1. National Nothing Day
January 16 is National Nothing Day, and yes, it’s completely real. Created in 1973 by columnist Harold Pullman Coffin, it was meant to give people a day where they weren’t expected to celebrate, observe, commemorate, or buy anything. It’s kind of the anti-holiday, and in our non-stop world, it actually feels kind of brilliant shares Wikipedia.
The whole point is to do, quite literally, nothing. No themed meals, no decorations, no hashtags. Just sit, exist, and maybe take a breath. It’s a good reminder that sometimes we don’t need a reason to slow down. Ironically, by giving it a name and date, it becomes a “something,” but we’ll let that slide. Sometimes, doing nothing is exactly what we need adds National Day Calendar.
2. National Sneak Some Zucchini Onto Your Neighbor’s Porch Day
Celebrated on August 8, this holiday is a clever way for gardeners to deal with zucchini overload. It’s been around for years and encourages people to secretly leave surplus zucchinis on neighbors’ doorsteps. When your garden gives you 50 zucchinis in one week, you get creative shares National Today.
Some folks really get into it—leaving recipe cards, ribbons, or even dressing the squash up in tiny costumes. It’s all in good fun and promotes community sharing, even if it’s a little sneaky adds the Old Farmer’s Almanac. Plus, it’s a great conversation starter. One day you wake up to a mystery vegetable and by evening, you’re texting your neighbor for a zucchini bread recipe. Summer squash never had such flair.
3. National Answer Your Cat’s Questions Day
January 22 is the one day a year where cat owners are encouraged to take their cats’ curiosity seriously. Sure, it’s tongue-in-cheek, but it also reflects just how much people love to bond with their pets. If your cat could ask you questions, wouldn’t you want to know what they’re wondering?
Maybe they want to know why the food bowl is only half full or why you dared to sit in their chair. It’s a whimsical excuse to engage with your feline friend and maybe even learn a little about their behavior. At the very least, you’ll feel a little closer during those long, judgmental stares. And if you talk back, we won’t judge.
4. National Cheese Sacrifice Purchase Day
Every July 29, this oddly specific day rolls around with a single mission: buy cheese to sacrifice in a mouse trap. It’s a throwback to the days before modern pest control, when a cube of cheddar could mean the difference between peace and a mouse party under your sink.
Most people won’t celebrate this one literally, but it’s become a fun reminder of old-timey household hacks. Some even take it as an excuse to eat cheese themselves, in honor of its service. Either way, it’s a quirky nod to how we used to deal with life’s little annoyances. And let’s be honest, sacrificing cheese is no small act.
5. International Talk Like a Pirate Day
September 19 is when the world turns into a big, goofy ship full of “ahoy mateys” and “walk the plank!” Started as a joke between two friends in the ’90s, it took off after columnist Dave Barry mentioned it in 2002. Suddenly, it wasn’t just a gag—it was a global event.
Offices, schools, and even restaurants got in on it, with people dressing up, speaking pirate slang, and posting their best “Arrr!” online. It’s a lighthearted way to break up the routine and let your inner swashbuckler out for a spin. You don’t need a parrot or a peg leg, just a sense of humor. It’s silly, theatrical, and surprisingly contagious.
6. National Lumpy Rug Day
Celebrated on May 3, National Lumpy Rug Day sounds like a joke but actually encourages people to give some attention to their rugs. Whether it’s time to clean, fix, or just appreciate them, it’s a moment to honor the most overlooked part of our homes. Rugs really do take a beating.
Some people take it literally and use the day to deep-clean or finally replace that lumpy disaster under the coffee table. Others see it metaphorically—acknowledging the things we’ve been ignoring or hiding under the rug emotionally. Either way, it’s weirdly therapeutic. Who knew rugs needed a day of recognition?
7. National Lost Sock Memorial Day
May 9 is dedicated to the eternal mystery of the missing sock. We’ve all had that frustrating moment when one goes missing in the wash and never returns. This holiday honors those forgotten foot warmers and gives us a reason to clear out our drawers.
