Community Champion ⭐⭐⭐

WHAT'S SPECIAL ABOUT TODAY?

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March 24, 2019
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Today is March 24th and it is:

World Tuberculosis Day

World Tuberculosis Day is a worldwide event that aims to raise public awareness about tuberculosis and the efforts made to prevent and treat this disease. This event is held on March 24 each year and is promoted by organizations such as the World Health Organization (WHO).

March 24th marks the day in 1882 when Dr. Robert Koch detected the cause of tuberculosis--the TB bacillus. This was a first step towards diagnosing and curing tuberculosis. World Tuberculosis Day can be traced back to 1982, when the International Union Against Tuberculosis and Lung Disease launched World TB Day on March 24 that year, to coincide with the 100th anniversary of Dr. Koch’s discovery.

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I plan on posting interesting tidbits about each day/date of the calendar. I hope others will add to it as well. It can be related to any subject as long as it happened on or is correlated in some way with that particular date.

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LydiaN586309Author

Community Champion ⭐⭐⭐

National Christmas Lights Day – December 1, 2019

U.S.National Christmas Lights Day 2019 — December 1
Time to deck the halls, folks, because December 1 is National Christmas Lights Day! Before the invention of electric lights, families would balance candles on the branches of their Christmas trees—a risky practice that naturally led to several house fires. Electric Christmas lights were first invented in 1880 by Thomas Edison, who promptly strung them all over the outside of his Menlo Park laboratory. Because people were initially distrustful of electricity, however, it took another several decades for the invention to catch on. And it wasn’t until 1903, when General Electric began selling pre-assembled kits of Christmas lights, that electric lights became popular with people of all classes. Today, electric lights are an integral part of the winter holiday season, and certainly aren’t exclusive to Christmas. As we get ready for the end of the year, let’s string up our lights and celebrate. ‘Tis the season, after all.

National Christmas Lights Day Activities
Take a Christmas lights walk
Bundle up in your winter coat and take a walk through your neighborhood to enjoy the lights on display. Or, if there’s a place in your hometown that’s notorious for grandiose light displays, take a trip over there to check them out. It’s a great way to stay connected with your community, get exercise, and just enjoy the beauty of the winter season.

Coordinate with your neighbors
If you feel like putting on a big scene with your neighbors, you can collaborate on a specific design together. Whether it’s a repeated motif or an extended scene, this is a great way to exercise your creativity and have a great time with your neighbors. And as a bonus, you might end up going viral thanks to some passer-by with a smartphone.

Set your lights to music
This was a trend a few years ago, but we maintain that it’s still a classic Christmas project. If you’ve got the know-how (or know someone who does), you can set your lights to flash to the beat of your favorite song.

Why We Love National Christmas Lights Day
They’re beautiful
There’s something about the look of Christmas lights shining on a cold winter’s night that captures the imagination. You’re instantly transported back to your childhood, back when magic was real and life was a lot less complicated. Whether they shine against a blanket of snow or glimmer from the trunk of a palm tree, Christmas lights have their own special kind of beauty.

They keep you warm
Anyone who has ever singed their hand on a bulb that’s been burning too long knows this to be true. Sure, a roaring log fire might be a more efficient way to keep warm (or heck, even a furnace), but in case you don’t have either of those things, curl up next to a bright strand of Christmas lights and warm on up. (Just be careful not to touch them).

They make a great family puzzle
At some point during the months leading up to December, the Christmas lights will inevitably become tangled. It doesn’t matter how carefully you put them away the year before—they will always be tangled when you bring them out again. So rather than be miserable and grumpy about it, gather the family together and turn the Great Untangling into a game! Build up your hand-eye coordination and your strategic thinking skills as you get ready to “step into Christmas.”

LydiaN586309Author

Community Champion ⭐⭐⭐

Giving Tuesday – December 3, 2019

What is Giving Tuesday?
Every year, on the Tuesday after Thanksgiving, people take the time to kickoff the holiday season by giving back to their community. Whether it be donating money to a charitable cause or volunteering, Giving Tuesday is a day set to benefit the community.

