Several months ago, my friend Kate found herself struggling. She decided to reach out to her sister…
During their conversation, Kate and her sister Laura devised an ideal idea: a novel holiday they named The Day of Problems.
Every February 1st, they declared, “it’s a day to reflect on and voice all the challenges in your life.” The holiday feast? “A variety of junk food.” Doesn’t it feel liberating to set aside any positive thoughts for some authentic complaining? I can imagine gathering in a cozy living room with heaps of sour candies, chips, and chocolates. Perhaps a designated note taker records all grievances, with the issues ceremoniously burned at the end of the event.
Contemplating the sisters’ fresh holiday prompted me to think about additional celebrations we could incorporate.
Seinfeld introduced Festivus (which involves a similar “airing of grievances”), the O.C. made Chrismukkah popular, merging Christmas and Hanukkah, and Galentine’s Day was born from Parks and Rec.
The winter months are sprinkled with celebrations, so I’m proposing mine for the second Wednesday in May. It’s called No Plans Day. There are no culinary customs or travel obligations; the day is entirely free. The sole guideline is that you cannot schedule anything in advance. Perhaps it’s bright and warm, encouraging you to go for a hike; or after a tough work stretch, nothing feels better than a large mug of tea and the chance to dive into a book that’s been waiting on your nightstand. You might choose to create an elaborate meal and host friends for dinner, or declutter your closet while vibing to your favorite middle school tunes. It’s a mood-centric holiday; do precisely what you desire.
What other celebrations are lacking from our calendar? How about Honorary Aunt Day? Maybe a festival for the season’s first ripe peach. We could establish Double Header Day, where you view two similar films back-to-back. Or perhaps a flower stroll in spring, where you and a friend meander around the neighborhood, inhaling the fragrance of blooming flowers?
Do you already observe an invented holiday? If you had the chance to create one, what would it be?
P.S. 9 reader comments on customs, along with reflections on last year’s Galentine’s Day.
(Photo by Celia Catalino/Stocksy.)
**Designing Your Own Special Holiday: What Would It Commemorate?**
Holidays serve as a collective means for people to take a moment, contemplate, and celebrate what truly matters. From commemorating historical events to embracing cultural practices, holidays unite communities and create memorable experiences. Have you ever considered crafting your own distinctive holiday? What would it pay tribute to, how would it be celebrated, and why would it hold significance? Conceptualizing your own holiday is not merely a creative endeavor but also a chance to emphasize values, interests, or causes that resonate with you and others.
### Step 1: Determine Your Holiday’s Purpose
The initial step in crafting your own holiday involves deciding what it will represent. A holiday can be inspired by all sorts of things—personal achievements, social movements, hobbies, or even abstract ideas. Here are several suggestions to spark your imagination:
– **Self-Improvement and Reflection:** A day aimed at self-betterment, mindfulness, or appreciation. For example, “Inner Peace Day” might motivate individuals to disconnect from screens, meditate, and reconnect with their inner selves.
– **Environmental Stewardship:** A holiday such as “Planet Renewal Day” could center on eco-friendly initiatives like tree planting, beach cleanups, or sustainable lifestyle workshops.
– **Celebrating Innovation:** A “Maker’s Day” could honor creators, artists, and inventors of all sorts, encouraging individuals to dedicate the day to crafting, building, or sharing their imaginative works.
– **Community Engagement:** A holiday like “Neighbor Day” could inspire kindness, community service, and the strengthening of local bonds.
– **Joy and Playfulness:** Not every holiday needs to be solemn! A cheerful celebration like “Pajama Parade Day” could invite everyone to sport their coziest pajamas all day long and host fun, lighthearted activities.
The key is to select a theme that resonates deeply with you and has the potential to connect with others.
### Step 2: Select a Date and Name
The timing of your holiday can enhance its relevance. You might opt for a date with personal or historical significance, or one that complements the theme of your celebration. For instance, a holiday emphasizing renewal may be ideally suited for spring, while a day celebrating creativity could align with the birthday of a notable artist or inventor.
The name you choose for your holiday should stick in people’s minds and reflect its essence. A catchy, evocative title can spark enthusiasm and make it easier for others to remember. For example, “Gratitude Glow Day” or “Earth Harmony Festival” clearly convey the holiday’s spirit.
### Step 3: Create Traditions and Activities
Traditions form the core of any celebration. They cultivate a sense of identity and continuity, giving people something to anticipate each year. In planning your holiday, consider activities that fit its theme and are accessible to a broad audience. Here are a few ideas:
– **Cuisine and Beverages:** Many holidays revolve around special dishes or drinks. You might devise a signature recipe for your holiday, like a “Harmony Smoothie” for a wellness-themed occasion or a “Solar Cookie” for an eco-focused event.
– **Community Service:** Motivate participants to give back in ways that reflect your holiday’s purpose. For example, on “Kindness Day,” individuals could perform random acts of kindness or volunteer locally.
– **Creative Outlets:** Incorporate art, music, or storytelling into your holiday. For a creativity-focused event, you might organize talent shows, art fairs, or collaborative projects.
– **Symbolic Actions:** Develop rituals or symbols that embody the essence of your holiday. Setting candles, planting seeds, or donning specific colors can lend a special and memorable touch to the day.
– **Social Events:** Holidays often revolve around bringing people together. Whether it’s a picnic, a parade, or a virtual gathering, create chances for connection and celebration.
### Step 4: Share the News
After designing your holiday, it’s time to spread the word! Social media serves as an excellent platform for raising awareness and encouraging involvement. Create a hashtag, share photos and anecdotes, and invite friends and family to partake in the celebrations. You might even create a website or printable materials detailing your holiday’s significance and traditions.
If your holiday includes a charitable or educational aspect, think about collaborating with organizations or advocates who align with your vision. For instance, a holiday focused on mental health awareness might partner with nonprofits or mental health supporters to enhance its influence.
### Step 5: Evaluate and Adapt
Like any tradition, your holiday might change over time. Following its inaugural celebration, take a moment to consider what worked well and what could be enhanced. Did participants enjoy the activities? Did the holiday fulfill its intended goals? Use feedback to refine your holiday and make it even more significant in the years to come.
### Examples of Unique Holidays
To spark your imagination, here are several examples of unique holidays that could add joy and purpose to people’s lives
