January Holiday Rundown
Sunday, January 11th, 2015
January is a sign of a new year, new beginnings, and, for many of us, our new year’s resolutions. But there’s more to January than that!
January 1 – New Year’s Day
The first New Year’s celebration dates back 4,000 years ago! Did you know Julius Caesar was the first to declare January 1 as a national holiday?
About 45% of all Americans make a New Year’s resolution. Some of the most popular are to lose weight, save money, exercise more, and to be more organized. However, 25% of us give up on those resolutions by the second week of January! Do you consistently make New Year’s resolutions? The second week of the month is almost over — are you still hanging in there!?
In America, roughly 1 million people huddle together in New York City’s Times Square to watch the ball drop on New Year’s Eve. The first ball dropped in 1907 due to a ban on fireworks. Now it is a time-honored tradition filled with music, special events, and many first New Year’s kisses!
January 14 – National Dress Up Your Pet Day
Founded in 2009, “Dress Up Your Pet Day” is a way to celebrate our furry, feathered, and fuzzy friends and to help promote the need for adoption.
Make sure to snap a picture of your gussied-up pet, and post it to our Facebook page this Wednesday!
January 19 – Martin Luther King Jr. Day:
Although Dr. King was born on January 15, 1929, we celebrate the civil rights leader’s birthday on the third Monday of January every year. It is more than celebrating his birth; we are celebrating his life and his legacy. Dr. King was one of the greatest social activists in history. He won the Nobel Peace Prize at 35, making him one the youngest winners of the prize to date. Most Americans can recite his profound and resonating “I have a dream” speech. His family recommends that his birthday be celebrated by giving back to the community.
January 28 – Fun at Work Day
We all need to have a little more fun at work! This is your day to loosen up a bit, take a little longer lunch with your coworkers, and have some fun. Studies show that participating employers see boosts in employee morale and productivity. These kinds of activities are also known to encourage longevity in employees and positive teamwork.
Can you think of any other fun days in January? Let us know in the comments below. We hope your year is off to a great start!