Days to Celebrate

MAYhem: The Weirdest Holidays of the Month!

by Laney Shepherd

When you think of May, you probably think of wearing shorts in the warm weather and getting excited for summer. You probably overlook the ton of fun holidays that May is packed full of! Some of the holidays are centered around pop culture and our favorite movies, while others celebrate our heritage and mothers! Either way, they make the end of the school year a whole lot more fun!

Have you ever finished folding your laundry and realized that you are surrounded by mismatched socks? Well, you’re not the only one! People had so many mismatched socks that we dedicated a whole day to them. May 9th is Lost Sock Memorial Day. While it is not a national holiday, many people celebrate and mourn their long-lost socks! You can celebrate with us by wearing mismatched socks out and about!

Shortly afterward comes Mother's Day. This year, Mother’s Day is on May 10th! This is a widely recognized holiday where people all over celebrate the people who have cared for them. Families typically celebrate with breakfast in bed, heartfelt cards, or even just spending time together. On May 10th, show your mom you love her by doing all your homework. It’s better than any gift she could ask for!

Another quirky holiday is on May 20th. It is called Be a Millionaire Day! Just think about it — what would you do with a million dollars? Buy a yacht? One hundred pizzas? But why? This holiday really makes you think and get creative! Don’t be boring and get a mansion like every other kid. Sponsor a mission to the Moon and be the first person to step foot on its dark side! Be creative and dream big!

One of my personal favorites is National Hamburger Day. Just thinking about it makes me hungry! National Hamburger Day is on May 28th. What would you do to celebrate this holiday? Would you have a cookout with your friends, a small picnic with family, or would you rather go out to eat (like me)? Remember to show your support and enjoy that delicious burger!

That’s not even the end of it! May has a variety of unusual holidays, which makes the month very quirky and fun. Even if most of them aren’t traditional holidays, you can still celebrate these fun and weird occasions with your friends and family, whether it’s through jokes, questions, or celebrations. These holidays add a bit of fun to everyday life.

Participate in the following survey about these wierd and wonderful holidays - you just may be selected to win a prize! Click on the button below:

May Madness: The Weirdest Holidays of the Month!

Mother’s Day

by Bentley Proffitt

The modern Mother’s Day was officially invented in the United States by Anna Jarvis, who held the first celebration in 1908 in Grafton, West Virginia, USA, and it officially became a holiday in 1914.

What Is Mother’s Day?

Mother’s Day is celebrated to honor mothers and motherhood. Across the world, children of all ages use the day to honor their mothers with gifts such as flowers, candy, or more personal gifts like cards or phone calls. Did you know that more calls are made on Mother’s Day than on any other day of the year? Phone traffic can increase by as much as 37 percent.

Anna Jarvis

The official Mother’s Day holiday gained popularity in the early 1900s because of the efforts of Anna Jarvis. Following her mother’s death in 1905, she created Mother’s Day as a way to honor the sacrifices mothers make for their children. Even though she successfully helped establish it as a national holiday, she later felt regret because people began buying pre-made cards instead of creating more personal, meaningful gifts.

Where It’s Celebrated

Most countries celebrate Mother’s Day on the second Sunday of May, including the United States. However, other countries celebrate it on different dates. For example, Thailand celebrates Mother’s Day on August 12 to honor the birthday of Queen Mother Sirikit. The United Kingdom celebrates it on the fourth Sunday of March. Norway celebrates it in February, and Serbia celebrates it in December.

School Principal Day

by Khaliya Torres

This day honors principals for their leadership and the hard work they do to run a school. Principals don’t always get as much attention as teachers, so it’s important to show them appreciation, too.

You might be wondering how you can celebrate this day. One idea is to make a small gift with snacks or other thoughtful items. Another idea is to fill a jar with positive notes about why you appreciate your principal. You could also write a poem about what they mean to you. If you enjoy art, you could even draw a portrait of your principal and have a friendly contest to see who creates the best one.

However, you don’t have to give a gift at all. Sometimes the simplest things—like being kind, respectful, and saying thank you—can make a big difference. Just because someone is the principal doesn’t mean they aren’t there to support you. They work hard to make sure students and staff have a positive school experience.