History of Giving Tuesday
The idea of Giving Tuesday was first announced in September 2012, two months prior to the first Giving Tuesday occurring on November 27. The announcement was made by Giving Tuesday founding partner and technology website, Mashable. The purpose of the day is to inspire people and companies to take action, just like Black Friday and Cyber Monday created a framework for retailers to sell merchandise. Other Giving Tuesday founders and partners include Skype, Cisco, Microsoft, Sony, Aldo, Case Foundation, Heifer International, Phoenix House, and Starwood Hotels. Shortly before and after November 27, 2012, Giving Tuesday was covered by Washington Post, the White House official blog, ABC News, and Huffington Post. Forbes also used the occasion to publish a guide on effective giving.

In 2013, Mashable partnered with Google+ to hold a “hangout-a-thon” for Giving Tuesday. The holiday received coverage in many philanthropy information websites, including the Chronicle of Philanthropy and Charity Navigator. The December 4 Chronicle of Philanthropy article highlighted a donation by Good Ventures to GiveDirectly, Google’s hangout-a-thon, and matching grants announced by the Case Foundation. Charitable giving on Giving Tuesday in 2013 was approximately twice the value in 2012, with over 7,000 participating nonprofits.

For the 2018 holiday occurrence, Facebook and PayPal announced they’d match up to $7 million in donations to United States nonprofits on a first come first serve basis. The match limit was hit after only an hour, with an announcement saying the match was achieved within seconds. A total of $125 million was raised via Facebook on Giving Tuesday, the highest for a single day on the platform.

Giving Tuesday Activities
Donate to your favorite charity
With an abundance of causes to support, there are many options for people to donate to charity. You can mail in a check, drop off some money, or even click 'Donate' from the comfort of your desk.

Volunteer
We sometimes forget that one helpful way of giving back is by volunteering. Contact a local hospital, shelter, or nonprofit ahead of time and see how you can help.

Donate clothes/shoes
That sweater you swore you would wear this fall (and never saw the daylight), can be of use to someone in need. Go through your closet and donate any articles of clothing you know you're not going to wear again (or ever).

Why We Love Giving Tuesday
It makes us feel good
Whether you admit it or not, the holiday season can get the best of us. Especially when our main stressors are what gift to get that certain family member. If we splurge on materialist goods, giving back to a charitable cause takes some of that guilt away.

We can help those in need
By volunteering at a local community center, or donating money to your favorite organization, we're are able to help those in need. You can provide a warm meal at the local soup kitchen, or even clean drinking water by donating $5.

Anyone can participate
You don't have to be rich or in the Peace Corps to participate in Giving Tuesday, every small act counts. Donating $1 can make a huge impact on any cause.

DaveMcK

Community Champion ⭐⭐⭐

Well What is Special about January 2, 2020 is ...

2nd day of the year. There are then 364 days left in 2020.
1st Thursday of 2020.
on the 1st week of 2020 (using US standard week number calculation).
12th day of Winter. There are 78 days left till Spring.
Birthstone for this day: Garnet

January 2, Zodiac Sign

Capricorn

January 2, 2020 United States Holidays & Popular Observances

January 2, is the 9th of the 12 days of the Christmas Season (Twelvetide).

January 2, 2020 Popular Holidays & Observances Worldwide

Public Holiday - New Zealand
Bank Holiday - Canada
Berchtold Day (Berchtoldstag) - Switzerland
Guru Govind Singh Jayanti (गुरु गोबिंद सिंह जयंती) - India
New Year Day Holiday - Cuba, Moldova, Romania & Serbia
Scotland: New Year's Holiday - United Kingdom
Black and White Carnival (Carnaval de Negros y Blancos Comienza) - Colombia

Posted by Dave the Lighthouse Keeper

DaveMcK

Community Champion ⭐⭐⭐

January 9, 2020 – NATIONAL LAW ENFORCEMENT APPRECIATION DAY

Across the country on January 9th each year, citizens take the lead to show support on National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day.

