On May 4, 2022, my mom frosted a bundt cake designed to look like the character Sarlacc as I pulled our BB-8 pizza out of the oven in preparation for a Star Wars movie marathon complete with themed food. We celebrated Star Wars Day in quarantine, and despite the many uncertainties and anxieties surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic, we had the best time committing to the theme that day.

Since then, I have thought a lot about how seemingly insignificant celebrations can give people joy amid their busy, monotonous daily routines. I have started paying more attention to obscure holidays and while many people find them silly, I consider these holidays charming, fun and even therapeutic. 

In an article for Psychology Today, Marty Nemko listed ways for people to lift their spirits. He discussed the importance of looking forward to something. 

“One tactic that my clients have found helpful is rather simple: Just think of something you are looking forward to,” Nemko said. “Or if you cannot think of anything, think of something you could do that you would look forward to.”

Goofy, random holidays can give people who enjoy themes like me something to anticipate like Nemko recommended.

These holidays remind me to appreciate the little things, and I do not have to brainstorm a lot to come up with ways to romanticize my life. I simply have to research the holidays for a particular month, pick a few that amuse me and come up with ways to celebrate.

I especially try to find reasons to celebrate during the hustle and bustle of the spring semester post-midterms, so I did some research about holidays in March and April other than the big ones like St. Patrick’s Day and Easter. 

National Today and Holiday Insights have extensive lists of national and international holidays with something for everyone. Most people do not know about the sheer number of obscure holidays. 

For example, I had never heard of Talk Like William Shakespeare Day, which people celebrate either on March 22 or April 23. In the style of Shakespeare: Rejoice the day you chooseth, and with thy quill do write a sonnet, or let thy wits unleash clever reproaches.

I had also never heard of Alien Abduction Day on March 20 or No Housework Day on April 7. I plan to celebrate by watching some alien movies, and I will certainly use the excuse to take a break from folding laundry and washing dishes as well.

For those who do not want to plan much but still want to celebrate, food holidays like Chip and Dip Day on March 23 or Peanut Butter and Jelly Day on April 2 are easy to observe. I will be at my favorite Mexican restaurant at some time on March 23 to snack on some chips and salsa. 

I am a little apprehensive about April 4, which is Hug a Newsperson Day, because I am not the biggest hugger, but other Reflector writers may appreciate the support. I may even give a few hugs if I am feeling cheerful that day. 

Fear not if you cannot find any holidays that interest you, I discovered that March 26 is Make Up Your Own Holiday Day.

Obscure holidays are fun reminders to enjoy life and all its obscurities to the fullest. For those stressed out during the spring semester, looking forward to an occasional holiday and committing to a theme if only for a day can give you joy.