Celebrate Mini Holidays from January 6 to January 11, From Making a King Cake to Building a Vision Board

Early January is the perfect time to indulge in self care, boost your wellbeing and dream big! Luckily, there are holidays dedicated to these very topics that encourage you to do just that. But it’s not all hard work either; treating yourself to a tangy cocktail and seasonal dessert are part of the celebrations too.

Below, you’ll find fun ideas for the “mini holidays” taking place this time of year. You’ll be feeling more refreshed, inspired and relaxed in no time!

Monday, January 6: National King Cake Day

Banish the Monday blues by enjoying a king cake. Traditionally, the festive dessert has a tiny plastic baby figurine hidden inside, and it symbolizes the Bible story of the three kings who brought gifts to baby Jesus. The person who gets the baby in their slice is “king”!

To make a Shortcut King Cake: Roll refrigerated cinnamon roll dough into a log shape. Place in a greased round cake pan, creating a wreath shape. Bake per instructions; let cool. Insert a plastic figurine in the bottom of the cake. Frost cake with icing and colored sugar.

Wednesday, January 8: Bubble Bath Day 

A holiday that encourages unwinding in a soothing bubble bath? Count us in! To make a soak even more satisfying, add rosemary and lavender essential oils. The all-natural pair dials down the brain’s transmission of pain signals while relaxing tense muscles that can worsen aches, according to a review of studies in the journal Pain Research and Treatment. 

To get the benefits, just add three drops of each oil to your tub when you add a capful of bubble bath. Bonus: Rosemary essential oil has been shown to ease stress, and lavender is a proven sleep helper. 

Friday, January 10: Houseplant Appreciation Day 

It’s no secret that indoor plants can clear the air. Now, new research reveals which varieties are best at reducing air pollution. Researchers in Science of the Total Environment tested 10 plants and found that lavender, marjoram and ivy came out on top. Plants absorb pollutants through tiny openings in their leaves, and experts say these plants’ leaf sizes and shapes make them more effective. 

Saturday, January 11: National Vision Board Day 

Manifest your goals in 2025 by creating your own vision board! “A lot of people get confused by just focusing on the aesthetics of the board, versus getting into the feeling of what they want in those areas of life,” says vision board expert Debbi Sluys, founder of Dare to Declare. “The secret to a vision board is that the images create an emotional response that raises your vibration.” Her favorite categories to include: leisure, relationships, health and education, or anything you want to learn.

January 1–31: National Citrus Month

Get your fill of vitamin C in the most delicious way with a refreshing citrus cocktail. This tipple created by the Woman’s World mixologists gets a tart and tangy kick, thanks to grapefruit and lime juice.

To make Grapefruit Sippers: Wet the rims of 4 glasses, then dip each into a small saucer filled with salt. Set aside. In an ice-filled cocktail shaker, mix 8 oz. of vodka, 8 oz. of grapefruit juice and 2 oz. of fresh lime juice. Cover and shake for 30 seconds. Strain into
4 ice-filled glasses. Top each glass with ginger beer. Garnish with grapefruit wedges, lime slices and rosemary sprigs, if desired. Makes 4 drinks. 

Help a Hero

Feed hungry troops!

Can you spare packages of instant oatmeal, trail mix or granola bars? If so, consider sending the items to the Long Island Blue Star Mothers. The organization will include them in the care packages they send to troops abroad. Send items to LI BSM NY6, Post Office Box 1, Farmingville, NY 11738.