Did you know that there are an abundance of daily holidays and special days every month? So, in the midst of our busy lives, maybe consider taking time to enjoy some of the entertaining but lesser-known holidays throughout the year.
As we welcome in October, most of us are excited about the possibility of cooler weather, getting ready for the holiday seasons and of course everything pumpkin – pumpkin spice latte, pumpkin bread, pumpkin pie, pumpkin cheesecake, just to name a few. October was originally the eighth month of the Roman calendar and is derived from the Latin word “octo” meaning eight. Later, it became the tenth month when January and February were added to the calendar. October is the month we celebrate Columbus Day as well as the ever-popular holiday, Halloween. Did you know that Halloween is the second-largest commercial holiday in America? Only Christmas surpasses it in sales. According to the National Retail Federation, consumers spend nearly $7 billion dollars on Halloween decorations, costumes and candy. But, don’t be tricked this October – there are plenty of other holidays worthy of our celebrations!
If you don’t have an extra $7 billion dollars, never fear because Saturday, October 6 is Frugal Fun Day. This day was created in 1999 by Shel Horowitzin, author of The Penny-Pinching Hedonist: How to Live Like Royalty with a Peasant’s Pocketbook. Horowitz suggests that Frugal Fun should play an important role in our lives, stating “once people realize they can still have a fabulous time without spending very much money, it opens up enormous possibilities for living more lightly while enjoying a better quality of life.” Some fun and cheap ideas for this day include a bike ride or a walk in the park, a picnic on the beach, attend a free concert, take a stroll through a botanical garden or pull out those dusty board games from the closet and have a game night! If you’re looking for something a little different, a fun and free tour of the Tampa Yuengling Brewing Company is the perfect afternoon excursion. This brewery’s hour-long tour walks patrons through the process of crafting delectable brews for America’s oldest beer company.
Tour times can be found at www.yuengling.com. For more free things, visit www.10best.com/destinations/florida/tampa/attractions/free-things-to-do/
After saving all that money on free fun, you may want to consider splurging on some sumptuous sweets on Sunday, October 14 – National Dessert Day! For just one day, forget about the calories and dieting and indulge your sweet-tooth on this special occasion. Celebrate by way of bakery, candy store or in your own kitchen – indulge in something sweet such as cakes, pies, ice cream, cookies, pudding, pastries, cobblers, donuts or crepes. Remember, confection is good for the soul. In search of some fresh baked deliciousness? Grab your sweetie-pie or sugar daddy and head over to Petite Madelyns Bakery located at 1017 Bloomingdale Ave. in Valrico or visit www.petitemadelynsbakery.com. If you want to promote this holiday and let the world know you are celebrating it, use the hashtag #nationaldessertday when posting a selfie while eating your banana cream pie.
As long as we are ignoring our diets, let’s throw caution to the wind and carb-up on World Pasta Day, Thursday October 25.
World Pasta Day began in 1998 and recognizes the significant role pasta plays in feeding the world through an array of affordable, healthy and tasty cuisines. Each year on World Pasta Day, events are held to help spread the word about pasta and it’s nutritional value. The National Pasta Association and pasta manufacturers sponsor different events and activities. In a time when consumers live fast-paced lives and are drawn to following nutritional fads and diets, pasta remains a healthy, delicious and affordable mealtime favorite around the world. Remember, you don’t just have to limit yourself to spaghetti – there are more 600 known pasta shapes! If you are in search of a ‘pasta-tively’ awesome place to partake in your pasta consumption, consider Beve Cibo, located at 5622 Lithia Pinecrest Rd. in Lithia. On World Pasta Day, pile up your plate with a heaping dish of pasta and your favorite sauce. Power to the pasta!
After indulging in pasta, you will have an opportunity to burn off those carbs on Make A Difference Day, Saturday, October 27.
Every year, millions of people unite in the common mission to improve the lives of others. USA Weekend, a national newspaper magazine along with Points of Light, have been sponsoring National Make a Difference Day, the largest national day of community service since 1992. To search for volunteer opportunities in your area, visit www.allforgood.org. Make a difference on Make a Difference Day!
October boasts many other fun holidays including World Vegetarian Day, Bald and Free Day, It’s My Party Day and National Bologna Day, just to name a few. For a complete list, visit www.holidayinsights.com.
