It’s that time again. October is here, and that means we have a whole new fabulous list of offbeat holidays to share with you. I’m so excited. October is my favorite month, and I just can’t wait. Let’s get started!
1 – World Vegetarian Day
World Vegetarian Day is today (or, well, yesterday), started by the North American Vegetarian Society. It’s meant to raise awareness about various benefits of going vegetarian. Think of all those cute little pigs and cows you could be saving.
2 – National Custodial Worker Day
Custodial workers seem to get a bad wrap anywhere you go. But realistically, this place would be awful without them. Can you imagine how dirty it would be with all the trash piled up? Being a custodial worker isn’t favorable, but someone has got to do it. Thank the WPUNJ custodial staff if you see them around.(It’s also Name Your Car Day! My red 1995 Chrysler Le Baron Convertible is named Little Red after Red Riding Hood!)
3 – Techies Day
You wouldn’t be reading this if it weren’t for the various techies around the world – both the people who create the technology and those who fix it (like Nerd Herd employees Chuck and Morgan from NBC’s Chuck). What would we do without the techies who run IT and tech support? And we can’t forget about the techies who have advanced our technological world. Can you imagine how primitive our technology would be without great innovators such as Bill Gates, Steve Jobs, and Tim Berners-Lee? I can’t wait to see what our own Computer Science majors and graduates come up with in the future.
4 – World Animal Day
World Animal Day began in 1931 to celebrate animals of all forms: puppies, kitties, and others that go beyond the typical animal spectrum. You should really try to spend a little time with some animals today. Try adopting or volunteering at an animal shelter!
5 – Do Something Nice Day
This one is pretty self-explanatory. Just do something nice! And it doesn’t have to be one nice thing; you can do multiple nice things. Who knows, you might end up making someone’s day with a few simple kind gestures. It also happens to be World Teacher’s Day! So go celebrate all your teachers have done for you by doing something nice for them.
6 – Mad Hatter Day
That’s right: the Mad Hatter, that silly fellow from Alice in Wonderland. Today is a day to celebrate him and his mentality. A day to be completely mad? I’ll take it! Any excuse I can get to act like a silly fool is a good one. Watch some Alice, say silly things, and maybe even don a top hat for the occasion. A very merry un-birthday to you!
7 – Frappe Day
Frappes are one of the best things ever to be created. Frozen coffee or fruit cream drinks are amazing. Hit up your local Starbucks (or McDonalds if you prefer those) for one today. They may not be free, but hey… they’re still delicious.
8 – American Touch Tag Day
Remember those days when kids would play outside and use nothing but their imaginations? I remember doing it with my fellow neighborhood kids. When there was nothing else to do we would become innovative and play tag and other games like the sort. Maybe try to get your friends in on a game of tag today; think of all the good that running will do for you.
9 – Moldy Cheese Day
Do you like moldy cheese? I don’t like moldy cheese (unless you’re talking about blue cheese, but even still I don’t like to think of that as moldy). Regardless, today is the day to celebrate moldy cheese, or the lack thereof… Heh.
10 – National Angel Food Cake Day
Now this is what I’m talking about. Angel food cake sounds like a much better food to devote a day to. On top of that, it’s not too hard to make either. Go find some recipes and make this baby from scratch. It’ll taste delish.
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11 – Take Your Teddy Bear to Work Day
Again, this one seems pretty self-explanatory. Just take your teddy bear to work. If you’re not feeling so bold, take it to work in spirit. (Honestly, we here at Her Campus WPUNJ recommend the latter.)
12 – Moment of Frustration Day
Isn’t this everyday? There will always be moments of frustration and if you manage to have one today, don’t get too stressed over the matter. Treat yourself to chocolate and a cup of tea and watch the frustration melt away. You’ll figure it out.
13 – International Skeptics Day
International Skeptics Day? Sounds intriguing to say the least, but skeptical of what exactly? Guess it doesn’t matter. Just be skeptical of everything!
14 – Columbus Day
I still don’t quite understand why we celebrate Columbus day. He didn’t land in America, and he both directly and indirectly caused mass genocide. I mean… Yay, Columbus! Guys, I don’t even know. We don’t even get classes off.
15 – White Cane Safety Day
I won’t lie, it took me a moment to process this one. In case the title doesn’t quite make sense to you, White Cane Safety Day is a day to celebrate the achievements of the visually impaired (who typically have white canes to help them navigate.) In 2011, President Obama named this day as Blind American’s Equality Day.
And shameless plug: TONIGHT IS ALSO THE HER CAMPUS WPUNJ LAUNCH PARTY!
