In the United States, March 1 is National Pig Day, a time to celebrate America’s favorite barnyard animal – the pig! The holiday originated in Texas and quickly spread to include official celebrations in several Midwestern states. Why do people love pigs? They’re pink and round, they make funny noises, sometimes come in spots, are … Read more
National Tooth Fairy Day in the United States is February 28 a day set aside to honor the tradition observed by many parents when a child begins to lose their baby or “milk” teeth at around age five or six. Although rituals about the disposal of children’s teeth have ancient origins, and people in many … Read more
In the United States, Presidents Day – the third Monday in February – is a federal holiday which used to be called Washington’s Birthday, and originally celebrated the birthday of the first American president, George Washington. Today, Presidents Day honors all U.S. presidents, although Washington and Abraham Lincoln (who also has a birthday in February) … Read more
Groundhog Day is celebrated every February 2 in the United States. Each year, Punxsutawney Phil in Philadelphia and other groundhogs (and occasionally prairie dogs) across the nation are coaxed of their holes. According to folklore, if the groundhog sees his shadow, there will be six more weeks of winter. However, if he doesn’t, an early … Read more
January is National Blood Donor Month, a time when many individuals and organizations highlight the urgent need for volunteer blood donations. Most healthy people are eligible to give blood, but less than 10% of eligible potential donors actually do so. Every day, patients in hospitals and treatment facilities receive blood transfusions. Without the donations of … Read more
January is Celebration of Life Month, a time of fresh starts and new beginnings. Everyone is encouraged to find ways to celebrate the positives while looking for ways to change the negatives. To appreciate your life and the years you’ve lived, the times you’ve shared with loved ones and friends, and learn to take things … Read more
December 12 marks National Poinsettia Day, an observance dedicated to the flower that has become a popular symbol of the holiday season. Close to $200 million is spent on decorative poinsettias every year. But why do we associate the bright red (or white variety) poinsettia with Christmas? During a trip to Mexico in 1828, American … Read more
November 14 marks National American Teddy Bear Day, when we celebrate the flurry, furry, cute stuffed animals that delight us as children, and continue to hold our hearts when we grow up. Since 1902, teddy bears have remained an extremely popular gift for children (and sweethearts). A couple of the world;’s most famous teddy bears … Read more
November is National Family Caregiver Month as proclaimed by U.S. President Barack Obama in 2012. In many American families, caring for a loved one who can no longer care for themselves because of debilitating injury, disease, or other cause falls to relatives, spouses, partners, friends, and neighbors. These caregivers dedicate many hours to tending the … Read more
ALL ABOARD THE SMILE TRAIN! World Smile Day® and National Orthodontic Health Month Getting braces is a symbolic rite of passage for many preteens and teens. It’s an exciting time, albeit an uncomfortable and expensive one. There is something so cute about a big tin grin although never having had braces myself I have to … Read more