31 Reasons to Celebrate in January

As the days get shorter and the temperature gets colder, we could all use a few extra reasons to celebrate in January. From holidays like New Year's Day to National Cheese Lovers Day and National Pie Day, there are plenty of opportunities to enjoy some warmth and cheer.

Here are 31 reasons to celebrate during the month of January.

Fun Fact

January is named after the Roman god Janus, the god of beginnings and transitions.

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January 1: New Year's Day

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Happy New Year! Today, look back on all you've accomplished in the past year, and look forward to what's in store for the new year. This is a great day to write down some personal goals for the year.
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January 2: Swiss Cheese Day

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Not all Swiss cheese has holes, and not all cheese with holes is Swiss. Swiss cheese actually comes in several varieties, including American, Emmental, and Gruyere. But it's typically sold as the hole-filled, pale yellow cheese. Whichever variety you prefer, grab a slice of Swiss today.
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January 3: Women Rock! Day

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Celebrate women in the music industry on Women Rock! Day. On this day in 1987, Aretha Franklin was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, marking the first time a woman received that honor. So take time today to crank up the tunes of your favorite women musicians and music industry legends.
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January 4: Free Flower Basket Day

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Reasons to send gifts to your loved ones never ends and, if you want to seem like you're giving a little just-because gift, floral baskets are the perfect gift to put a smile on someone's face! Whether you make it yourself or stick to a store-bought bouquet, surprise someone with this fragrant, floral gift for National Free Flower Basket Day!

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January 5: National Bird Day

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Even if you're not a birdwatcher or bird owner, take a moment today to appreciate birds. Learn about the birds that stuck around your area for winter, as well as the ones that might have migrated somewhere warmer.
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January 6: National Take Down the Christmas Tree Day

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If you haven't done it already, it's time to say goodbye to the holiday season. Celebrate National Take Down the Christmas Tree Day by starting fresh and clearing your home of the festive decoration and don't worry, it will be back before you know it.
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January 7: National Tempura Day

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Tempura is a Japanese dish typically of vegetables and seafood that’s battered and deep-fried. To celebrate National Tempura Day, stop by your favorite Japanese restaurant or make your own tempura at home.
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January 8: Bubble Bath Day

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After all the hubbub of the holidays, you most likely need some serious "me time." Today, draw a hot bath, add your favorite bath bomb, sit back, and relax with a good book or a glass of wine. You've earned it!

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January 9: Clean Your Desk Day

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The new year is all about starting fresh and what better way to do that than by cleaning an area you spend most of your time: your desk! Whip out the cleaning supplies and organization tools to give your workspace the new year refresh that it deserves.
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January 10: Houseplant Appreciation Day

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Today, take a few minutes to appreciate and tend to your houseplants. They provide beauty while purifying the air of your home. If you don't have any houseplants, this could be the day to change that.
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January 11: International Thank You Day

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Thanksgiving isn't the only holiday of the year for you to express your gratitude. Show a little extra love and appreciation for those around you on International Thank You Day. Someone is sure to appreciate the gesture.
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January 12: National Marzipan Day

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Before you can celebrate it, you should probably know what marzipan is: a deliciously chewy combination of sugar or honey and almond meal (a fine powder made from ground almonds). Marzipan is often covered with chocolate, but it can also be spread super thin and molded to make some seriously impressive treats. If you've never tried it, today's the day to change that.

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January 13: National Peach Melba Day

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Peach melba is packed with summery ingredients, including peaches, raspberries, and vanilla ice cream. But you don't have to wait for warm temperatures to indulge. Whip it up for National Peach Melba Day with frozen or preserved fruit, and dream of balmy summer days.
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January 14: Organize Your Home Day

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If your New Year's resolution was to get organized, today's a good day to check in on your progress. From the kitchen to the closets and the garage, you can make plans to organize every room in your home.
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January 15: Strawberry Ice Cream Day

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Ice cream has around 20 different "holidays" scattered throughout the year. Strawberry ice cream gets its moment in the spotlight on Jan. 15. Celebrate with a bowl of the sweet pink stuff, or sip on a frothy strawberry milkshake.
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January 16: Martin Luther King Jr. Day* (third Monday)

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Today, Americans honor Martin Luther King Jr., the Baptist minister, activist, and hero of the civil rights movement. Take some time to learn about Martin Luther King Jr.'s life, teach any children in your life about the importance of his work as a civil rights leader, and reflect on all of his contributions to our society.

