5 Fun National Days to Celebrate Today (October 29)
Happy October 29th! It’s not just another day in fall. Today is packed with a unique mix of fun, cozy, and quirky national days. Whether you’re a cat lover, a tech enthusiast, or just need an excuse to relax, we’ve got a celebration for you. Here are five fun national days you can celebrate today.
- National Cat Day (October 29)
- History: Founded in 2005 by pet and family lifestyle expert Colleen Paige, National Cat Day was created to raise awareness about the number of cats needing to be rescued from shelters each year. It’s a day to celebrate our feline friends and encourage adoption.
- Modern Relevance: This day is a massive event on social media, where people share photos and videos of their beloved pets. More importantly, it serves as a powerful reminder of the thousands of cats in shelters waiting for a forever home. It highlights the importance of adoption, spaying, and neutering.
- How to Celebrate:
- Spoil your own cat with a new toy, a special treat, or an extra long cuddle session.
- If you’re able, consider adopting a cat from your local animal shelter.
- Donate money, food, or blankets to a local animal rescue.
- Volunteer your time at a shelter to play with the cats.
- Share photos of your cat using #NationalCatDay to join the global celebration.
- National Internet Day (October 29)
- History: This day commemorates a groundbreaking moment in tech history. On October 29, 1969, the first-ever electronic message was sent from one computer to another over the ARPANET, the precursor to the modern internet. A student programmer at UCLA attempted to send the word “LOGIN” to a computer at Stanford. The system crashed after just two letters, so the first message was simply “LO.”
- Modern Relevance: It’s hard to imagine modern life without the internet. It has revolutionized how we work, learn, shop, and connect with one another. This day is a chance to reflect on how this technology has shaped our world and to perhaps be a little more mindful of our digital habits.
- How to Celebrate:
- Take a “digital detox” for an hour or two. Put your phone away and enjoy an offline activity.
- Use the internet for good. Send a positive message to a friend or family member.
- Learn a new digital skill, like a basic coding lesson or a new photo editing trick.
- Watch a documentary about the history of the internet to appreciate how far we’ve come.
- National Oatmeal Day (October 29)
- History: While the exact origin of the day is a bit hazy, oatmeal itself has been a breakfast staple for centuries. In the United States, its popularity surged in the late 1800s, especially after the Quaker Oats Company registered the first trademark for a breakfast cereal in 1877. This day celebrates a food that is both humble and a nutritional powerhouse.
- Modern Relevance: In our fast-paced world, oatmeal remains a go-to breakfast. It’s healthy, affordable, and incredibly versatile. It’s a “superfood” known for lowering cholesterol and providing sustained energy, making it as relevant today as it was 100 years ago.
- How to Celebrate:
- Start your day with a warm bowl of oatmeal.
- Get creative with your toppings. Try fruit, nuts, seeds, maple syrup, or even a savory twist with a fried egg and some soy sauce.
- Bake a batch of oatmeal raisin cookies or make some no-bake energy bites.
- Host an “oatmeal bar” for your family or roommates with a variety of mix-ins.
- National Hermit Day (October 29)
- History: This quirky day is believed to honor Saint Colman of Kilmacduagh, an Irish saint who, according to legend, lived as a hermit in a cave for seven years with only a mouse and a rooster for companions. The day celebrates the concept of solitude and stepping away from the world.
- Modern Relevance: In a world of constant connectivity, notifications, and social obligations, the idea of being a “hermit” for a day is more appealing than ever. This day gives you permission to unplug, recharge your social batteries, and enjoy the peace and quiet of your own company.
- How to Celebrate:
- Give yourself permission to do nothing. Cancel your plans (if possible) and stay in.
- Turn off your phone notifications for the day.
- Engage in a solo hobby: read a book, work on a puzzle, paint, or play a video game.
- Take a long bath or a solo walk in nature.
- World Psoriasis Day (October 29)
- History: This is a global awareness day created by the International Federation of Psoriasis Associations (IFPA). It was established to be a voice for the more than 125 million people worldwide who live with psoriasis or psoriatic arthritis.
- Modern Relevance: This day is not just “fun” but deeply meaningful. It aims to combat the stigma and misunderstanding associated with psoriasis. It’s a day of advocacy, education, and support, helping those with the condition feel seen and understood by a global community.
- How to Celebrate:
- Educate yourself. Take five minutes to learn what psoriasis is (it’s a non-contagious autoimmune disease).
- Share a fact-based post about psoriasis on your social media to help raise awareness and bust myths.
- Wear blue and purple, the official colors for psoriasis awareness.
- If you know someone with psoriasis, reach out and offer your support.