Law Enforcement Officers of every rank and file have chosen a profession that puts their life on the line every day for their communities. They’ve answered a call to public service that is demanding and often unappreciated.

From local, state and federal, their duties command dedication. The jobs are often thankless and take them away from their families for long hours. Rarely do they know what their days have in store for them. Often law enforcement are the only paid emergency resource a community has. More often they work in coordination with other local, state, and federal organizations to make communities safer.

On National Law Enforcement Day, we have an opportunity to thank them for their service and offer a token of respect.

#LawEnforcementAppreciationDay

There are several ways to show your support. Send a note of thanks to your local, county or state police agency. Wear blue, turn your social media channels blue or shine a blue porch light to show your support. Find more ideas at Concerns of Police Survivors and share your support using #LawEnforcementAppreciationDay to share on social media.

NATIONAL LAW ENFORCEMENT APPRECIATION DAY HISTORY

Several organizations came together to create National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day in 2015 to thank officers across the country for all the daily sacrifices they make for their communities. Some of the organizations supporting the observance include:

Concerns of Police Survivors
FBI National Academy Associates
Fraternal Order of Police
International Association of Chief of Police
Officer Down Memorial Page
Law Enforcement United
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund
International Conference of Police Chaplains
National Troopers Coalition

Since then the inaugural celebration, nationwide many more organizations have joined forces to support National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day (L.E.A.D.) to spread encouragement and respect to these dedicated men and women.

Posted by Dave the Lighthouse Keeper

LydiaN586309Author

Community Champion ⭐⭐⭐

Thanks, Dave!

LydiaN586309Author

Community Champion ⭐⭐⭐

Did you know that today is...

National Bagel Day – January 15, 2020

What is National Bagel Day?

National Bagel Day is January 15. Bagels have a history that is richer than your favorite cream cheese spread! These rounds of dough can be found just about anywhere: breakfast joints, coffee shops, supermarkets, or even your kitchen pantry. In fact, 2018 saw more than 354 million bagels sold.

National Bagel Day History

Bagels have a long and highly documented history that travels from the Jewish families of Poland in the 1600s to wrapped up in parchment paper in your hands today. And, unlike many things created nearly five-hundred years ago, bagels are remarkably unchanged. Sure, cream cheeses and butters and flavors and toppings may have evolved over time but bagel is a beigel is a beygal.

Bagels made the jump to America with a massive Polish-Jewish immigration in the 1800s that firmly entrenched itself in New York City where it thrived. In fact, an entire union was created in the early 1900s called Bagel Bakers Local 338 to support the growing, immigrant-led industry. That also begat the “bagel brunch,” that we still enjoy to this day with little to no changes: lox, cream cheese, capers, tomatoes, and red onions.

While bagels were hugely popular in New York City almost immediately, they didn’t make their way to the national scale until the mid 20th-century where automation and bread slicing (the coolest thing!) made mass manufacturing much more efficient. Since then, bagels have taken off to include a variety of flours, toppings, dips and smears but still remain – by and large – exactly as they were in the 1600s.

National Bagel Day timeline

1950s Bagels Become An American Staple

Bagels are sold in supermarkets across the nation and surpass the donut as an essential breakfast item.

Early 1900's New York Icon

Over this century, the popularity of bagels spread through the growing Eastern European and Jewish-immigrant communities in New York City.

1610 New Baby, New Bagel

The first known written records about bagels appears in Krakow, Poland which dictated that bagels should be gifted to women soon after childbirth.

1300s The First Bagel Appears

The beginnings of the modern bagel can be traced to the Polish obwarzanek, a thin, boiled, then baked ring of dough.

Traditions of National Bagel Day

Eat a bagel

Pretty easy! Head to your local bakery and take a big ole bite into a yummy, warm, crispy, doughy, bagel with your favorite toppings!