People celebrate by finally tossing the mismatched singles or repurposing them as puppets or dust rags. Some even light a candle or make silly “RIP” signs. It’s ridiculous, but also oddly relatable. If nothing else, it’s a reminder to do laundry with a little more care—or at least buy more socks.
8. National Step in a Puddle and Splash Your Friends Day
January 11 is set aside for a little harmless mischief. The name alone sounds like something out of a kids’ cartoon, and that’s kind of the point. It’s about embracing your inner child, even if it means wet shoes and mild irritation.
Celebrating this holiday usually involves a bit of playfulness—maybe a good-natured splash or two on unsuspecting friends. It’s goofy and spontaneous, and in the right setting, it can spark laughter instead of grumbles. Just make sure everyone’s on board, or it could turn into “National Apologize Profusely Day.” Still, a little silliness never hurt anyone.
9. National Be Late for Something Day
September 5 gives you full permission to ditch punctuality—on purpose. It was started by the Procrastinators’ Club of America as a way to push back against the pressure to always be on time. It’s kind of freeing, honestly.
The holiday invites people to slow down and stop stressing about the clock for once. Take your time with breakfast, stroll instead of speed walk, or let yourself linger in bed a little longer. For chronic over-achievers, this can feel downright rebellious. Just maybe don’t try it with a job interview or your wedding.
10. National Clean Out Your Refrigerator Day
November 15 is all about tackling that scary space behind the yogurt container. Originally promoted by Whirlpool, this holiday is meant to prepare your fridge for the holiday food season. Because no one wants to make room for a turkey next to a moldy container of spaghetti.
It’s not glamorous, but it’s deeply satisfying. Out goes the expired salad dressing, in comes a sense of order. Some folks even use the day to reorganize and plan meals around what’s still edible. And if you’ve ever found something unrecognizable in a Tupperware, this day is for you. Just make sure to take a deep breath before you open the lid.
11. National Hug a Plumber Day
April 25 is your chance to thank the unsung heroes of our homes. Plumbers fix our leaks, rescue our jewelry from drains, and keep our water flowing without a second thought. This holiday gives them the credit they rarely get.
While you probably won’t actually hug your plumber (unless you know them well), a kind word, a tip, or a good online review goes a long way. They deal with messes most of us wouldn’t touch with gloves on. Celebrating this day might not be glamorous, but it’s definitely deserved. Pipes may be hidden, but plumbers shouldn’t be.
12. National Awkward Moments Day
On March 18, awkwardness takes center stage. It’s a day to laugh at the cringe—whether it’s calling your teacher “Mom” or waving back at someone who wasn’t actually waving at you. We’ve all been there.
Instead of feeling embarrassed, this holiday encourages us to embrace those moments and even share them. It’s a great way to feel less alone in your clumsiness. Everyone trips up, says the wrong thing, or fumbles a handshake. This day just makes it official: awkward is normal. And probably pretty funny in hindsight.
13. National Have a Bad Day Day
November 19 is not about being negative, but about acknowledging that bad days happen. It was started by a greeting card writer who wanted to break up the endless stream of “Have a nice day” sentiments. Some days, you just can’t.
This day gives you permission to not fake a smile or pretend everything’s okay. Grumble a little, sigh a lot, and let the bad vibes out. Sometimes being honest about having a rough day is the most refreshing thing you can do. And knowing there’s an actual day for it? That’s oddly comforting.
14. National Bathtub Party Day
On December 5, you’re invited to unwind with some bubbles—and maybe a few friends, if you’ve got a big enough tub. It sounds like a joke, but the holiday is real and encourages people to relax and enjoy a warm soak.
Some people take it literally and throw small bath-themed get-togethers with face masks and drinks. Others just use it as an excuse for a quiet night with candles and a book. Either way, it’s a reminder that self-care doesn’t have to be serious. Even your bathtub gets to host a party once a year.