School Principal Day exists so that principals feel recognized and appreciated. Since teachers have a special day, it makes sense to have a day for principals as well. Without these days, both teachers and principals might not get the recognition they deserve for all the effort they put into their jobs.

So, go thank Mr. Benschoter, Mr. Skeels and Mrs. Soto for all their hard work and effort. It's important for us to show our Maple Pride by expressing our gratitude and appreciation, even if it's just a simple high-five!

by Jameson Yatzek

I bet you didn’t know that Arbor Day was coming up. Well, it is, and fast. Probably by the time you are reading this, it will have already passed, but that’s not the point. I think every day should be Arbor Day. You might ask, why? Well, first let me tell you what Arbor Day is all about.

What Is Arbor Day?

Arbor Day was created by J. Sterling Morton in 1872 in Nebraska because of the lack of trees. Trees produce oxygen, and we need that to live, obviously. The tree population could be greatly reduced in a few centuries if we do not do something to stop it. That’s what Arbor Day is for. Essentially, a whole bunch of people get together in nature and plant trees in a designated area. I’m sure you could see people doing it around your town. You should be one of those people in your town. Imagine if we planted more trees and built fewer factories. Life would be amazing. It wouldn’t just affect humans, but also animals, which brings me to my next topic.

Effect on Animals

Animals breathe in oxygen just like humans do. What do you think happens when we take away the forests? They lose their homes, and when they lose their homes, where do you think they go? That’s right — into your home. And you don’t want that, do you? So plant a few trees. It doesn’t take long, and most trees require little to no maintenance. Just sit back and let nature do its work. Like I said, fewer trees mean less oxygen.

The Future

You may ask, what will not planting trees do to the economy and environment? Well, if everyone stopped planting and caring for trees, then our future could be in danger. Most people say, “What’s one person not planting trees going to do?” Well, what if everyone said that? We would be doomed. No trees means less oxygen, and less oxygen could lead to wars, riots, fights, and many other unsafe situations. The world would struggle without trees. That’s why we need to start now. Plant trees, clean up trash, and take care of the environment.

Conclusion

Most people say that you can’t make a difference or that one tree won’t do anything. Well, have you ever watched The Lorax? I know it’s a movie for younger kids, but it really shows what trees do for us and our environment. We need trees, and trees need us. Take care of the environment.

National Star Wars Day - May the Fourth Be With You

by Jameson Yahtzek

A long time ago, in a galaxy far, far away, the iconic series Star Wars was born, created by George Lucas. It became associated with a national holiday on May 4, 1979—“May the Fourth.” Sounds familiar, doesn’t it? Most people have heard of Star Wars but may not know much about its long history. This article will take you through the original trilogy and the prequels to honor the holiday.

A New Hope (1977)
A New Hope was the first Star Wars film, written by George Lucas and released on May 25, 1977. It is the first movie in the original trilogy. The film was a huge box office success, bringing in 77.5 million dollars. Without giving away spoilers, it follows a group of heroes on a mission to destroy a powerful space weapon.

The Empire Strikes Back (1980)
The Empire Strikes Back was released on May 21, 1980, and continues the story of Luke Skywalker and his allies. Luke sets out on another mission while facing new challenges. This movie is especially iconic because of its character development and storytelling, showing that George Lucas was ahead of his time.

Return of the Jedi (1983)
Like the other films in the original trilogy, Return of the Jedi was created by George Lucas and released on May 25, 1983. It follows Luke Skywalker one last time as he tries to bring his father back to the light side of the Force.

The Phantom Menace (1999)
The Phantom Menace begins the second trilogy, also known as the prequels. These films show how young Anakin Skywalker eventually becomes the Sith Lord Darth Vader. The story follows Jedi Master Qui-Gon Jinn and his apprentice, Obi-Wan Kenobi, as they work to protect Queen Amidala.

Attack of the Clones (2002)
Attack of the Clones is a favorite among many fans of the prequels. It was released in 2002 and follows Obi-Wan Kenobi and Anakin Skywalker as they work to uncover a growing threat and help create an army of clones for the Republic. The events of this film also led to a TV series that ran from 2004 to 2018.