Bake a bagel

Surprisingly simple and rather enjoyable, there’s nothing that tastes or smells better than freshly baked bagels straight out of the oven. A great activity for you and your loved ones.

Give a bagel

Considering that the initial written context of bagels came as a traditional gift for pregnant women, this will go great at any maternity ward! Or, just give it to someone you know who lives bagels.

National Bagel Day FAQs

When is National Bagel Day?

National Bagel Day is every year on January 15.

Should I eat a bagel on National Bagel Day?

We recommend eating bagels as often as possible, but especially so on National Bagel Day.

What's the difference between a bagel and a donut?

Bagels are actually a type of bread, which is different than a donut, which is a type of fried dough.

National Bagel Day Activities

Have a bagel at every meal
Take this day as an opportunity to appreciate the versatility of the bagel, and feel free to use it as an excuse to try as many flavors as you would like!
Share the bagel love
What office, classroom, or group of friends doesn't love bagels? Scope out your local bagel shops for exclusive National Bagel Day deals and spring for a dozen delicious bagels to share.
Find the best bagel in town
Everyone has their favorite bagel place, so maybe it's time to figure out which one is the best. Maybe each place has its own specialty bagel — be adventurous and try it out!

Why We Love National Bagel Day

There are countless varieties
Have you ever walked into a bagel shop and noticed all the different flavors available? From bagels weaved with cinnamon raisin swirl to the classic everything bagel, there is always a variety to satisfy your sweet or savory cravings.
Bagels are versatile
Many of us have had bagels for breakfast, but how about as a deli sandwich or maybe a pizza bagel? The chewy and dense texture make bagels a perfect vehicle for toppings, spreads, anything else delicious you can think of!
They are convenient
You can find bagels at grocery stores, coffee shops, and even gas stations. You can eat them toasted or just plain. Either way, they are still a delicious and easy choice when you are on-the-go.

DaveMcK

Community Champion ⭐⭐⭐

National Croissant Day – January 30, 2020

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While most of us know it as a french speciality, the croissant actually originated in Austria under the name “kipferls”. Marie Antoinette first introduced the Austrian pastry to France when she married into the royal family and requested the simple cake in the crescent shape of her homeland. The French bakers created fancier versions of “kipferls” and thus, the croissant was born. In France, the croissant has become more sophisticated, influenced by the cuisine style of its country. At it’s most basic level, it’s a frugal kind of breakfast pastry, made from pâte feuilletée (soft flour of flour, yeast, butter, milk and salt). On January 30, we annually recognize National Croissant Day, so channel your inner Parisian baker today and say “oui” to these buttery treats!

Posted by Dave the Lighthouse Keeper

LydiaN586309Author

Community Champion ⭐⭐⭐

Groundhog handler John Griffiths holds Punxsutawney Phil, who did not see his shadow, predicting an early or late spring during the 134th annual Groundhog Day festivities on February 2, 2020 in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania.

It's..................

Image result for happy groundhog day

And since the little runt didn't see his shadow today, we will be blessed with six more weeks of winter. Or so the story goes!

DaveMcK

Community Champion ⭐⭐⭐

It’s Mardi Gras time, arguably one the best celebrations in the world. It stretches from Twelfth Night (the last night of Christmas) all the way until Ash Wednesday. Mardi Gras is French for “Fat Tuesday” to reflect the practice of eating rich, fatty foods before the ritual fasting of the Lenten season. It’s also a time to bring out those colorful beads and masks and party! This celebration goes on in many parts of the world in various forms. So get out there and join the Mardi Gras celebrations on February 25, and party with the world!

TUESDAY HISTORY

The roots of the celebration have been woven together for centuries from medieval spring festivals and feasts that were based on the Christian calendar. Fat Tuesday is celebrated around the world in its various forms all of which harken back to these roots of spring festivals and religious fasting in preparation for the Holy day of Easter.