16 – Bosses Day
Bosses can be a big pain in the rear. They’re always nagging and being, well, bossy. But, when it comes down to it, they’re largely the reason that businesses can run smoothly. Sometimes they’re even the ones to sign your checks at the end of the week. So, I guess you should thank them, maybe?
17 – Wear Something Gaudy Day
While I’ll be sitting this one out, I can assume most won’t be. Don’t be ashamed to overdress in something completely fabulous and shiny. Take some inspiration from gaudy fashion icon, Lady Gaga! You’ll make everyone look, and you might even get a few compliments. Who doesn’t like those?
18 – No Beard Day
This doesn’t apply to most of us, but if you’re male, get rid of that beard – especially because No-Shave November is right around the corner!
19 – Evaluate Your Life Day
This is a bit somber, to be honest. But the 19th of October is Evaluate Your Life Day. So, sit down with some cookies and really think about what’s going on. Perhaps you’ll find that you need to have more girl’s nights out. Or perhaps you’ll change your major like you’ve been thinking about.
20 – Brandied Fruit Day
I can’t tell you from experience how brandy and fruit taste together. Apparently it’s a thing, though. It’s typically used to preserve fruit all year long. It’s said to be really good on ice cream. Someone try this out and tell me how it tastes!
21 – National Pumpkin Cheesecake Day
This makes me so happy. So, so happy. Pumpkin Cheesecake Day? It sounds phenomenal. Now I want a piece of pumpkin cheesecake. Does anyone know where I can find a piece around the University? If you can track some down, today is a good day to eat it.
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22 – National Nut Day
Now, this is a perfect excuse to go hog wild and eat nuts. I know I’ll feel less guilty about having an extra handful of trail mix in the morning. Unfortunately for those of you with nut allergies, you’ll have to skip this day.
23 – TV Talk Show Host Day
These guys don’t get enough appreciation! Whether it be Rachel Ray, the girls from the View, the group from the Chew, Wendy Williams, or even Dr. Oz! They all offer such great information and personality to the TV. Tune in and raise the ratings for all the shows you can today! Those talk show hosts won’t mind.
24 – National Bologna Day
My bologna has a first name, it’s O-S-C-A-R. My bologna has a second name, it’s M-A-Y-E-R. I love to eat it every day, and if you ask me why, I’ll say: ‘Cause Oscar Mayer has a way with B-O-L-O-G-N-A. Need I say more?
25 – Frankenstein Friday
Celebrated on the last Friday of October, Frankenstein Friday is an ode to the man, the monster, and to the Halloween holiday as well. If you’ve got nothing better to do today, maybe it’s about time you decorated your room, dorm, or house with Halloween decorations!
26 – Make a Difference Day
That’s right. Make a difference. Offer a smile, hold the door for someone, or help somebody with their groceries. Even the little things can make a difference. Kind actions are viral and tend to spread from person to person. It doesn’t take much, and it’s something you can feel great about doing.
27 – National Tell a Story Day
Share a story with your friends or loved ones. Whether it’s silly, fun, or even sad, telling stories is a great way of entertaining others. In old cultures, Storytellers tended to be wise and very well respected. Old world stories have since been written down and become myths or legends. Maybe yours will become popular too!
28 – Plush Animal Lover’s Day
Come on now, everyone had there favorite plush animal growing up. Personally, I had a Kermit the Frog and a Simba that I wouldn’t go anywhere without. This day is to you. Grab your favorite teddy and just give it a big squeeze. It’s probably been a little bit neglected, as you’ve gotten older.
29 – Hermit Day
Hermit day is all about spending the time in, alone. Have a little me time, and don’t feel shameful about it either. Give yourself a homemade mani/pedi. I wouldn’t mind being a hermit every day if it came with perks like those.
30 – National Candy Corn Day & Mischief Night
Candy corns are one of those iconic candies similar to candy canes. When you see it, it’s automatically associated with a time of year or season. The sweet little bites are super yummy.
It’s also mischief night, as it is every night before Halloween. So, just keep an eye out of your window to watch for little vandals.
31 – Halloween
Last, but very not least, is Halloween! This is my absolute favorite holiday. If you’re still a child at heart and going out, get all the free candy you can! But remember, share it with the children. And if you’re going out partying, remember there will be children on the streets so watch out for them. Most of all, have fun!
That’s rounds out of Odd Holidays of October! See you next month. We’ll have Nutty November!
Again, a special thanks to http://www.holidayinsights.com for helping us compile a holiday for every day.
Photo sources:
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http://www.wallcoo.net/holiday…