Revenge of the Sith (2005)
Revenge of the Sith is often considered one of the most intense films in the series. Released on May 19, 2005, it follows Anakin Skywalker’s journey to the dark side. The story is powerful and emotional, showing themes of love, loss, and difficult choices. As George Lucas once said, “This story happened a long time ago in a galaxy far, far away. It is already over… It is a story of love and loss, brotherhood and betrayal, courage and sacrifice, and the death of dreams.”

National Teacher Appreciation Day

What is it and how can we can celebrate

by Carly Evans

This national day is filled with joy and happiness. It is a day for teachers to be appreciated for how hard they work. Some people don’t realize how much teachers have to handle. So go ahead—do something nice for your teacher(s) and learn more about this holiday!

This national day is celebrated on the first Tuesday of the first full week of May. There is also another part that goes along with this holiday called Teacher Appreciation Week, which runs from Monday to Friday during that same week.

According to The Schoolyard Barn, back in 1953, Lady Eleanor Roosevelt convinced Congress that there needed to be a specific day to recognize teachers. In 1984, the National Parent Teacher Association made it official by naming the first full week of May as Teacher Appreciation Week. This holiday was originally celebrated in March but is now observed in May.

Here’s how YOU can celebrate this day!

Make a handwritten letter expressing thanks.
Give small gifts or treats like coffee gift cards, personalized tumblers, flowers, or handmade crafts.
Donate classroom supplies such as glue, markers, crayons, and more.
Make a sweet treat like cookies, brownies, or pie.
Offer to help with classroom tasks, or ask your parents to chaperone a field trip.
Decorate classroom doors with thank-you notes from students and families.
Or just simply say thank you and be extra helpful in class that day.

I hope everyone who reads this takes it as a sign to appreciate their teachers on Teacher Appreciation Day. The lessons that may seem boring now can really help you in the future.

Gummy Bear Day
Do you like gummy bears? If so, this article is for you!

by Alayna Flores

The Origins of the Gummy Bear
The gummy bear originated in 1920s Germany and was created by Hans Riegel Sr. He started his company, Haribo, and released the first bear-shaped gummy in 1922. The original version was called the Tanzbär (Dancing Bear). It was taller and slimmer than modern gummy bears.

The inspiration for the gummy bear came from real dancing bears, which were a common attraction in Europe at that time. The name Tanzbär evolved into the modern “Gold-Bears” in 1967. While Haribo was very popular in Europe, the company launched its first American office in 1982.

How Are They Made?
The original gummy and the modern gummy bear have slightly different recipes—but not very different. The ingredients for the original gummy bear were gelatin, sugar, flavoring, and citric acid. The modern gummy bear’s ingredients include corn syrup, sugar, gelatin, and flavors.

It doesn’t seem very different from the original recipe, does it? That’s because it really isn’t. The modern version just includes a few additional ingredients.

Why Is It a Bear?
Gummy bears are shaped like bears because they honor the trained “dancing bears” that were popular in Europe. Hans Riegel Sr. created them specifically for families, making them fun and appealing to eat. Why not another animal? The bear was chosen because of its popularity in German street festivals.

Flavoring
The original flavors for Haribo gummy bears were raspberry (red), orange, strawberry (green/red), pineapple (clear), and lemon (yellow).

There are many different brands of gummy bears with a variety of flavors. For example, Albanese World’s Best Gummy Bears have 12 different flavors and a very soft texture. Haribo, on the other hand, typically has five flavors. There’s also Black Forest gummy bears, which are known for being chewy and juicy. While Black Forest isn’t as popular anymore, it was at one point.

Bubble Gum Day

A Sweet Tradition That Raises Money and Brings Smiles

by Khaliya Torres

Bubble Gum Day first began in 2006 and was created by children’s author Ruth Spiro. She came up with the idea as a fun and simple way for schools and charities to raise money for things they need, such as supplies, programs, and events. On Bubble Gum Day, students are usually asked to donate about 50 cents for the privilege of chewing gum during class. Bubble Gum Day takes place on the first Friday in February.

