January, 21st
When is National Hugging Day 2025? The simplest and most effective way of expressing affection is celebrated on National Hugging Day. Even though a hug is one of the most natural gestures, it’s not practiced enough these days! This holiday encourages hugging, as a therapeutic way to convey affection and emotions. History of National Hugging Day National Hugging Day was created in 1986 by Kevin Zaborney. His friend was the granddaughter of the proprietors of Chase’s Calendar of Events. Zaborney chose January 21 because it was the time between the winter holiday season and the new year’s birthdays, which he noticed was a time people tend to feel low in spirits. He also felt that Americans were often too embarrassed to show affection in public and hoped National Hugging Day would change that, though he never actually thought it would catch on. The word “hug” is believed to come from the word “hugga” meaning “to comfort” in the Old Norse language, first appearing approximately 450 years ago. However, the history of hugging itself is a bit more uncertain.
Originally a creation by Christy Hargrove, Squirrel Appreciation Day is a day to learn about and celebrate the world’s cutest rodents. Here’s the thing about squirrels: some people hate them and say that they’re “invasive species.” But can those people leap across a space ten times the length of their body? Didn’t think so. History of Squirrel Appreciation Day In 2001, wildlife rehabilitation specialist, Christy Hargrove, founded Squirrel Appreciation Day in Asheville, North Carolina. Christy created this day to encourage kind attitudes towards our bushy-tailed neighbors by setting out food and water for squirrels. Squirrels are beneficial to the environment, and in urban areas, assists in park beautification. Albeit by accident, squirrels plant seeds which eventually grow into trees, thus assisting with forest renewal. They’re natures gardeners! Up until the mid-19th century, squirrels weren’t present in American cities. The first documented introduction occurred in Philadelphia’s Franklin Square in 1847. Boston and New Haven followed suit and brought in squirrels a few years later in 1850.
In Poland, Grandma Day is widely celebrated across Poland, and children and adults gift their grandmothers cards, flowers, and small gifts — often these gifts are homemade. Schools and kindergartens may host small events and celebrations on this day. Grandparents are an integral part of the family dynamic in Poland and spend many hours with their grandchildren. According to research Polish grandparents spend on average more time, than any of their European counterparts, with their grandchildren. Their average is around nine hours per week. History of Grandma Day Grandma’s and Grandpa’s day are two different holidays that fall back to back in January. Grandma’s day is celebrated on January 21 and Grandpa’s Day is celebrated on January 22. Grandma’s Day was created by “Kobieta I Życie” magazine, in 1964. It began to grow in popularity the following year when the “Express Poznański” newspaper began to popularize the new holiday. Polish grandmas and grandpas are referred to as ‘ babcia ’ and ‘ dziadek ’ and are known for treating their grandchildren to sweets and delicious meals. There are no particular customs or traditions associated with this day except to spend the day with your grandmother of course.
International Playdate Day is when we are planning to take you on the best date of your life! A playdate is a great way to unglue your children from screens and get them to experience the outside world. As technology took control of every aspect of our lives, children lost the motivation to go outside and play with their friends. Playdate Day reminds us to schedule time for our kids to grow by playing outside. History of International Playdate Day One of our most cherished memories is the times we spent playing with our friends when we were little. If you could recall any of these times, you would realize the importance of outdoor playtime in a child’s life. Ilona Viluma, a mother and CEO of GIGI Bloks, started the idea of Playdate Day. She created this day after observing the changing trend of children using technology over the past decade. This holiday was developed to encourage parents to schedule playdates for their kids. This day aims to bring parents and children together while inspiring the kids’ imaginations. Parents schedule playdates and teach their kids to play outside in a safe and effective manner. This day gives the kids a chance to play outside and just be kids. On this screen-free day, children are leaving their tablets behind and going out and playing with their friends.
International Sweatpants Day is marked on January 21 every year, and we’re going to celebrate it by wearing our sweatpants all day long! Although it might not be possible if there’s a dress code for your school or workplace. History of International Sweatpants Day The history of sweatpants started with the establishment of the French clothing, footwear, and sports equipment company Le Coq Sportif in 1882. A few years later, in the 1920s, the founder, Émile Camuset, designed sweatpants for athletes. Throughout the 1950s, sweatpants did not take off. Its use was mostly confined to gyms and university campuses. While sweatpants were sold together with sweatshirts, they did not get the same level of prestige as the latter. With the 1960s and 1970s came more acceptance for sweatpants. Athletes were at the center of attention, and their athletic image became associated with sweatpants and sweatshirts. In the 1980s, sweats were embraced by hip-hop culture. Rap stars made them their top piece of clothing, wearing them in music videos and for casual street walks. The introduction of social media in the 21 century took athletic wear to new heights as their classic looks became associated with fitness, casualness, and a laid-back attitude. International Sweatpants Day was introduced in 2010. It has since been celebrated every January 21 to appreciate the nice comfiness of sweatpants.
The National Bakers Crafters Makers Day is celebrated to recognize the handmade product creators of the nation for their sacrifice and labor in creating unique products that bring us joy. History of National Bakers-Crafters-Makers Day National Bakers Crafters Makers Day was created by Gift Biz Unwrapped, a company based in Highland Park, Illinois. They help women to start and grow handmade products in small businesses. The day focuses on your sacrifice and hard work in creating products that give joy to others. It is also for you to show love and support to your fellow makers and encourage them to continue creating one-of-a-kind products. Handmade creations go far back in time when they were used for the survival of the people — from using animal skin to cover and warm themselves to tools formed out of stone and wood. Now, people create handmade products as a hobby, source of income, and expression of individuality. With creativity, their masterpiece can give color to someone’s life. National Bakers Crafters Makers Day is a celebration of creativity and gratitude to these people who keep the industry alive.
