Celebrate Mini Holidays from January 13 to January 18, From Ditching Resolutions to Sipping a Coffee Cocktail
From National Bagel Day to National Nothing Day, here are mini holidays to celebrate from January 13 to 18
If you’re looking for permission to cut yourself some well-deserved slack this week, there are holidays that encourage you to do just that! A little rest and relaxation thanks to celebrations like National Nothing Day can make it easier to jump into the rest of the week refreshed.
Then National Gourmet Coffee Day is perfect for a late week pick-me-up. You’ll be energized and ready to tackle anything! Make the middle of the month memorable with ideas for celebrating these “mini holidays.”
Wednesday, January 15: National Bagel Day
Nothing beats a bagel for breakfast or lunch—and today’s the perfect day to enjoy one! To ensure a warm bagel stays fresh, store it in a paper bag. Then once it’s cooled off, pop it into a resealable plastic bag to keep the bagel from drying out. When it’s time to eat, make your bagel even more delicious with homemade gourmet cream cheese!
To give cream cheese a delicious upgrade: Stir 2 Tbs. of mix-ins like chopped green scallions, chopped olives, toasted nuts, minced parsley or dried cranberries into 8 oz. of whipped cream cheese, then add 1 Tbs. of milk, heavy cream or mayo to bind.
Thursday, January 16: National Nothing Day
This holiday is all about doing nothing—and loving it! A survey conducted by David Lloyd Clubs (a health club in Europe) found that 68% of people believe doing nothing would make them happier or healthier. Another perk: It could help spark new ideas. University of Arizona researchers found that when creative people spent 10 minutes solo and distraction-free, they were better able to think outside the box.
Friday, January 17: Ditch New Year’s Resolutions Day
Give yourself permission to ditch your resolution today—you won’t be alone! Research shows that 43% of us do so by the end of January and 23% do after the first week. And a survey of 2,000 adults conducted by Almond Breeze and OnePoll found that forgetfulness, lack of motivation and a change in priorities were top factors in giving up.
A better alternative: Try setting general intentions, rather than specific resolutions. A study published in the journal Psychological Science reveals that a flexible intention like, “I want to improve my physical health this year” can be more effective than a rigid resolution like: “I will exercise five days a week.”
Saturday, January 18: National Gourmet Coffee Day
Toast to the weekend with a homemade coffee cocktail, courtesy of the mixologists in the Woman’s World test kitchen.
To make a Boozy Caramel Macchiato: Brew a pot of double-strength coffee and chill in the refrigerator for several hours or overnight. To make each cocktail, pour 2 oz. of chilled coffee, 1 oz. of half-and-half and 1 oz. of vodka into an ice-filled shaker. Shake well and pour into an Irish coffee glass mug. Stir in 2 Tbs. of caramel sauce. Top with whipped cream, cinnamon and coffee beans, if desired.
January 12–18: Universal Letter Writing Week
Surprise a friend or loved one this week with a letter! “A handwritten or well-crafted note carries an emotional weight that conveys effort and care,” says etiquette coach Jamila Musayeva, author of Etiquette: The Least You Need to Know. “It can also serve as a keepsake.” Not sure what to include? Share a fond memory, express appreciation for them or acknowledge a recent accomplishment. “A good letter should feel like a dialogue, even though it’s one-sided,” she adds. Also key: Check grammar and spelling, as errors can diminish the impact of your message.
Help a Hero
Support overseas troops!
If you have extra snack foods, toiletries, games or puzzles on hand, consider donating them to the 40,000 military service members enrolled with AnySoldier.com. Simply visit the website to view specific requests of military service members stationed abroad, and you’ll receive an address to send your package.
Conversation
All comments are subject to our Community Guidelines. Woman's World does not endorse the opinions and views shared by our readers in our comment sections. Our comments section is a place where readers can engage in healthy, productive, lively, and respectful discussions. Offensive language, hate speech, personal attacks, and/or defamatory statements are not permitted. Advertising or spam is also prohibited.