Bubble Gum Day is important because the money raised from the fundraiser helps support schools and charities. It also teaches younger students the value of giving back to the community and helping people in need. Along with fundraising, Bubble Gum Day symbolizes youth, innocence, nostalgia, fun, and lightheartedness.

Bubble gum itself has a fun history, too. Bubble gum was invented in 1928 by Walter Diemer, who was actually an accountant, not a candy maker. The original bubble gum was pink because that was the only color available at the time. Bubble gum is stretchier than regular gum, which is what allows people to blow bubbles. The world’s largest bubble ever blown was over 20 inches wide! These fun facts make Bubble Gum Day even more exciting for students while supporting a good cause.

by Yerialys Treacy Ramos

National Hugging Day is an annual event dedicated to hugging in the United States. National Hugging Day was created by Kevin Zaborney. This day is about offering hugs to others. The day was first launched and celebrated in 1986 in Clio, Michigan. The psychological benefits of hugging are often highlighted, with a focus on improving mental health. National Hugging Day was created to encourage public affection and help combat post-holiday blues. Did you know that hugs from a partner can significantly lower blood pressure and heart rate before stressful situations? Hugs can also help with child development, as researchers suggest children need hugs for healthy emotional and physical development. While designed to encourage warmth, it is always important to ask permission first to ensure the gesture is well received.

by Gabriel Smaw

Groundhog Day is fairly well known, but not everyone knows exactly what it is. Some people may have never even heard of it, and that’s what this article is for. According to the Punxsutawney Groundhog Day Club, Groundhog Day gives us a prediction of when spring may start, depending on when groundhogs emerge from their burrows. This year, Groundhog Day falls on February 2.

Groundhog Day has a long history, dating back to 1886, and it has deep cultural roots in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania through a traditional ritual held every February 2nd at Gobbler’s Knob. While it may not be a big deal in other places around the world, in Punxsutawney the town celebrates with festivals and parties honoring the early settlers. The town even has a name for their groundhog: Famous Phil, who is approximately 135 years old! That’s incredible, considering most humans don’t even live to 100. If Phil emerges from his burrow and sees his shadow, it signals six more weeks of winter. If he does not see his shadow, an early spring is predicted.

In conclusion, Groundhog Day is more than just a day to predict the start of spring. It has traditions and importance that tie deeply into the town’s history. And when the weather starts getting warmer, think of a groundhog burrowing out of its den.

But, hold onto those warm winter hats! This year's ceremony at Gobbler's Knob took place under especially frigid conditions, with temperatures dropping as low as -2 degrees Fahrenheit. An estimated 30,000 people braved the single-digit temperatures to witness the 140th annual event. This year Punxsutawney Phil saw his shadow and declared that we have 6 more weeks of winter!

by Khaliya Torres

Many people don't know what Black Friday is, so here are some words from Awareness Days. Black Friday is an annual shopping event that happens after Thanksgiving Day in the United States, known for major retail discounts and sales. This year, Black Friday will start on Friday, November 28th. Now let’s get into the facts about Black Friday and why so many people like it. People like it because it gives them a chance to get the things they want for a cheaper price, and it also makes a good opportunity to buy gifts!

Black Friday started with the Philadelphia police in the 1950s and ’60s, who used the term to describe the chaotic and overwhelming traffic and crowds the day after Thanksgiving. That is what we now know as Black Friday.

The Pros and Cons of Online vs. In-Store Shopping

Pros of in-store shopping:

You can physically see and try on the items.
You can take your purchase home right away, avoiding shipping delays.
Some limited-quantity, highly discounted items are only in-store, often requiring you to arrive early.

Cons of in-store shopping:

You have to deal with large crowds, especially for popular items.
A physical store’s stock may be more limited compared to the online marketplace.

Pros of online shopping:

Shop from anywhere at any time, without crowds or a fixed schedule.
A much larger variety of products and deals are typically available online.
You can quickly compare prices across different retailers to ensure you’re getting the best deal.

Cons of online shopping:

Items may not arrive for days or weeks, and stock can sell out quickly.
You cannot physically see or feel the product before purchasing.

Why Do People Call Black Friday “Crazy”?

People called Black Friday “crazy” because when stores had big sales, customers would rush to the stores, and when the doors opened, they would run in as fast as they could and grab whatever they wanted. Some people would even start fights over certain products.