Credit for bringing Mardi Gras to America goes to French explorers Pierre Le Moyne Sieur d’Iberville and Jean Baptiste Le Moyne Sieur de Bienville. In 1699, d’Iberville reached the mouth of the river on Shrove Tuesday near what is now Louisiana and named it Pointe du Mardi Gras.

Thanks to their establishment of Fort Louis de la Mobile, modern-day Mobile, Alabama lays claim to the first Mardi Gras celebration on American soil in 1703.

When de Bienville established Nouvelle Orleans in 1788, Mardi Gras celebrations reportedly began immediately. In 1875, Louisiana declared Fat Tuesday an official holiday.

What is Fat Tuesday?

Fat Tuesday is another name for Shrove Tuesday, the day before Ash Wednesday. It begins the season of Lent for Christians. Fat Tuesday falls on February 25, 2020.

What happens on Fat Tuesday?

Traditionally, Lent is a period of fasting. So on Fat Tuesday one is supposed to bulk up on fatty, rich foods that you do not eat during the Lenten time. That’s one of the reasons pancakes and fastnachts (which contain fat, sugar and eggs) are often eaten on the holiday.

The day also marks the end of shrovetide or Carnival (or Carnaval), which is the week leading up to Lent.

Fat Tuesday is about readying oneself for Lent, not just by feasting before a fast. For Christians, it is a time to reflect, confess and ready one's spirit for the forty days of repentance that is Lent.

“To shrive” is to hear confessions. Thus, Shrove Tuesday is a day of feasting as well as penance.

Does it have any other names?

It is also called Mardi Gras, which means Fat Tuesday in French. It is referred to as Fastnacht Day in Germany - meaning “the eve of the fast” - and Fetter Dienstag. In England, it is also called Pancake Tuesday because of the traditional pancake meal that occurs on that day.

Why Fastnacht Day?

Some of us like to name our days after the food we consume. Shrove Tuesday is the day where many people eat a Pennsylvania Dutch doughnut, called fastnacht. Fastnachts have been a Pennsylvania Dutch tradition for generations and were originally designed as a way to use up all the lard in the house before the beginning of Lent.

How do you spell fastnacht?

Fastnacht is pretty common, but fausnacht, fauschnaut, faschnacht, fassenacht and fosnacht are also acceptable. Feel free to invent your own version for added confusion.

How fattening are they?

Depends on the recipe. Fat grams can range from about 7 to 12 per fastnacht. Some say the calorie count is as low as 200. Others say it's nearly 500.

Posted by Dave the Lighthouse Keeper

LydiaN586309Author

Community Champion ⭐⭐⭐

TODAY IS.......

National Chili Day – February 27, 2020

On February 27, we celebrate National Chili Day — a moment to pay homage to the legendary dish that brings people together, and can tear them apart. Chili is the ultimate people-pleaser, but it’s also the ultimate cook-off dish. Family recipes are guarded like crown jewels, and secret ingredients are never spoken of above a whisper. And the debates about what makes true chili — beans or no beans? —are fierce! But these are all part of what makes chili such an experience. When chili is being served — perhaps with some chopped onions and shredded cheese on top — everyone comes to the table.

NATIONAL CHILI DAY ACTIVITIES

Cook up your favorite chili
Maybe your go-to recipe is in your head, or maybe it’s earmarked in your favorite cookbook. Maybe you need to call your mom and have her give your step-by-step instructions. However the chili gets on the stove, get it there, and then enjoy a piping hot bowl of the good stuff.
Host a chili cook-off
Everyone, and we mean everyone, has a chili recipe. So invite everyone over and have a chili throw down. Competition will be fierce, but so will your appetites.
Go on chili tour
We mean it when we say that everyone has a chili recipe — that includes the chefs at your favorite restaurants. Find out which spots in your town have chili on the menu, and do your own version of a progressive dinner to find your favorite. Then next year on National Chili Day, you’ll know where to head.

