Celebrate Every Day

Welcome to December 23, 2022 on the National Day Calendar. Today we celebrate getting back to our roots and a Festivus for the rest of us.

These days we have all become a little more interested in our roots. I’m not talking about the gray kind that we cover up with hair dye, I’m talking about family history. DNA testing has doubled in popularity since these kits began offering valuable information including health issues, the migration of our forefathers and a deeper sense of our personal identity. If you’re lucky, you still have a valuable source of living history right in your own family circle. On National Roots Day, dig a little deeper into the roots of your own family tree and find out more of what you’re made of.

Reader’s Digest author Daniel O’Keefe created a new holiday tradition called Airing Family Grievances that was first celebrated in 1966. Today we celebrate this Festivus for the rest of us, largely due to the popularity of a Seinfeld episode that was written by O’Keefe’s son. The tv version takes family tension to comedy extremes. Characters roast each other at the dinner table and wrestle around an aluminum pole to display their feats of strength. No matter how you celebrate the holidays you are sure to reach the point of wishing you could screech SERENITY NOW!

I’m Anna Devere and I’m Marlo Anderson. Thanks for joining us as we Celebrate Every Day.

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Welcome to December 22, 2022 on the National Day Calendar. Today we celebrate the perfect holiday date and the rules of seasonal recycling.

If you’re looking for a date for the holidays look no further than date nut bread. While it doesn’t have the shelf life of a fruit cake, its less gaudy appearance speaks for its excellent taste. Dates have been cultivated since ancient times from Mesopotamia to prehistoric Egypt, and are prized for their sticky sweetness. Quick bread recipes first appeared in the 1930s, when they were served as a tea time treat. Dress this classic with a cream cheese frosting if you’re placing it on your holiday table. On National Date Nut Bread Day, it’s guaranteed to get more attention than its ugly Christmas sweater cousin.

While re-gifting may seem like a good example of recycling, there are a few rules of etiquette. Make sure that the receiver of your re-gift wasn’t the original giver. If the gift was handmade or of personal value, it is best not to give it away. Gifts that are new or in other words, not a hand me down, are more likely to be well received. And finally, be prepared with a story of how you found the item, unless deception is not your thing. Some families celebrate the art of re-gifting with a white elephant or obviously repurposed present. On National Re-Gifting Day, celebrate by using your best judgment and be kind with this art of deception.

I’m Anna Devere and I’m Marlo Anderson. Thanks for joining us as we Celebrate Every Day.

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Welcome to December 21, 2022 on the National Day Calendar. Today we celebrate an ancient tradition and turning your holiday frown upside down.

One of the oldest celebrations still in existence today is the Winter Solstice. Ancient ruins like Stonehenge were even built around this event when the Earth’s poles are at their maximum tilt. If you don’t have a giant sundial in your yard, have no fear, you will likely notice that the day feels remarkably short. Unless of course you live in the Southern Hemisphere, where you are experiencing the peak of Summer. The festivities of Winter Solstice vary widely but still include decorating an outdoor tree to feed wildlife, gathering indoors for hot mulled cider and lighting lanterns for the longest night of the year. It’s all designed to inspire hope for the “birth of the sun” as we mark a new year’s voyage.

The word humbug dates back to the 1750s when it was used to describe anything false or deceptive. Charles Dickens made the phrase popular with his character of Ebenezer Scrooge. To this day, anyone who scoffs at looking at the bright side is synonymous with the name of Scrooge. We all know it took some ghostly interventions to turn Ebenezer around. If the hustle and bustle of the holiday season is filling you with humbug, take the cue to find time for yourself. And if that’s not enough, try ditching all the stuff that makes you crabby and focus on what brings you joy! On Humbug Day, celebrate your own transformation into all things bright and beautiful.

I’m Anna Devere and I’m Marlo Anderson. Thanks for joining us as we Celebrate Every Day.

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Welcome to December 20, 2022 on the National Day Calendar. Today we celebrate festive drinks and songs that stick.

Sangria originated in early Greek and Roman times when safe drinking water was not always available. Alcohol killed the bacteria in water and fruit made it even more drinkable. The word Sangria comes from the Spanish and Portuguese word for blood, which speaks to its color, though folks now use both red and white wines and even limoncello. At the 1964 World’s Fair, Americans added an extra shot of brandy, for bonus warmth and cheer. What makes sangria truly special is the variety of flavor combinations of its seasonal fruits. No matter what’s available today you can add some sparkle to your holiday party on National Sangria Day.