So make sure you get all the good deals you can—but don’t miss out on them!

by Mehdi Ouali

Don’t you just love the smell of popcorn. It’s buttery and salty goodness just makes it one of the best snacks. Well National Popcorn day just happened and we're gonna talk about it

Evidence of popcorn was found over a thousand years ago in Utah. In 1948, kernels that were estimated to be a couple thousand years old were discovered in caves. In the late 1800s, popcorn began to be sold as a snack by street vendors. In the early 1900s, popcorn was introduced in movie theaters as a popular snack to eat while watching films.

By the 1980s, microwave popcorn became widespread and extremely popular. In 2003, people began recognizing National Popcorn Day, which is celebrated on January 19. Later, in 2013, Marlo Anderson’s National Day Calendar highlighted National Popcorn Day, helping it gain even more attention.

Now here are some fun facts about National Popcorn Day. Did you know that National Popcorn Day is not an official government holiday? Also, popcorn kernels that are over 500 years old can still pop. Pretty cool, right?

World Toilet Day

We’ll always need toilets, no matter what lies ahead

by Bentley Proffitt

World Toilet Day is an official United Nations international day. It was established in 2013 on November 19 to raise awareness about the global sanitation crisis, as billions of people lack access to safe toilets. As time goes by, sanitation challenges continue. Around 3.5 billion people still don’t have access to safely managed toilets.

There are different types of toilets all over the world. Some people have more advanced toilets, while others don’t have the best. Some people have gold toilets, while others only have holes in the ground.

According to the United Nations, this year’s theme is “Sanitation in a Changing World.” Different countries observe World Toilet Day in different ways. India, Bangladesh, Nigeria, Kenya, and Nepal celebrate in similar ways, with awareness campaigns, school programs, and toilet-building drives. The UK, Australia, Germany, and the U.S. tend to be a little more advanced, hosting events, fundraisers, and social media campaigns.

There are different types of toilets, such as one-piece, two-piece, wall-mounted, floor-mounted, and even smart toilets. Not all toilets are of good quality or in good shape. Poor sanitation can cause numerous infections and chronic diseases. Most of these infections and diseases are transmitted through contaminated water, food, or air.

Ways you can help with the sanitation crisis include raising awareness, creating care kits, building or funding toilets, donating water, and helping with homes through organizations like WaterAid. If you don’t know what WaterAid is, it’s a company that works in over 30 countries to provide clean water sources. Last year, WaterAid reached 131,000 people in schools with clean water, 153,600 people at home with decent toilets, and 167,400 people in healthcare centers with handwashing and hygiene solutions. There are multiple ways you can help with this sanitation crisis—even donating a small amount of money can go a long way.

If you think the toilets pictured here are interesting, just wait until you see what’s in the link below. It features 25 toilets from around the world—ranging from simple mud pits to creative handmade huts—and each one shows something unique about how different cultures solve the same everyday problem.

25 Toilets from Around the World

The Power of the Pickle

by Leighlyn Blevins

From Cleopatra’s rumored beauty secret to the modern deli counter, how did pickles become a global obsession? National Pickle Day—the day when pickles became famous—is on Nov. 14 to celebrate the history and popularity of pickles.

According to BBC Food, pickles became so popular because, with their tart, fresh, tangy, powerful, sweet, and savory flavors, they get people excited to eat them and want to eat more. Pickles got so popular that stores had to adapt to the demand. Fermented food has also increased in stock by two-thirds in the past few years.

According to Sucker Punch Pickles, pickles originally came from Ancient Mesopotamia around 1500 BC and were used for food preservation and beauty secrets by Cleopatra and Julius Caesar. According to Mentta, in the Middle Ages pickles remained a good way to preserve food. Over time, many different countries and cultures created their own techniques and recipes for making pickles, including kimchi from Korea or even tsukemono from Japan.

Many chefs around the world also use the strategy of pickling to keep food fresh longer and to add complexity to their dishes, such as burgers, tacos, salads, sandwiches, and even drinks like cocktails, including the Bloody Mary.