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January 17: Hot Buttered Rum Day

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Indulging in a hot buttered rum is the perfect treat for a cold winter night. This mixed drink includes dark rum, hot water or cider, butter, brown sugar, and spices. The ingredients come together to create a warming, delicious beverage. Try your hand at making one for Hot Buttered Rum Day.
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January 18: National Gourmet Coffee Day

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Even if you drink coffee most days, you can fall in love with the coffee bean all over again on National Gourmet Coffee Day. Try a new type of coffee, an elaborate coffee beverage, or even a decadent coffee dessert.
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January 19: National Popcorn Day

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Today, honor the simple, no-frills snack that is popcorn. Whether you pop it on the stovetop, toss it in the microwave, or buy it pre-made, no movie is complete without a bucket of buttery, salty popcorn. And today's the perfect excuse to pop a batch for a movie night.
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January 20: National Coffee Break Day

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Commemorate National Coffee Break Day by taking a sip of caffeine with co-workers in the office or by yourself at home near your coffee bar cart! Take the opportunity to re-energize and refocus yourself so you can get things done!

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January 21: National Hugging Day

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Sometimes all you need is a good hug. By releasing oxytocin, hugging helps to reduce stress and lower blood pressure. Today's the perfect day to offer someone a hug. And if hugging isn't your thing, make a point to do some other friendly gestures for the people you encounter.
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January 22: Lunar New Year

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The party doesn't stop on January 1st. Celebrate the Lunar New Year by wearing red, learning your zodiac animal, and attending local festivities in honor of the holiday. It's a great way to appreciate another's culture!
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January 23: National Pie Day

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From classic apple pie to chocolate pudding pie, there's truly a pie for every taste. Enjoy a slice today from your local bakery. Or try your culinary skills at baking a pie from scratch.
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January 24: National Compliment Day

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Let's be honest, nothing brightens up your day quite like receiving a compliment on your outfit, work, or really just about anything. Spread the cheer by paying someone a much-deserved (or not) compliment on National Compliment Day. It doesn't cost anything to be kind.

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January 25: National Irish Coffee Day

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Today, raise your glass to the culinary genius who decided to blend sweetened coffee and whipped cream with delicious Irish whiskey. Then, make your own Irish coffee, and cozy up on the couch.
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January 26: National Peanut Brittle Day

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It may be a little hard to eat and make dentists cringe, but peanut brittle is absolutely delicious in all of its crunchy, chewy, sticky glory. Try making a homemade brittle recipe today with all of your favorite ingredients.
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January 27: Thomas Crapper Day

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Contrary to popular belief, Thomas Crapper, a plumber and sanitation engineer, did not invent the flushing toilet. What he did was revolutionize plumbing and sanitation. His contributions to the commode modernized existing flushing toilets by making them more efficient and sanitary. So take a moment today to learn a little more about his history, and don't take modern plumbing for granted.
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January 28: National Daisy Day

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Brighten up a dreary winter day by displaying some fresh daisies in your home. Whether you prefer shasta daisies (the classic yellow-and-white flowers) or big, bright gerber daisies, these friendly flowers are an easy way to add a splash of color to an otherwise gray day.

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January 29: National Puzzle Day

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Too cold to go outside? Work on a puzzle with your family or friends. Today is a perfect day to start a complicated jigsaw puzzle with hundreds (or thousands) of pieces. You might have it finished by the time the warm weather finally returns.
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January 30: National Croissant Day

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Say bonjour to the baked good of the day: the flaky, buttery, and all around delicious croissant. Smeared with butter, stuffed with sandwich fixings, or dipped in coffee, croissants make the perfect vessel for most foods. Learn to make your own today, or pick some up from a local bakery.
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January 31: National Plan for Vacation Day

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Vacation anyone? With the new year well underway, you might be planning your next (or several next) vacation. If you haven't been and are looking for the perfect excuse to, look no further. Celebrate National Plan for Vacation Day in style by planning a vacation! Get that time off on the books and fly away to paradise.

* Denotes that date changes each year

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