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Mendo Lake Family Life

January Blues?

By Katy M. Clark

Avoid the January blues by celebrating something new each month of the new year …

We celebrate the rubber ducky on January 13 after the date appeared circled on a calendar in a 1973 episode of Sesame Street. Spend the day counting, collecting, or just taking a bath (of course!) with your rubber ducky. 

National Love Your Pet Day February 20 is all about giving extra love to the fur babies in your family. Or the ones with scales and feathers! Pamper pets with special treats, cuddles, or new toys, while reflecting on the special bond you share.

March 7 National Day of Unplugging begins at sundown on the first Friday of March. This 24-hour period aims to help families disconnect from technology and reconnect as people. Enjoy a device-free dinner party and put your phone away while the kids create a play or perform a concert. Unplug, unwind, and relax.

April 9 National Unicorn Day honors the most popular mythical animal representing magic, fantasy, and happiness. Study its appearances in ancient cultures, then draw pictures, read books, and wear your favorite clothing featuring the beloved creature.

May 31 National Smile Day promotes flashing a beautiful grin at home, at school, and in your neighborhood. Little ones can count how many smiles they see throughout the day on a clipboard while bigger kids can be encouraged to simply smile to brighten someone’s day. 

June 17 National Eat Your Vegetables Day is about making vegetables a part of your healthy diet. If kids balk at the idea of celebrating peas and carrots, honor June 17 in a sweeter way. It’s also National Apple Strudel Day. 

July 20 National Ice Cream Day helps beat the summer heat with scoops from your favorite spot or homemade. Your family can discuss favorite flavors or think up new ones to try.

August 8 Global Sleep Under the Stars Night encourages everyone to pitch a tent or bundle up under blankets in the backyard. Read books about constellations, shine a flashlight in the sky to make your own, and enjoy the outdoors as you turn your gaze upward. 

September 19 Talk Like A Pirate Day. Whether they don an eye patch, dig for buried treasure, or nosh chocolate gold coins, kids will enjoy exclaiming: “Ahoy, Mateys!” “Arrrgggghhh!” “Shiver me timbers!” “Walk the plank!”

October 5 National Do Something Nice Day. Try giving compliments, holding the door open for someone, writing a letter to a relative, or paying for the items of the person behind you in line. 

November 14 National Family PJ Day. Snuggle up or sleep in wearing your favorite pajamas. If you’re really planning ahead, now is the perfect time to snap that holiday card photo. 

December 13 National Cocoa Day. Learn about the origin of drinking cocoa or have a taste test to decide which is the perfect topping: Marshmallows or whipped cream. 

Katy M. Clark is a writer and mother of two who embraces her imperfections on her blog, Experienced Bad Mom.