According to WebMD, pickles are cucumbers preserved in a mixture of vinegar, spices, and salt. Fermented pickles contain antioxidants—which kimchi and tsukemono have a lot of—fiber, beneficial bacteria that improve gut health and safety, and important vitamins and minerals, although they are also very high in sodium. Pickles can also be created by immersing fresh fruits or vegetables together. Pickle juice helps athletes replace lost electrolytes so they can regain energy. Athletes also use pickle juice because it is slightly better than water at easing muscle cramps, but drinking too much pickle juice can cause health issues. Dipping pickles in vinegar can also help make your blood sugar levels more even.

Pickles have a very common and unique name. According to PBS, the word “pickle” comes from the Dutch word “pekel” or the Northern German word “pokel,” meaning salt or brine—salt and brine being the two main components of the pickling process.

There are so many different varieties and flavors of pickles - I bet you didn't even know so many exist! There are dill pickles, bread and butter pickles, kosher pickles, sweet pickles, sour pickles, pickled peppers, gourmet pickles, cornichons, Chinese pickles, German pickles, gherkin pickles, mixed pickles, spicy pickles, jalapeño pickles, Kool-Aid pickles, kosher dill pickles, lime pickles, pickled carrots, fermented pickles, garlic pickles, Japanese pickles, pickled eggs, brined pickles, honey mustard pickles, sweet Cajun pickles, and horseradish pickles, just to name a few.

What Is National Absurdity Day?
By: Julianna Wilson

National Absurdity Day is a national holiday, or fun celebration, about everything weird! It happens on November 20th. National Absurdity Day was created to be a day to remember or even bring attention to all the wacky things in this world, especially in history! It’s just a fun day about learning crazy, weird new things. Isn’t that just great?

National Absurdity Day isn’t just about learning something new and weird — you can do all sorts of weird, wacky things on this day, like dyeing your eyebrows or even painting yourself a whole new color. National Absurdity Day originally began as a philosophical movement called absurdism, where anyone could do what they wanted on a whim that would be seen as absurd, of course. Since then, people have done all sorts of things on this day, like I mentioned before! You can do anything weird you’d like with no shame — just don’t get into trouble.

The philosophy behind absurdism really belongs to the mind of a Danish philosopher named Kierkegaard, dating all the way back to the 19th century! The idea of absurdism was to inspire humans to find meaning in a meaningless universe. The idea grew popular and became the inspiration for movements in theatre and literature in Europe and North America. These artistic movements led to an entirely new literature genre with plots based on weird and absurd behavior (the idea of finding meaning in something that’s really meaningless).

As the origins of National Absurdity Day are really unknown, we take this day as an opportunity to express ourselves.

National Fast-Food Day
By: Khaliya Torres

Here are some words from USA Today:
National Fast-Food Day is a holiday where we can celebrate the popularity of fast food in the United States. There are lots of fast-food restaurants around the world where you can eat whatever can be ordered from the menu.
People like fast food so much because it’s cheap and very tasty. It’s also due to the high levels of salt, sugar, and fat in the food products. Fast food can save time if you don't want to cook, and it's always available and easy to clean up, so it doesn’t make that much of a mess.

The First Ever Fast-Food Restaurant

The first fast-food restaurant ever built was a restaurant called White Castle.
It was built in 1921 in Wichita, Kansas and founded by Billy Ingram and Walter Anderson. They built it to make hamburgers a mainstream and trustworthy food by creating a standardized, clean, and affordable dining experience for everyone to enjoy some delicious food.
Today, there are lots of different fast-food restaurants that people love and enjoy.

Why People Dislike Fast Food

Some people don’t like fast food because of its low nutritional value and high content of unhealthy ingredients like salt, sugar, and saturated fats.
Another reason people don't like it is because sometimes it's just not that good, depending on personal taste and the way people think about food.
The last reason some people dislike it is because they find it messy, especially with all of the grease in the food that many others love.

National Youth Confidence Day

by Adrianna Grajek

Have you ever felt insecure or full of self-doubt? National Youth Confidence Day is a day to focus on building confidence—specifically youth confidence. According to They Are the Future, 1 in 3 high school students struggles with low self-esteem, 4 in 5 teen girls are unhappy with their bodies, and 30% of teen boys want to gain weight to appear more “muscular.” There are many ways to help prevent these struggles so more teens can feel confident and comfortable in their own skin. Channel Kindness explains that National Youth Confidence Day is a time to recognize and appreciate the accomplishments of today’s youth and to help restore their confidence.

