1. National Rubber Ducky Day (January 13)
If you grew up with a rubber ducky in your bathtub, you have a reason to celebrate January 13. National Rubber Ducky Day is dedicated to the classic yellow bath toy that has been a childhood staple for generations. The date was chosen because it was Ernie’s beloved duck’s birthday on Sesame Street, as officially stated in a 1973 episode. Over the years, the humble rubber duck has become a symbol of simple joys and nostalgic fun.
Some people celebrate by collecting unique rubber ducks, as there are thousands of themed and novelty versions out there. Others use the day as an excuse to take a relaxing bath, complete with bubbles and, of course, a floating ducky. There are even rubber duck races, where participants race their ducks down streams or in pools for charity. No matter how you mark the occasion, it’s a reminder that sometimes, the simplest things bring the most happiness.
2. National Lost Sock Memorial Day (May 9)
If you’ve ever wondered where all your missing socks go, May 9 is the perfect day to mourn them, according to the National Day Calendar. National Lost Sock Memorial Day is dedicated to all the single socks left behind when their partners mysteriously vanish in the laundry. No one knows exactly who started this holiday, but it speaks to a universal experience that everyone can relate to. It’s a lighthearted way to acknowledge one of life’s small, silly mysteries while finally letting go of those lonely single socks.
Some people use this day as a chance to repurpose their unmatched socks into cleaning rags, pet toys, or quirky craft projects. Others embrace the humor of the day by sharing theories about the “sock void” or staging mock memorials for their lost footwear. If nothing else, it’s a good excuse to clean out your sock drawer and start fresh. Who knows? Maybe you’ll even find a long-lost match hiding in the back of the dryer.
3. World Naked Gardening Day (First Saturday in May)
For those who love both nature and a little bit of mischief, World Naked Gardening Day is a truly unique celebration, Catherine Micallef from The Sun explains. Held on the first Saturday in May, this holiday encourages people to tend their gardens without clothing, embracing the natural world in the most literal way. Started in 2005 by Mark Storey and Jacob Gabriel, it was meant to promote body positivity and a stronger connection to the environment. While it’s not for everyone, many participants swear by the liberating experience of gardening in the buff.
Of course, common sense and discretion are advised—this is a holiday best celebrated in private backyards or secluded spaces. Some participants take a modest approach, strategically using hats, gloves, or carefully placed flower pots. Others simply enjoy the humor of the concept and choose to celebrate by supporting local gardening efforts. Whether or not you strip down, the spirit of the holiday is about embracing the earth and enjoying the simple pleasure of planting something new.
4. National Talk Like a Pirate Day (September 19)
Arrr, matey! If you’ve ever wanted an excuse to talk like a swashbuckling buccaneer, September 19 is your day. National Talk Like a Pirate Day was created in 1995 by John Baur and Mark Summers as a joke, but it quickly gained worldwide popularity, Scott Simon explains in NPR. The idea is simple: spend the day speaking in pirate lingo, complete with dramatic “arrrs” and “ahoy mateys!”
Beyond just talking like a pirate, many people dress up, attend themed parties, or enjoy pirate-related movies and books. Some businesses, like Krispy Kreme in past years, have even given away free doughnuts to customers willing to play along. The holiday has also been embraced by charities, using it as a fun way to raise money for good causes. Whether you go all out or just toss in a few pirate phrases, it’s a goofy, lighthearted way to shake up an ordinary day.
5. National Toilet Paper Day (August 26)
Toilet paper is one of those things we don’t think about much—until we run out. National Toilet Paper Day on August 26 celebrates this everyday essential, marking the anniversary of its first American patent in 1871, according to National Today. While the ancient Chinese were using a form of toilet paper as early as the 6th century, it took much longer for the product to become a household staple. Now, we can’t imagine life without it, making this an oddly fitting holiday to appreciate modern conveniences.
Some people mark the day with trivia about toilet paper history or jokes about bathroom mishaps. Others take a more serious approach, using it as an opportunity to donate hygiene products to shelters and communities in need. The COVID-19 pandemic gave many people a new appreciation for toilet paper, making this holiday feel even more relevant. It may not be glamorous, but it’s certainly worth acknowledging the little luxuries we often take for granted.
6. National Squirrel Appreciation Day (January 21)
Squirrels might seem like everyday backyard critters, but on January 21, they get their moment in the spotlight, according to David Tristan from Yahoo! Life. National Squirrel Appreciation Day was created in 2001 by wildlife rehabilitator Christy Hargrove to encourage people to be kinder to these often-misunderstood rodents. Whether you’re tossing them a few extra nuts, watching them perform acrobatic feats, or just resisting the urge to chase them off your porch, this day is all about appreciating their role in nature. Love them or hate them, squirrels are survivors, and this holiday reminds us to respect their adaptability.
Beyond just admiration, this holiday also promotes awareness about how humans impact wildlife. Many people mark the occasion by putting out food or setting up squirrel-friendly environments in their yards. Others take a more hands-off approach, simply enjoying their antics and learning more about their behavior. Either way, it’s a fun excuse to take a closer look at the furry little creatures we usually ignore.