WHY WE LOVE NATIONAL CHILI DAY

It's hearty
Some soups are barely an appetizer, but chili is a meal unto itself. A big bowl of steaming chili can warm you up and satisfy you like few other foods can. It sticks to your bones and keeps you full.
Everyone has an opinion
Secret chili recipes are the stuff of legend — and of deliciousness. The variety in the dish is mind-boggling, and means you’ll never get sick of showing up at a friend’s house and hearing that chili being served. And chili has sprung one of the fiercest food debates there is: do beans belong in chili?
It brings people together
Chili is the ultimate comfort food. You start feeling good the minute you open the door, its spicy aroma wafting through the air. Hold a steaming bowl of the stuff in your hands and you’re on your way to perfect culinary experience. No one misses chili night. It’s informal, cozy, and a time for people to be together.

AND IT'S ALSO.......
International Polar Bear Day – February 27, 2020
Polar bears are some of the coolest creatures on the planet, and they live in some of the coldest places on Earth. Each year on February 27 we celebrate these magnificent creatures on International Polar Bear Day. The day was established by Polar Bears International, an organization devoted to preserving polar bears and the sea ice they depend on, to draw global attention to the plight of these magnificent mammals.
HOW TO OBSERVE INTERNATIONAL POLAR BEAR DAY
Chill out
Polar Bears International, the organization that started International Polar Bear Day, encourages friends of polar bears to celebrate by taking part in their Thermostat Challenge by lowering their thermostats on February 27 to reduce carbon emissions (and help the polar bears).
Visit a polar bear
What better way to celebrate International Polar Bear Day than to see one of these exceptional creatures in action. Check to see if your local zoo features a polar bear exhibit (just a few examples that do: the Bronx Zoo in New York, the San Diego Zoo, and the Oregon Zoo). No polar bears nearby? Checkout highlights from Explore.org’s live cams.
Have a Coke
Coca-Cola helped polar bears capture our hearts. Polar bears and Coca-Cola seem to have been inseparable since time immemorial—but actually, the relationship began with a French Coca-Cola ad in 1922. By humanizing the polar bear, Coca-Cola made an otherwise scary predator accessible to millions. So crack open a Coke, and say a toast to the best bears.
WHY INTERNATIONAL POLAR BEAR DAY IS IMPORTANT
Polar Bears aren’t actually white
Polar bears are exceptional animals. Here’s just one reason to love them: their iconic white coat isn't actually white at all—it's transparent. Polar bears are covered in a thick layer of clear, air-filled fur that luminesces in the light. Underneath all that hair is black skin designed to absorb the warmth of sunlight.
Polar bears are the Michael Phelps of the animal kingdom
Polar bears may look chubby and lazy, but don't be fooled. The largest land carnivores on Earth are able to swim up to 60 miles at a single stretch—without rest—in search of food.
Polar bears need our help
Polar bears live in the Arctic areas of the northern hemisphere, which are being threatened by loss of sea ice from global climate change. Two-thirds of the planet’s polar bears could be gone by 2050, and scientists estimate the bears could be extinct by 2100.

LydiaN586309Author

Community Champion ⭐⭐⭐

TODAY IS.....

National Read Across America Day – March 2, 2020

March 2 is National Read Across America Day, a day to celebrate our favorite activity. The day was established by the National Education Association (NEA) in 1998 to help get kids excited about reading. The day occurs each year on the birthday of beloved children’s book author Dr. Seuss, so a perfect way to celebrate is to don a Seussian hat and read one his famous tales, like One Fish Two Fish Red Fish Blue Fish. On National Read Across America Day, students, teachers, parents, and community members around the nation come together to read books and celebrate the joy of reading — join us!

