgrounds. In addition, the brand is always introducing innovative ways to engage with Pokémon, such as the release of Pokémon GO in 2016, which has allowed fans to encounter and catch digital Pokémon in real-world locations through augmented reality. 5 Popular Pokémon Pikachu immediately discharges the energy stored in the pouches in its cheeks when angered. Bulbasaur uses the nutrients that are packed into the seed on its back in order to grow. Charmander has a flame on its tail that shows the strength of its life-force. If Charmander is weak, the flame also burns weakly. Squirtle sprays a potent foam from its mouth, and after birth, its back swells and hardens into a shell. Eevee has the ability to evolve into many forms that allow it to adapt smoothly and perfectly to any environment. Few franchises have stood the test of time quite like Pokémon. Since its debut in 1996, Pokémon has evolved into a robust franchise spanning video games, mobile apps, the Pokémon Trading Card Game (TCG), animated television series, animated and live-action movies, consumer merchandise, and more. To date, Pokémon TCG has released in 93 countries and regions across 15 languages, and Pokémon animated TV shows have aired in 192 countries and regions. 5 WAYS TO CELEBRATE POKÉMON DAY Host a Pokémon game night by inviting family and friends to explore, battle, and trade in the Pokémon Scarlet and Pokémon Violet video games. Organize or attend a Pokémon TCG event. Trade Pokémon cards to complete your collection, play with other fans in your community at local Play! Pokémon events, or connect with long-distance friends with digital offerings like Pokémon TCG Pocket and Pokémon TCG Live. Go on a Pokémon GO adventure! Walk with friends and see who can catch the rarest Pokémon or organize a Pokémon GO Raid Battle in a local park. Throw a Pokémon themed watch party, inviting family and friends to enjoy Pokémon-inspired snacks and watch the latest episodes of the animated series, Pokémon Horizons: The Series. Share all things Pokémon on social media using the hashtag #PokemonDay. HISTORY BEHIND POKÉMON DAY Pokémon Day was approved by the Registrar at National Day Calendar in 2024. Beginning in 2025, Pokémon Day will be celebrated each year on February 27 to celebrates the global community that comes together for positive themes and engaging play through friendship, teamwork and perseverance. About the Founder Pokémon was launched in Japan in 1996 and today is one of the most popular and successful popular children’s entertainment properties in the world. The Pokémon Company International, a subsidiary of The Pokémon Company in Japan, manages the property outside of Asia and is responsible for brand management, licensing and marketing, the Pokémon Trading Card Game, the animated television TV series, home entertainment, and the official Pokémon website. See more details • • • • • • •	28 NATIONAL CHOCOLATE SOUFFLE DAY NATIONAL CHOCOLATE SOUFFLE DAY February 28, 2026 NATIONAL CHOCOLATE SOUFFLE DAY National Chocolate Souffle Day celebrates a delightfully delicious dessert on February 28th each year. The word souffle is the past participle of the French verb souffler, which means “to blow up” or more loosely “puff up” which describes a souffle perfectly. A souffle is a lightly baked cake made with egg yolks and beaten egg whites that are combined with other ingredients to make the dish either a savory main dish or a sweet dessert. Two essential components make up every souffle. 1. a French creme patisserie base/flavored cream sauce or puree 2. egg whites beaten to a soft peak meringue A souffle gets its flavor from the base, and the egg whites provide the lift to puff it up. A variety of cheeses, jams, fruits, or chocolates can be baked into the base of the souffle. Many souffle bakers like to puncture the top of the souffle after removing it from the oven. Then they pour mouth-watering sauces onto it, such as chocolate, vanilla, or for a savory flavor cheese and herbs. HOW TO OBSERVE #ChocolateSouffleDay Souffles offer an opportunity to show off and invite friends to share in the celebration. If you need a recipe, we’ve found several for you to try. Of course, if your culinary prowess exceeds these, be sure to share it with us. We would love to see how you celebrate the day! Easy Chocolate Souffle Mexican Chocolate Souffle Cake Flourless Chocolate Souffle with Raspberry Cream Use #ChocolateSouffleDay to post on social media. NATIONAL CHOCOLATE SOUFFLE DAY HISTORY Within our research, we were unable to find the creator of National Chocolate Souffle Day. See more details NATIONAL FLORAL DESIGN DAY NATIONAL FLORAL DESIGN DAY February 28, 2026 NATIONAL FLORAL DESIGN DAY National Floral Design Day on February 28th recognizes the art and history of floral design. For thousands of years, floral design has been an important