We made it through 2021 (a rollercoaster of a year) and moving into 2022 with a sense of curiosity and excitement. What will the new year bring? How can we learn, improve and grow?
We can enjoy a fresh start with these 10 events and holidays happening in January. We hope some of them give your family reason to celebrate and laugh together too, while others inspire you, and also give room for thoughtful family discussions on things like -- How can YOU make a positive difference in our community in 2022? Let's see!
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1. New Year's Day
Let's ring in 2022 with feelings of gratitude for our past memories, current opportunities, and hope for a brighter year ahead. Jan. 1
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2. Cuddle Up Day
Ooh, it's getting chilly outside. Time to put on your fuzzy pajamas, grab a favorite blanket, a cup of hot chocolate and snuggle up with your whole family in the living room. Jan. 6
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3. Dress Up Your Pet Day
On this fun holiday, feel free to dress up your dog, goat, guinea pig, or cat. Pets aren't so cooperative? Maybe you can paint your kids' faces as their favorite animal instead. Jan. 11
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4. Kid Inventors' Day
Pop Quiz: What do televisions, water skis, and earmuffs have in common? They were all invented by kids! More than 500,000 children and teens invent gadgets and games each year. This holiday is held each year on Benjamin Franklin's birthday (he invented the first swim flippers at age 12). Jan. 17
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5. Ditch Your Resolutions Day
That didn't take long... But don't feel bad if you lost track of your goals and need to regroup. This holiday was created to give you a day to reset your expectations or take a break from your resolutions for one day of worry-free relaxation. Jan. 17
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6. Martin Luther King Jr. Day
Today we celebrate the life of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., great leader of the Civil Rights movement, by doing something to effect positive change in your community. Jan. 17
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7. Popcorn Day
If you like popcorn, you will love Popcorn Day! To make this day a little more exciting, check out our list of yummy popcorn seasonings and mix-ins! You can make your own flavors and try something new for a poppin' good time. Jan. 19
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8. National Hugging Day
Kevin Zaborney invented this holiday in 1986 to encourage family and friends to hug more often. There are many actual health benefits to hugging, including that it releases oxytocin, a hormone associated with feelings of happiness. Hug someone today. Jan. 21
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9. International Holocaust Remembrance Day
On this annual day of commemoration, the United Nations urges all to honor the six million Jewish victims of the Holocaust and millions of other victims of Nazism. The United States Holocaust Memorial Museum offers excellent resources on learning more. Jan. 27
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10. National Puzzle Day
Gather the family around the dining table and work on a puzzle on National Puzzle Day. It doesn't matter if it's 100 pieces, 1,000 pieces or 10,000 pieces... doing puzzles together makes for great family activity! Jan. 29
