WACKY SEPTEMBER HOLIDAYS by Rula Sinara & Catherine Lanigan

Happy September 1^st, everyone! I love this month because my favorite season officially begins on September 23^rd, the Autumn Equinox. Yes, fall is almost here! And for all you fellow parents who love your children dearly, admit it…you love September because those kids you can’t get enough of are BACK IN SCHOOL! Whew! You survived the summer! Our first day of school was yesterday (I know some schools started earlier) so I’m feeling a little giddy today J.

Now, because I needed a topic for this post and because I’m super busy, I succumbed to one of my favorite ways to procrastinate. Online research. All it took was typing in “September Holidays” and the fun immediately began. Do you have any idea how many wacky things are celebrated in September? Granted, this month hosts many important days—the kind that deserve respect and reverence—such as tomorrow, Sept 2^nd, marking the end of WWII with VJ Day and of course Sept 11, in remembrance of the tragedies of 911. And Labor Day always stands out on the calendar. There are also religious celebrations in September and days I loved seeing on the list, such as Sept 4^th Native American Day, Sept 8^th Grandparent’s Day and Sept 21^st being both International Peace Day and World Gratitude Day. We need some power behind those two days! Will Oktoberfest starting the same day help J?

There are really too many September celebrations to mention here and focusing on the wacky in no way takes away the significance of the serious, but here are some that had me either cheering or laughing.

For all you writers, readers, librarians and teachers out there:

6th is Read a Book Day

8^th is International Literacy Day

24^th is National Punctuation Day

You’re thinking, okay. They all relate. But it just so happens that on the very same day as “read a book” comes:

6^th Fight Procrastination Day

So does that mean we can’t procrastinate by reading? Wouldn’t you take reading a romance any day over doing the dishes and laundry. Oh, and, this is preceded by only one day with:

5^th Be Late for Something Day

Ha! Are you seeing a procrastination trend here? What if your book deadline falls on the 5^th? Well in that case, I bet you’ll be celebrating Eat an Extra Dessert Day on the 4^th! But save a little room for National Cream-filled Doughnut Day on the 14^th J.

And isn’t it funny that the same month that celebrates international literacy also celebrates:

19^th Talk Like a Pirate Day (Please don’t tell my kids about this one?)

I love National Women’s Friendship Day on the 3^rd and, of course, Sept 22^nd Elephant Appreciation Day!!! (Those of you who know Rula or have read The Promise of Rain, know that’s a special day for her! J)

Like I said, the list goes on and on. We’re talking teddy bears to felt hats. Catherine and I had fun reading through the wacky holidays. Check out two of the lists we browsed here: http://www.holidayinsights.com/moreholidays/september.htm and http://mentalfloss.com/article/12414/15-offbeat-holidays-you-can-celebrate-september then comment here on the wackiest one you’ll celebrate this month. I’ll begin by admitting that I celebrate the 16^th Collect Rocks Day just about all year long. Yes, my name is Rula and I like rocks.

And my name is Catherine and my favorite wacky day is Talk Like a Pirate Day. I can't imagine anything more fun. Aargh!!!

Okay, your turn! What’s your favorite wacky September holiday?

Find out more about Rula and Catherine at:

www.rulasinara.com

www.catherinelanigan.com