Have you noticed? “Official” holidays have officially overrun our calendars. No matter how random, bizarre or mundane the topic, there’s a holiday to ensure we all take notice, from Bubble Wrap Appreciation Day to No Socks Day.
How did we get to this point? Intrigued, we decided to do a little digging.
Are marketers behind all this?
Certainly, corporate America has invented its share of holidays (IHOP’s National Pancake Day, for one). But marketers often simply hijack existing holidays. Think Corona and Cinco de Mayo. Dunkin Donuts may celebrate National Donut Day but didn’t invent it. The Salvation Army did – to honor women who gave out these treats to soldiers during World War I.1
What about the government?
Contrary to popular belief, there really are no national holidays. The President and Congress designate by law only the holidays to be observed by federal employees.2 While Congress used to play an active role in declaring observances worthy of national recognition, it ended the time-consuming practice in 1995 to focus on doing – or, rather, not doing – its job full-time.
The self-appointed gatekeepers
In the meantime, others have taken it upon themselves to decide holiday legitimacy – for a hefty fee in the case of NationalDayCalendar.com. But the truth is, anyone can create a holiday. The only requirements? A particular passion, a talent for getting the word out, and perhaps too much time on one’s hands.
Holidays for the people, by the people
Now, does the world really need International Talk Like a Pirate Day (apparently, “arrr” translates into any language)? Or National Black Dog Day (we think we know the masterminds behind that one)? Or National Napping Day? Perhaps not. But it gives us something to look forward to. Especially that last one. And isn’t the world a slightly better place now that Stars Wars has co-opted May 4 (“May the fourth be with you.”)?
If you can’t beat ’em, join ’em
Since these “official” holidays are here to stay, we’ve decided to incorporate some into our own holiday celebration in December. Stay tuned to see the festivities.
If you can’t wait, start your own celebration now. Today is Men Make Dinner Day. November 8 is International Tongue Twister Day. November 12 is National Pizza with the Works Except Anchovies Day. And on and on it goes.
Have a favorite holiday, for either personal or marketing reasons? Comment below or email us.
1 “The surprising history behind National Doughnut Day,” Time, June 5, 2015
2 “How a holiday becomes a card-selling occasion,” Hallmark
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