National Pig Day recognizes and gives thanks to these domesticated and social animals, most often seen on a farm. This is a March 1 holiday that we celebrate annually. For some unknown reason, big, pot-bellied pigs seen in zoos, are often the symbol of the day. Chiefly, they are clever and intelligent animals. But, most people are unaware of this high level of intelligence. They can be taught to do tricks. Some people even keep them as pets. Today is a day to give them the respect that they deserve.

This day is celebrated by zoos, too. Activities include Snort Offs and other events However you choose, do not miss celebrating this day.

Color of the Day: Of course the color for today is pink. Wear a pink shirt or dress, stream the Pink Panther cartoon, and look for all things pink.

Did You Know? Pigs are one of the smartest animals on the planet. Not surprisingly, they rank fourth, behind humans, apes, and dolphins.

On this December 12 holiday, we celebrate a beautiful seasonal flower and John Poinsett who brought them to the United States. Beautiful Poinsettia flowers are a well-recognized symbol of the Christmas season. National Poinsettia Day was officially declared by an Act of Congress. It is in honor of Joel Roberts Poinsett, who died on December 12, 1851. Joel Roberts Poinsett was the first Ambassador to Mexico He was also a botanist and a physician. He was fascinated by this bright flower de saw blooming in December in Mexico. Poinsett brought this colorful plant back to his plantation in the U.S.  He grew the plants in his Greenville, S.C plantation and gave them out as gifts to friends.

According to Mexican folklore, there is a story of a little poor girl who had nothing to bring to church for Christmas. On her way to church, she picked some plants by the side of the road. As she entered the church, the leaves at the tips of the branches, called bracts, turned into bright, brilliant red flowers. You guessed it… they were Poinsettias.

Today is Play God Day, a January 9 holiday.  Our research did not discover any information on the meaning or purpose of this day. But, what we do know, is that God is good. Therefore, we believe that Play God Day is a day to do something good and extra special.

To mark this day, we suggest that you do something good that will make a difference. Anything that fits this definition is appropriate. You do not have to make it something miraculous. It can be something simple, like visiting someone who is ill or helping someone in need. Furthermore, giving God thanks or prayer is also appropriate for this day. Besides saying prayers, spend some time talking to God in your own words. Then, quietly listen to him talk to you.

National Pharmacist Day is today, a January 12 holiday. It honors druggists and recognizes their important role in medical care. A Pharmacist must be knowledgeable of the chemistry of all medicines. They can inform you of a drug’s side effects, and all aspects of prescription medicine. Very importantly, they understand and recognize the interaction of drugs together…many people take numerous drugs.

National Pharmacist Day recognizes the important role of Druggists. If you are in the pharmacy today, make sure to wish your pharmacist a good day.  Gifts and cards are not required.

Did you Know? Your local druggist knows more about individual drugs than your General Practitioners. It is important to realize that they know the interactions of any combination of drugs.

Pharmacist Day Quiz: What was the first name of Mr. Gower, the pharmacist in the movie “It’s a Wonderful Life”? See the answer below.

World Penguin Day is a great opportunity to learn about and appreciate one of the few natives of Antarctica. This April 25 holiday is celebrated annualy. On these days, spend a little time learning about them…. a pictorial book or internet site is fun. You can also watch a documentary of these cute and popular, grounded birds.

These days are also a time to wear black and white—penguin colors. However, wearing a tuxedo in their honor is optional. It is also popular today to tell a penguin joke or two.

Did you know? Penguins are found in Antarctica, South Africa, Australia, New Zealand, Chile, Peru, the Falkland Islands, and the Galapagos Islands. Elsewhere, they are only found in zoos.

Peculiar People Day is certainly an odd and strange day. This January 10 holiday exists to recognize the strange and quirky people in our lives and to gain an appreciation for unique and different people.  Are you an “Odd Duck”? Many of us are. Un-ordinary, extraordinary, unusual, strange, odd, uncommon, intriguing, different, abnormal, and quirky. These are all things that we think of to describe the word “peculiar”. Most of these characteristics can be viewed as good, or not-so-good. Today is a day to look for the good in your peculiar acquaintances.

Peculiar People Day Traditions:

 If you are peculiar, this is your day to be honored and appreciated. Chances are, you will find something peculiar about yourself if you look hard enough. If you can’t find anything peculiar about yourself, then give some recognition and appreciation to your quirky friends and family.

Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day is today. This December 7 observance commemorates the Japanese sneak attack on the U.S. Naval base at Pearl Harbor. The attack began at dawn on December 7, 1941. It crippled the U.S. Pacific Fleet and caused the U.S. to enter World War II.

During the attack at Pearl Harbor, over 2,400 American servicemen and 68 civilians were killed. And, five of the eight battleships at Pearl Harbor were sunk or sinking, and virtually all ships were damaged.

On Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day, U.S. flags are to be flown at half-staff.

On December 8, 1941, then President Franklin D. Roosevelt stated in a speech to Congress it was “A day that will live in infamy”. The U.S. then declared war on Japan.

Certainly, the debt we owe our World War II veterans is one that we can never fully repay. So many veterans gave their lives to protect our freedom and way of life. Furthermore, we should never forget the contributions and sacrifices made by America’s “Greatest Generation”. They must be remembered.

Happy Patriots Day! It is a huge holiday in the New England area. Sorry football fans, this is not a celebration of the NFL’s New England Patriots. Rather, it’s a celebration of the American Revolution and the many brave patriots who fought to gain freedom from British rule. The history of this day goes back to the birth of our country and the Revolutionary War.

Patriots Day in New England is not a national holiday. Many people outside of the New England area know little or nothing about this holiday. For New Englanders, the birthplace of the American Revolutionary War, it is a big, big day. In the states of New England, it’s a legal holiday with a day off of work for many. While you can celebrate this patriotic holiday anywhere in the country. However, the best place to be is in New England, where they’ve been celebrating it since the late 1800s. New Englanders celebrate this holiday with parades and special events.

Patriot’s Day commemorates the Battle of Lexington and Concord on April 19, 1775. This battle began the American Revolutionary War. It also commemorates the “Midnight Ride of Paul Revere”. On this evening, patriot Paul Revere rode through town warning the colonists that “The Red Coats are coming!”  

 Indulge today and diet tomorrow, as today is National Pastry Day. This December 9 holiday is a fun day, created to encourage you to make, and of course, eat your favorite pastries. On National Pastry Day well-known pastry chefs put on a show, making and displaying their finest creations. Now this is something you don’t want to miss.

Enjoy a variety of pastries today. The holidays are on the doorstep. There will be lots of Christmas cookies, sweet treats, and of course fruitcakes. This may be the last time to enjoy pastries until after New Years. But, those holiday treats will continue to satisfy your sweet tooth and taste buds.