NATIONAL READ ACROSS AMERICA DAY ACTIVITIES

Make a date with a book
When you have a good book, you’re never alone. Celebrate National Read Across America day by taking your favorite book for a coffee, glass of wine, or even out to dinner. Sit at the bar or at a table for two and get lost in your book while out in public.
Go to a reading
Groups around the country host readings on National Read Across America day. Check out what your local libraries and bookstores have on offer, and if you have kids, see what their schools are planning. Some events may be looking for volunteers to read out loud to kids — what a treat (and a gift).
Have a birthday party for Dr. Seuss
Invite friends over to celebrate Dr. Seuss and reading! Have Seuss-themed snacks — butter-side down toast, green eggs and ham — and have friends read selections from their favorite Seuss books.

WHY WE LOVE NATIONAL READ ACROSS AMERICA DAY

Reading is exciting
Reading takes us to exciting new places, enchanted lands, and even faraway galaxies. When we read, we can be detectives, explorers, and heroes. Ever stayed up late to finish a book by flashlight under your covers? Or missed your bus stop because you were so engrossed in a chapter? Reading adds excitement to our lives!
Reading makes us smarter
Did you know that reading actually increases your brain power? It’s true! Regular reading can slow the decline of memory and brain function that comes with age. And of course, as Dr. Seuss says, “The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you'll go.”
Reading is relaxing
Even reading for just six minutes can reduce stress, according to research. In fact, reading is more calming than listening to music or going on a walk! Curling up with a good book and cup of tea (or another favorite beverage) is one of life’s great joys — and relaxers.

LydiaN586309Author

Community Champion ⭐⭐⭐

Today is.... National Napping Day – March 9, 2020

History of National Napping Day

National Napping Day was created in 1999 by a Boston University professor and his wife. William Anthony Ph.D. and his wife Camille Anthony created this holiday to spread awareness on the importance of getting enough sleep and its benefits. The holiday was meant to help make up for the amount of sleep lost when the hour changes. The date was chosen because studies have shown that people are already at their most tired and sleep deprived after daylight savings changes. The change of the hour really makes a difference, but National Napping Day can make you feel like there was no change at all.

However, even though the holiday wasn’t created until 1999, the Spanish already had the tradition of taking an afternoon “siesta.” That’s good news for Spain, since daylight savings won’t affect the routine of the people there too much. The Ancient Romans were known to take midday naps as well. With the hustle and bustle of modern life midday naps seem more like a thing from the past to most people. Naps are seen as luxuries now, a symbol of extra time most of us can’t afford. But back then naps were seen as a necessity and were sometimes used for medicinal purposes and even religious practices. Even though National Napping Day was created 21 years ago, it still doesn’t have actual recognition as an official national holiday. Although National Napping Day isn’t technically a real holiday, who doesn’t love a reason to nap?

National Napping Day Activities

Take a nap
This might seem obvious but with our busy schedules sometimes we ignore the things our bodies need, like rest. The best way to enjoy this holiday is to get comfy and rest. Close the curtains, set your phone to silent, snuggle up in your favorite pj’s and relax.
Set up a sleeping playlist
Sometimes even though we want to relax or fall asleep we just can’t seem to turn our brains off. Setting up a calm music playlist can help your brain relax and make it easier to fall asleep. This is a great way to unwind and discover new music.
Turn off your phone
This is the hardest one I know! But when we’re distracted by what's going on on our phones it's hard to get our body and brain to be relaxed enough to fall asleep. If you can’t bear to turn it off then set it to silent and try to get a quick 20 minute nap in.
5 Facts About Sleeping That You Didn’t Know About
1. You can’t dream while napping
  If you are sleeping the recommended time for napping then you shouldn’t be able to dream.
2. If you do dream you may be sleep deprived
  The only way you can dream is if you take a 90 minute nap which is not as recommended.
3. Not all naps are the same
  Taking a 20 to 30 minute nap will make you feel energized while a 60 minute nap will make you feel more rejuvenated albeit somewhat groggy.
4. REM sleep is the most important stage when sleeping
  REM sleep is very beneficial to cognitive function and can be achieved through longer naps.
5. You have REM sleep during a 90 minute nap
  90 to 120 minute naps encompass all stages of sleep including REM sleep.
Why We Love National Napping Day
1. It’s super healthy for you
  There are so many health benefits to napping that may make you think twice next time you decide to skip a nap, including increased awareness, brain performance and a decrease in stress. One of the biggest benefits is that it keeps your heart healthy. People who nap reduce the risk of heart disease and heart related death. Now we can definitely say we heart National Napping Day!
2. They put you in a better mood
  When we’re tired we are more prone to mood swings, irritability, and impulsivity, but with a short nap you can wake up feeling brand new! Studies show that taking short afternoon naps can make you feel more happy and it can even improve your sex life.
3. Gives us a reason to relax
  Let's face it, we’re sleep deprived! Sometimes we can get caught up in our busy day to day lives and our crazy schedules. All it takes is a 20 to 30 minute nap to feel energized for the rest of the day. National Napping Day is the perfect day to let yourself hit the snooze button.