7. National Cheeseburger Day (September 18)
Few foods are as beloved as the cheeseburger, and on September 18, burger lovers everywhere have an excuse to indulge. National Cheeseburger Day is a celebration of one of America’s most iconic dishes, honoring the perfect combination of beef, cheese, and whatever toppings your heart desires. While the exact origins of the cheeseburger are debated, many credit Lionel Sternberger, a young cook in Pasadena, California, with inventing it in the 1920s. No matter where it started, the holiday is now widely observed with discounts, giveaways, and, of course, plenty of delicious burgers.
Many fast-food chains and restaurants offer special deals on this day, making it a great excuse to grab your favorite burger. Some people take it a step further by hosting backyard cookouts or even attempting to create their own ultimate cheeseburger. For the adventurous, this is also the perfect day to try something new—whether it’s a unique cheese, an unexpected topping, or even a plant-based version. However you celebrate, it’s a holiday that brings people together over a universally loved meal.
8. National Hug a Drummer Day (October 10)
Drummers are often the unsung heroes of the music world, and October 10 is the day to show them some love. National Hug a Drummer Day recognizes the talent, hard work, and rhythm-keeping responsibilities of drummers everywhere. Whether they’re in a rock band, a marching band, or just love banging on the nearest surface, this holiday reminds us to appreciate the beat-makers in our lives. It’s a fun excuse to celebrate music and the people who make it so powerful.
While the name suggests giving drummers actual hugs, the holiday can also be observed in other ways. Sharing your favorite drum solos, supporting a local drummer, or even trying your hand at drumming yourself are all great ways to participate. Many music communities take this day to highlight legendary drummers and the impact they’ve had on the industry. So whether you’re hugging, listening, or playing, take a moment to appreciate the rhythm behind your favorite songs.
9. National Pretend to Be a Time Traveler Day (December 8)
If you’ve ever wanted to feel like a character in a sci-fi novel, December 8 is your chance. National Pretend to Be a Time Traveler Day is exactly what it sounds like—a day for imagining what it would be like to hop through time. Created in 2007 by a group of online enthusiasts, the holiday encourages people to dress, speak, and act as if they’re from another era. Whether you choose to be a bewildered Victorian, a futuristic space explorer, or a medieval knight, the key is to stay in character all day long.
Some people celebrate by staging public “time traveler” moments, such as asking strangers what year it is or reacting in shock to modern technology. Others take a more low-key approach, simply watching time travel movies or reading about historical periods they’d love to visit. The holiday is all about creativity, humor, and a little bit of harmless mischief. Even if you don’t fully commit, just imagining a different era for a day can be an entertaining mental escape.
10. National Something on a Stick Day (March 28)
Food just seems to taste better when it’s on a stick, and March 28 is dedicated to celebrating that simple truth. National Something on a Stick Day highlights everything from corndogs and kebabs to popsicles and cake pops. While the origins of this holiday are unclear, it’s a great excuse to enjoy all the delicious, portable foods that come on a skewer or stick. Whether you prefer sweet or savory, this day is all about handheld treats.
Many restaurants and food vendors join in the fun by offering special menu items or discounts on stick-based foods. Some people use the holiday as a chance to get creative in the kitchen, experimenting with new skewered dishes. Others take a nostalgic approach, indulging in childhood favorites like lollipops or caramel apples. However you celebrate, it’s a deliciously fun way to shake up mealtime.
11. National Goof Off Day (March 22)
Life can be stressful, and March 22 is the perfect excuse to take a break and embrace some silliness. National Goof Off Day is all about stepping away from responsibilities and indulging in a little fun. Created in 1976 by Monica Moeller, the granddaughter of a newspaper columnist, the holiday encourages people to relax and not take life too seriously. Whether you spend the day playing games, watching funny videos, or just doing absolutely nothing, the goal is to enjoy a carefree moment.
Some workplaces even acknowledge the holiday by allowing employees to have a more relaxed day. Teachers and parents sometimes use it as an opportunity to let kids play instead of focusing on homework. While goofing off every day isn’t practical, taking a break once in a while is actually good for productivity and mental health. So if you needed a reason to procrastinate guilt-free, this is it.
12. National Bathtub Party Day (December 5)
Taking a bath is usually a solo, relaxing activity, but December 5 encourages a more festive approach. National Bathtub Party Day is a lighthearted holiday that invites people to make bath time more fun. Whether that means throwing in extra bubbles, listening to music, or even sharing the tub (appropriately, of course), the idea is to turn an ordinary bath into an event. It’s a perfect excuse to indulge in some self-care and unwind in style.
Some people go all out with bath bombs, candles, and even themed bath cocktails. Others take a humorous approach, hosting rubber duck races or enjoying a fancy beverage while they soak. If you don’t have a bathtub, don’t worry—the holiday is really about relaxation in any form. However you celebrate, it’s a reminder that sometimes the best parties are the ones with warm water and bubbles.
13. National Leave the Office Early Day (June 2)
Work-life balance is important, and June 2 is dedicated to making sure you don’t overdo it. National Leave the Office Early Day was created by Laura Stack, a productivity expert, to encourage people to prioritize personal time. The idea is that if you’ve worked efficiently, you should be able to leave work a little early and enjoy the rest of your day. It’s a great reminder that productivity isn’t about working longer hours, but working smarter.
Many employers don’t officially recognize the holiday, but that doesn’t mean you can’t celebrate in your own way. Some people use it as motivation to finish their tasks early, while others negotiate an early exit with their boss. Even if you can’t leave early, you can still take a break, step outside, or plan a fun evening for yourself. After all, we could all use a little extra time to enjoy life outside of work.
