December may be dominated by Christmas lights, Hanukkah candles, and New-Year countdowns, but the year’s finale hides plenty of quirky reasons to raise a mug of cocoa. Continuing our little-known holiday series, here are five off-beat observances to keep the season merry—and delightfully unexpected.
National Cookie Day — December 4
Before the gingerbread factory goes into overdrive, celebrate cookies in all their crumbly forms. Host a blind taste-test featuring global classics—Italian pizzelle, Mexican polvorones, Swedish pepparkakor—or swap family recipes at a virtual cookie exchange. Pro tip: include a “milk flight” (oat, almond, chocolate) for sophisticated dunking. If milk isn’t your thing, have a cookie and Coke.
Pretend to Be a Time Traveler Day — December 8
First coined by a humor blog in 2007, this day invites you to wander the world as though you’ve just stepped out of a TARDIS or steampunk dirigible. Speak bewildered slang (“Great Scott!”), record “field notes,” or design a future newspaper front page. Teachers use the date for creative-writing prompts; offices can cue a retro dress code and futuristic brainstorm session.
International Monkey Day — December 14
Started by art students in 2000, Monkey Day champions primate awareness with a playful twist. Donate to a sanctuary, screen “Jane Goodall: The Hope,” or challenge friends to a banana-bread bake-off. For social media fun, post your best “monkey selfie” (bonus points for sock-monkey props) and share facts about conservation.
Look on the Bright Side Day — December 21
The Northern Hemisphere’s darkest day—winter solstice—gets flipped into a positivity exercise. List three silver linings from the past year, craft “sunshine jars” filled with compliment slips, or volunteer at a lights display that perks up the neighborhood. Science lovers can livestream Stonehenge’s dawn to watch the literal bright side creep back.
National Thank-You Note Day — December 26
After the wrapping paper blitz, gratitude takes center stage. Handwrite notes on leftover cardstock, email heartfelt voice memos, or teach kids the lost art of postage stamps. Stationers run post-holiday discounts, making it the perfect moment to stock up on fresh pens and whimsical letter-pressed cards for the new year.
From crumb-covered celebrations to time-travel cosplay, December’s hidden holidays add sparkle that’s entirely your own. Mark the dates, spread good cheer, and finish the year with stories that outshine even the biggest tree lights.