LydiaN586309Author

Community Champion ⭐⭐⭐

National Girl Scout Day – March 12, 2020

Steel your resolve. Dieters, beware! There are Girl Scouts everywhere, and they’re all trying to sell you kryptonite … aka, their most delicious cookies. Whether your favorite flavor is minty Thin Mints or gooey Tagalongs, we can all agree that Girl Scout cookies make the world go round. They’re so good, they deserve a holiday. And they have one … of sorts. Get ready to celebrate this March 12, because it’s National Girl Scout Day! Part of Girl Scout Week, National Girl Scout Day commemorates the anniversary of the first Girl Scout meeting. In 1912, Juliette “Daisy” Gordon Low organized the meeting in Savannah, Georgia. And Girl Scouts has only grown from there! So grab a cookie (or 12) and get ready to celebrate.

National Girl Scout Day Activities

Buy some cookies
Yes, you read that sentence right. We’re giving you the excuse you’ve been longing for to go out and buy those cookies! 100% of the money from cookie sales goes back into the organization. Further, all the money you spend stays local. That means instead of funding Girl Scouts HQ, your money is helping directly support your community and its development. Personally, we think that’s pretty awesome!
Create your own Girl Scout badge
Okay, so you’re probably too old to run out and join Girl Scouts (and if you’re not, we hope you’re using the internet with parental supervision). However, you can do the next best thing and create badges for yourself. Set challenges and then give yourself badges when you complete them! Have you always wanted to try a new hike but could never find the motivation? Create a wilderness explorer badge! We’re exaggerating, but you get the point.
Spend time with your favorite Girl Scout
We all know a Girl Scout. Maybe it’s your daughter; maybe it’s your little cousin. Either way, spend a little time with them this National Girl Scout Day and let them know how loved and appreciated they are. Tell them they’re going to change the world! Girl Scouts is all about lifting girls up, and you can support that mission this March 12.

Why We Love National Girl Scout Day

Girl Scouts empowers girls
The Girl Scout mission is to “[build] girls of courage, confidence, and character, who make the world a better place.” How could we not love an organization who wants to create powerful girls? We need the next generation to be both smart and altruistic, and Girl Scouts is trying to accomplish just that. Queen Bey explains it better than we ever could: “Who run the world? Girls!"
Their cookies are delicious, darn it
Excuse our French; we get very excited about Girl Scout cookies. We’ve started minor wars with our friends over which flavors are the best. And it’s all because of those delicious circles of minty, chocolate, peanut-buttery goodness. We can’t stop eating them. We don’t want to stop eating them! We will gladly give up being healthy or in staying in shape if it means we can eat mass quantities of these wonderful cookies. Plus, a hot body is overrated … right?
They taught everyone we know how to make lanyards
Let’s be real — none of us would know how to make lanyards without a Girl Scout. Whether you made your first lanyard in summer camp or on the elementary school playground, you learned how to do it from a Girl Scout. We don’t know exactly why all Girl Scouts make lanyards, but we’ve all reaped the benefits. What would life be without lanyards? Backpack zippers would be much less swanky, at the very least. Thank you, Girl Scouts.

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