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The Other “Holidays” of The Holiday Season

Thanksgiving, Hannukah, Christmas, Boxing Day, and New Year’s Day are just a few of the holidays celebrated by millions during this time—but they’re not the only occasions celebrated as the year comes to a close. Whether you want to acknowledge a popular food, a beloved pastime, or commemorate a made-up holiday from your favorite TV show, a “holiday” can be created by just about anyone with a good idea and enough support online. Here are a few other “holidays” you can celebrate alongside the ones we all know and love. Read on! 

1. National Sandwich Day (November 3)

A ham sandwich with tomatoes and lettuce stacked on three pieces of bread

Sandwiched between Halloween and the first weekend of November, National Sandwich Day recognizes one of America’s favorite foods--the sandwich! To join in the festivities, make your own sandwich or take advantage of the deals and discounts some chains and restaurants offer across the nation. Whatever you choose, be sure to enjoy a BLT, sub, or, if you think it counts (we know it's a big debate), maybe even a hot dog on this fun foodie day. 

2. International Tongue Twister Day (November 13)

Dive into a dictionary to dictate this day of diction. Tongue twisters have existed for centuries, turning similarly sounding words into funny phrases that are challenging to complete. To celebrate, try to come up with your own tongue-turning sentences, or see how many of these classics you can get through before your tongue gets tied up:

  • Easy: She sells seashells by the seashore.
  • Medium: Fuzzy Wuzzy was a bear. Fuzzy Wuzzy had no hair. Fuzzy Wuzzy wasn’t fuzzy, was he?
  • Hard: Peter Piper picked a peck of pickled peppers. A peck of pickled peppers Peter Piper picked. If Peter Piper picked a peck of pickled peppers, where’s the peck of pickled peppers Peter Piper picked?

Then, challenge your friends to do the same! 

3. National Cake Day (November 26) 

A woman spreading frosting on a two layered chocolate cake

Who doesn’t love a big slice of cake? The delectable dessert is honored after Thanksgiving, creating another day of feasting for those with a sweet tooth. You can spend the day baking, buying, or eating leftover cake you already have. If you want to prep the perfect cake, use October (National Dessert Month!) to get your recipe just right, and be sure to participate in National Cake Decorating Day on October 10.  

Friendsgiving is another exciting holiday around Thanksgiving and National Cake Day. Check out how to host the perfect Friendsgiving celebration. 

4. Letter Writing Day (December 7) 

While letter writing may seem like a thing of the past, it’s still celebrated in early December. Turn back the clock and use the day to write a letter to an old friend or loved one. Or, write a letter to your future self and set a reminder to open it in a few years. Then, look back on how your life has changed and what your goals were, and maybe do it all over again. 

5. Festivus (December 23) 

Popularized by the nineties sitcom Seinfeld, Festivus is an alternative to holidays like Christmas, Hannukah, and Kwanzaa for people looking for something a bit more non-denominational and non-commercial.

In the show, George Costanza celebrates the day with his father, who replaces the Christmas tree with an aluminum pole and hosts a dinner with meatloaf instead of the usual Christmas ham. To top it off, instead of opening gifts, there’s an “Airing of Grievances” where you tell people what problems you have with them and a “Feats of Strength” wrestling match. Throwing a Festivus-themed holiday party gives fans of the show a chance to jokingly recreate these “traditions” and enjoy the big day.

6. Card Playing Day (December 28) 

A man and woman playing card games on national card game day

If you’re a card shark, there’s a day right before the end of the year for you. Whether it’s poker, UNO, or Go Fish, Card Playing Day is an opportunity to get together with friends and play the game of your choice. You can also:

  • Teach someone how to play a card game
  • Learn the history of your favorite card game
  • Invent a new card game 
  • Organize a tournament 

Host the Best "Holidays" With These Tips (& More) 

From National Sandwich Day to National Cake Day, the holiday season has celebrations big and small for just about everything. And that means you’ll have plenty of opportunities to host events, parties, and gatherings with your friends and your loved ones. Read our article, “At Home for the Holidays: Your Guide to Hosting at Home with Ease,” for tips on how to make your guests feel welcome as they enjoy the festivities. Happy Holidays!