Creative Celebrations to Make Your Month
Every other month has at least one major holiday and August seems to have been left out. But dig a little deeper, and you’ll unearth a bounty of fun, offbeat days that are worth exploring, expanding upon and making your own. Added bonus: none of them require elaborate parties, gift-wrapped trinkets or an obligatory floral delivery.
Here are just a few ideas to get the revelry rolling:
COOL CASH
The humble dollar may seem slight in comparison to the bigger bills, but it’s still a very important currency. National Dollar Day (August 8) celebrates the establishment of our monetary system by the Continental Congress on August 8, 1786, and it’s a great opportunity to have some big fun with small expenditures. Go to your local dollar store and see how many treasures you can find for a few bucks. Seek out dollar lunch menus at your favorite local haunts. Put a dollar or two in the charity collection box at the grocery store checkout.
READ ON
Whether you’re a dedicated devourer of novels or a sporadic self-help browser, National Book Lovers Day (August 9) is the perfect time to celebrate the written word. Treat yourself to a new tome (old-school paperback or e-reader edition). Take younger kids to a local library for story time. Donate books that are gathering dust to schools or charity organizations.
CHILL PILL
Finding it tough to give yourself a break when you’re running at breakneck speed? Congratulations! National Relaxation Day (August 15) is your official hall pass for chillaxing. And you don’t have to book a week-long getaway to experience the benefits of a little R & R. Book a leisurely coffee date with an old friend. Take in a feel-good summer blockbuster. Hit the spa or golf course.
SENSATIONAL SENIORS
People age 65 and over accounted for 14.9% of our nation’s population according to the U.S. Census Bureau’s latest extrapolated numbers. Statistics aside, just look around and you’ll see that this demographic is not only growing, but vibrant and vital. Celebrate National Senior Citizens Day (August 21) by spending time with favorite older relatives or visiting a retirement home. Seek out a senior and draw upon his or her wisdom as a mentor for a skill or craft you’d like to learn.
CANINE COMPADRES
For dog lovers, every day with their pup is a celebration. But National Dog Day (August 26) offers the opportunity to kick up the adoration of our canine friends to a new level. Spoil your pet with a new toy (or two…or eight). Volunteer at your local shelter to walk and play with dogs or clean their kennels. Throw a Dog Day party and invite all your friends and their furry family members!
AUGUST ALFRESCO
With the end of summer looming, what better reason to enjoy dining alfresco while you can? Celebrate National Eat Outside Day (August 31) by hosting a backyard barbeque or packing a picnic basket and heading to the park. Or find an amazing outdoor café, kick back and let someone else do the cooking.
Give a few of these unique holidays a whirl, and you may find yourself looking forward to August each year!
MORE CREATIVE CELEBRATIONS IN AUGUST:
- AUGUST 1: National Mountain Climbing Day
- AUGUST 4: U.S. Coast Guard Day
- AUGUST 5: National Friendship Day
- AUGUST 16: National Tell a Joke Day
- AUGUST 19: National Aviation Day
- AUGUST 20: National Radio Day