In 1939, the department store Montgomery Wards wanted to create their own Christmas character. They had been giving away coloring books as a promotion each year, but decided that designing their own would save money. Robert L. May was given the task and was inspired by his daughter’s love for reindeer. While staring out the window at the fog, Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer sprang to life and the iconic Christmas story was born. Rudolf eventually made his way into a song and the rest is Yuletide history. On Go Caroling Day, celebrate with your favorite songs and don’t forget the most famous reindeer of all.

I’m Anna Devere and I’m Marlo Anderson. Thanks for joining us as we Celebrate Every Day.

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Welcome to December 19, 2022 on the National Day Calendar. Today we celebrate healthy hearts and candies that go the distance.

A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens was first published on December 19, 1843. Today Christmas would not be complete without the story of Ebineezer Scrooge and his miraculous change of heart. Dickens’s own reason for the seasonal tale can be summed up in line from Scrooge’s nephew Fred: “I have always thought of Christmas time as… a kind, forgiving, charitable…time; when men and women … open their shut-up hearts freely.” If this seems like a lot of humbug, consider changing that lump of coal in your chest by eating something healthy. Studies show that the heart-healthy fiber in oatmeal can improve the most fowl of dispositions. On National Oatmeal Muffin Day, celebrate your own change of heart with this delicious remedy.

In 1949, Bill and Dorothy Harmsen founded Jolly Rancher in Golden, Colorado. The couple originally sold ice cream and chocolate, but found their ice cream sales plummeted during the winter months. This prompted them to focus their business on producing hard candies, a decision that would pay off big. The first flavors were grape, apple, and fire stix, and while these flavors are still going strong, most people put watermelon, blue raspberry and cherry on top. Today, Jolly Rancher produces the most popular hard candy of all time. On National Hard Candy Day, savor the long lasting flavor of a candy that goes the distance.

I’m Anna Devere and I’m Marlo Anderson. Thanks for joining us as we Celebrate Every Day.

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Welcome to December 18, 2022 on the National Day Calendar. Today we celebrate elfing around and the festival of lights.

Anna: Buddy, the Elf. What’s your favorite color?

Marlo: Yellow, yellow, yellow!

Anna: John?

John: Red. No green!

Anna: Did you guys know it's Answer The Telephone Like Buddy The Elf Day?

John: I do now!

Anna: Right, I'm getting my "elf on!" Do you know what kinda music elves like best?

John: Uh, jingle music?

Anna: No: wrap music! And what do you call an elf who wins the lottery?

John: Uh, lucky!

Anna: Wealfy! It's not bad joke day. What's the first thing elf children learn in school? The Elfabet! Feel free to get you "elf on" on Answer The Telephone Like Buddy The Elf Day.

This evening kicks off Chanukah, the Jewish festival of lights. During the time of Alexander the Great, Jewish culture began to blend with Greek culture in a mostly peaceful relationship. That is until the Jewish Holy Temple was desecrated. When the Israelites rededicated the Second Temple in Jerusalem, there was only enough oil to keep the lamps lit for one night, but instead, the oil lasted for 8. Chanukah celebrates this miracle with 8 nights of observance. In the evening, families light the menorah, adding one candle each night until all 9 candles are glowing on the last day. They exchange gifts, and share foods that commemorate this event. On the first day of Chanukah, we share in the spirit of miracles and embrace the ones we love.

I’m Anna Devere and I’m Marlo Anderson. Thanks for joining us as we Celebrate Every Day.

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Welcome to December 17, 2022 on the National Day Calendar. Today we celebrate being sappy and fueling our dreams.

If you’ve ever wondered how maple syrup got its grades, here’s a tip, it’s all a matter of taste. In the past, Grade A syrup indicated an earlier harvest, hence a lighter color and milder taste. Grade C was harvested later and was best used as a substitute for molasses. Grade B was often overlooked, because folks thought it was somehow inferior. That’s why the International Maple Syrup Institute dropped the grading system in 2015 and correctly labeled syrup by its color from golden to amber to dark and very dark. If you want to get fancy, check out the single forest Escuminac, Extra Rare syrup from Canada. That one will make you feel at the head of your class. On National Maple Syrup Day celebrate your sappy smarts with an extra pile of pancakes.

From a young age Orville and Wilbur Wright were fascinated by flight. It all started in 1878 when their father brought home a rubber band helicopter. When the toy sailed across the room the boys were hooked. On December 17, 1903, their famous attempt to keep a mechanically propelled airplane aloft lasted only 12 seconds, but it carved a path that others would follow. While their dad was proud he was also nervous, and never allowed his sons to fly together. Seven years later, at the age of 82, he took a turn himself, and apparently enjoyed it. He reportedly yelled, “Higher, Orville, higher!" On Wright Brothers Day, we celebrate those who never lose sight of their dreams.