Celebrating this day is important because confidence plays a key role in everyday life. Many teenagers struggle with confidence in a world where social media often highlights perfection. Seeing people who appear flawless, reading comments, and noticing likes can make self-esteem take a hit. That is why National Youth Confidence Day is so valuable—it reminds young people that their worth is not defined by comparisons, and that everyone deserves to feel proud of themselves.

National Spread Joy Day

by Julianna Wilson

Are you tired of the negativity? Too much stress build up? Do you need a break, a super positive break? Well you’re in for a treat because October 11th must be your lucky day! National Spread Joy Day is proposed to be an opportunity to spread the knowledge of all your great moments with others, and learning to appreciate all the great things that you have around you. It is an opportunity to turn many frowns upside down! The goal is to earn the presence of the least negativity, by spreading positivity! It is even about affection, everything good. Give your friend a hug, or reassure them to let them know you’re there and that you care, anyone would appreciate that.

Hey, whose idea was it to think of this? Laura Jennings, the founder of Knack, a gift company in Seattle, started National Spread Joy Day in 2018. Laura began to feel that within the online world and social media there was just too much negativity. Her goal was to make a change within many communities, not just those residing within Seattle. As of today, National Spread Joy Day is recognized by many Americans and even the National Holiday Archives! How will you spend National Spread Joy Day?

Here is a list of many ways you can spread positivity:

Compliment somebody on something unique about their appearance

Ask someone about their day, what they like, be there to show that you’re listening and that you care

Gift someone something special, share something even

Encourage others to keep going, encourage someone to keep getting inspired

Spend the day hanging out with someone or more people, have a great time

Just saying I love you, or that you care about someone is enough to be positive.

Sometimes, someone might not understand you, have you ever heard of toxic positivity? Toxic positivity is never intentional, but there are better ways to say something positive. Instead of just straight up telling someone to stay positive, instead you can say something along the lines of “You can do this, I have hope!” “I believe in you, I know you’re strong.” “You got this, keep being great!” Phrases like these are way more stronger and effective than just saying “Stay positive.” because anyone with a lot of negativity and low self-esteem can potentially feel offended or not understand, the message won’t come off strong enough.

by Grayson Rupley

Have you ever tried mashed potatoes? The sweet creamy mix of butter and potatoes. According to the National Today Calendar, National Mashed Potato Day is October 18th. While it’s an unofficial holiday, it has a lot of people celebrating it every year. There is also a separate National Mashed Potato Day in Idaho which is actually celebrated every fourth Thursday of the month, can you imagine? They celebrate it every single month! That’s because Idaho is known for its potatoes. It's celebrated by donating potatoes, sharing potato recipes, and holding special events concerning potatoes. The holiday is becomming more and more popular.

How to make mashed potatoes:

Step 1: wash the potatoes, peel, and cut them into ½ inch chunks

Step 2: bring to a boil, turn down, simmer, and cook until the potatoes are tender (a fork can go through easily).

Step 3: drain the potatoes, add milk, butter, salt and pepper. Start mashing.

Random Potato Facts:

Thomas Jefferson served mashed potatoes in 1802 then it became widely accepted over the years.
Over 30% of Americans consider mashed potatoes to be the favorite way they eat potatoes
8% percent of British people consider it the favorite way they eat potatoes.
Around 77% percent of tables eat mashed potatoes on Thanksgiving.
Humans have been growing potatoes since 8000 BC
Sir Walter Raleigh is credited with introducing potatoes to Ireland in 1589 which led to the creation of mashed potatoes!
This spread to the rest of Europe in 1620.
The governor of the Bahamas sent a gift package of mashed potatoes to the governor of Virginia.
The most mashed potato eaten in one minute is 1,120 grams (that’s almost 2 ½ pounds!), a record held by Andre Ortolf.
The Mashed Potato was a popular dance in 1962

Page updated

Report abuse