cultural art form. This is the day we celebrate that art form. It may be in a bouquet, painting, in textiles, a garden or a floral arrangement. Floral design is a multi-billion dollar industry that brightens our lives on a daily basis. From majestic, historic gardens to a bridal bouquet on that special day, floral designers have an eye for color, style, and perspective. Floral design can complete a space, complementing existing structures and bringing brightness and color to them. As with many arts, floral design has traditional roots hearkening back to Egyptian temple offerings to gods. The design changed from era to era, each having distinct customs and traditions. HOW TO OBSERVE #FloralDesignDay Share your floral design skills. Give a shout out to your favorite floral designer. Search for floral designs around you. Use #FloralDesignDay to post on social media. NATIONAL FLORAL DESIGN DAY HISTORY Floral Design Day was created as a unique way to celebrate a special birthday of Carl Rittner, the founder of the Rittners School of Floral Design in Boston over 60 years ago. Mr. Rittner is a pioneer in floral art education. The people at Rittners felt that the idea of a holiday that celebrates floral design as an art form is a wonderful one whose time had come. So they, along with Mr. Rittner, wanted to see Floral Design Day continue to be observed as an event in its own right. See more details NATIONAL PUBLIC SLEEPING DAY NATIONAL PUBLIC SLEEPING DAY February 28, 2026 NATIONAL PUBLIC SLEEPING DAY If you’re tired on February 28th, it might be because National Public Sleeping Day encourages a mid-day nap right where you are. It is a day for anyone and everyone to take a nap on a blanket at the beach, at the park, in the movie theater, on a bus, train, or subway or any other public place that may work for you. However, it may not be a good idea to take that nap at your desk during work! Types of Naps There are different types of naps. The Power Nap is approximately 10 to 20 minutes long and can give a boost of energy to get us through the rest of the day. It also doesn’t leave us drowsy like some longer naps might and will also allow us to fall asleep at a decent time at night. The Hangover is about 30 minutes long, 10 too many, leaving us loopy and wanting just to stay asleep. We will snap out of it and feel much like we had a Power Nap, but it may take a bit of effort before we feel those benefits. The Brainiac lasts about 60 minutes and includes the deepest sleep. While we may feel a little grogginess upon waking, much like the Hangover, our ability to recall facts, names, and faces, will be improved. This type of nap may be the best nap after a round of studying or before a big test. The California King lasts about 90 minutes and is typically a full cycle of sleep. It will also include REM or a dream stage. This nap avoids the hangover like the power nap does and improves creative thinking and motor memory, but nighttime sleep may become elusive. Good husbands have been keen on these benefits long since the invention of the shopping mall. They are not strangers to public sleeping or the power nap. It may be something the modern non-napping woman should consider. Some employers have begun to recognize the value of a nap. Studies have shown certain types of naps fuel the brain and recharge our batteries. Naps can improve productivity, decrease health risks and improve morale. Employers such as Google, HuffPost/AOL, and Nike offer sleep pods or sleep rooms to their employees to reap these benefits. HOW TO OBSERVE #PublicSleepingDay Top 5 Places for Public Sleeping (We recommend leaving all valuables at home to avoid any theft during your slumber.) 5. Under a tree in a park 4. The mall in the middle of the work week 3. Reference aisle of the library 2. Last pew in church during services 1. A theater showing old silent movies Use #PublicSleepingDay to post on social media. NATIONAL PUBLIC SLEEPING DAY HISTORY Within our research, we were unable to identify the creator of National Public Sleeping Day. Our research did show that it appears this holiday has been celebrated since 2011. See more details NATIONAL TOOTH FAIRY DAY NATIONAL TOOTH FAIRY DAY February 28, 2026 NATIONAL TOOTH FAIRY DAY February 28th, National Tooth Fairy Day, encourages us to take a look back on the history of one of dental care’s little helpers. It’s one way our children develop good dental hygiene. Download this coloring page to celebrate! Like some of the fantastic creations who oversee children, the tooth fairy is a relative newcomer to the world of childhood fantasies. 