I’m Anna Devere and I’m Marlo Anderson. Thanks for joining us as we Celebrate Every Day.

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Welcome to December 16, 2022 on the National Day Calendar. Today we celebrate rooting for the underdog and the tradition of poor taste.

It’s an accepted fact that people love cheering for an underdog. Whether in movies or sports or movies about sports, nothing engages our emotions like watching someone win against all odds. Do you guys have a favorite underdog story?

John: The 1980 Winter Olympics Hockey Team. Miracle on Ice.

Marlo: I grew up watching Underdog as a kid.

John: Oh, it was such a great cartoon. Why can't you find Underdog in reruns?

Anna: I don't know but what's the story about that guy Rudy, that movie?

John: Notre Dame football, Rudy Ruettiger.

Marlo: That's a great story too. We have plenty of them actually. Lots of underdogs.

On National Underdog Day, celebrate your favorite unlikely hero that inspires you to go the distance.

Anna: Marlo, what's with that outfit?

Marlo: Well, what? That’s an interesting outfit you have.

Anna: John, back me up. Are you color blind, Marlo? I don't know what's going on with you there.

Marlo: I'm not sure either, actually.

John: The lights and glitter are an interesting touch.

Marlo: Maybe that's why I can't see so well right now. Hang on a second. Let me dim the lights a little.

John: Wait a second, is that panel on the front an advent calendar?!

Anna: That's what it is. Marlo, are you celebrating Ugly Sweater Day by any chance?

Marlo: Ta Da!

Anna: Okay. Well it’s that time of year when some people have parties to raise money for charity or Toys for Tots donations with an ugly sweater dress code. On National Ugly Christmas Sweater Day show your holiday spirit with something fun and hideous.

I’m Anna Devere and I’m Marlo Anderson. Thanks for joining us as we Celebrate Every Day.

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Welcome to December 15, 2022 on the National Day Calendar. Today we celebrate impossible jobs and inalienable rights.

One of the most successful television commercials of all time featured a mockumentary depiction of cat herding. The tongue in cheek interviews of rugged cowboys and their errant kitties aired during the Big Game of 2000. This ad put Electronic Data Systems in the spotlight as it perfectly highlighted the difficulty of leading a team. The earned PR benefits and multiple ad awards put EDS on top. Since then, the company founded by Ross Perot in 1962 was acquired by Hewlett Packard and following its history since is a bit like, well, herding cats. If your job feels like a struggle to maintain order you may want to celebrate Cat Herders Day, by taking the day off.

During the First Constitutional Convention of 1787, the Founding Fathers drafted the Constitution, though not everyone was satisfied with the results. Edmund Randolph, George Mason and Elbridge Gerry felt strongly that a separate document of individual rights should be made. James Madison of Virginia took up the cause and drafted such a list. These personal rights were trimmed down to 17 by the House and another 5 were removed by the Senate. Eventually 10 of the 12 were ratified by the States on December 15, 1791, and our Nation’s Bill of Rights was formally adopted. This document holds even more relevance today and we celebrate Bill of Rights Day by remembering those who held firm to its creation.

I’m Anna Devere and I’m Marlo Anderson. Thanks for joining us as we Celebrate Every Day.

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Welcome to December 14, 2022 on the National Day Calendar. Today we celebrate monkeying around and fancy fish stew.

On May 28th, 1959, two of the greatest heroes of space travel returned to Earth after a 15 minute space flight. It may not sound like much, but it was the first time astronauts were able to survive a return trip from space. One was a monkey named Able, and the other was Miss Baker. These brave little primates paved the way for space exploration by helping scientists to understand the physical stress of spaceflight. Unfortunately, Able passed away only a few days later, but Miss Baker lived another 25 years. When she passed away in 1984, over 300 people attended her funeral, paying tribute to her part in the history of spaceflight. On Monkey Day, we celebrate the primates who took the first steps to make mankind’s giant leap possible.

If I say fish stew, you might say “blech.” But if I say bouillabaisse you might just get hungry. That’s because the French have a knack for turning a handful of garden variety seafood ingredients into a culinary masterpiece. Bouillabaisse was a soup created by the fisherman of Marseille, who looked forward to a one pot meal at the end of a long work day. Rather than using the more expensive fish in their haul, they gathered up the bonier fish and shellfish left over in the net, added garlic, wine and fennel and voilà a French classic that even Julia Child tried to master. On National Bouillabaisse Day, cook up your own favorite fish and remember that one man’s “ewww” is another man’s “mmmm.”

I’m Anna Devere and I’m Marlo Anderson. Thanks for joining us as we Celebrate Every Day.

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