1920s In the mid-1920s, fairies were used for all sorts of health education, from bath fairies to fresh air fairies as a way to get kids to remember to eat their vegetables, wash behind their ears and get a good night’s rest. Like toothpaste today advertises fruity flavors and sparkles to get kids excited to brush their teeth, in 1925, it was probably quite a bit more difficult considering the pastes were mostly peroxide and baking soda. One advertisement was for a Fairy Wand Tooth Whitener. This product promised to brush away cigarette and coffee stains. The ad was aimed at both children and adults, we hope! Then in 1927, Esther Watkins Arnold printed an eight-page playlet for children called The Tooth Fairy. The same year Sir Arthur Conan Doyle “proved” his claim that fairies and gnomes are real and “verified” with pictures of two little girls surrounded by fairies. The world was ripe with imagination and primed to have a tooth fairy about to come collect the lost teeth of little boys and girls and leave a coin or two behind. Arnold’s play began to be performed in schools the following year, and the tooth fairy has been slipping into homes ever since. She (or he) started leaving nickels and dimes under the pillows of sleeping children. Over the years, there have been variations on the theme. 1942 In 1942, in an article written by columnist Bob Balfe in the Palm Beach Post, his children received War Stamps to put in their books when they lost a tooth. It was a popular alternative during a time when giving to the war effort was a motivating factor. Today Today, the tooth fairy jingles less often. The average payout for a lost tooth ranges from $3 to $4 and can go even higher if Dad is on duty or if the tooth is lost late at night with no time for a parent to run to an ATM. HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalToothFairyDay Several fine ways to celebrate the day include focusing on our teeth and dental care! Make an appointment for your next cleaning. Ask your parents if they still have the first tooth you lost. Volunteer or give to dental organizations. Many of them provide free or low-cost dental care to those who cannot afford it. Others support dental students in their educational journey. These organizations are a vital part of our communities and states. You can also give a shout-out to your favorite organization. Be a tooth fairy to those near you. We found a few that might interest you. America’s Dentists Care Foundation, Missions of Mercy National Children’s Oral Health Foundation, also known as America’s ToothFairy IgniteDDS Use #NationalToothFairyDay to post on social media. Download this coloring page, color, and then post to social media. NATIONAL TOOTH FAIRY DAY HISTORY Children’s author, Katie Davis, created the February 28th observance of National Tooth Fairy Day. While there is also an August 22nd observance, it is interesting to note the two observances are six months apart and the American Dental Association’s recommendation to have cleanings twice annually. See more details RARE DISEASE DAY USA RARE DISEASE DAY USA February 28, 2026 RARE DISEASE DAY USA Each year on the last day in February, Rare Disease Day brings awareness and education about rare diseases and the suffering they cause. A rare disease is defined differently in different parts of the world. In Europe, a rare disease is one that affects fewer than one in 2,000 people and in the United States, the standard is 1 in 200,000. Driving home how infrequent some of these conditions are, the observance sometimes occurs on the rarest date of the year – February 29th. Even so, a day is more predictable than many rare diseases. They can be difficult to diagnose and even more difficult to understand. While a majority of the conditions are genetic in origin, still others are the result of infections, environmental or degenerative factors. Often people with rare diseases face a multi-faceted uphill battle; with few sufferers, there are fewer voices to bring awareness to their needs for research, medical and financial support. As a result, their physical, social and oftentimes mental burdens add up. Rare Disease Day brings those voices together to help lift some of those burdens and bring awareness to light. HOW TO OBSERVE #RareDiseaseDayUSA The goal of Rare Disease Day is to raise awareness among the general public and decision-makers about rare diseases and the impact that they have on patients’ lives. Learn more about a rare disease impacting someone you love. Find out how you can make a difference in their life. Use #RareDiseaseDayUSA to post on social media. RARE DISEASE DAY HISTORY First observed in Europe in 2008, Rare Disease Day was established by Eurordis, (the European Rare Disease Organization). In 2009, NORD was asked by EURORDIS to sponsor Rare Disease Day in the United States. NORD accepted and 2014 celebrates the 6th annual RARE DISEASE DAY USA. For more information see: http://rarediseaseday.us/ and https://www.rarediseaseday.org/ See more details • • • • •

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