October Fun Dates!

October is a vibrant month full of changing leaves, cooler temperatures, and a shift toward the festive spirit of the fall season. But beyond Halloween, there are plenty of quirky, fun, and lesser-known holidays to celebrate in the month of October. Whether you're looking for a reason to throw a party or just want to enjoy something out of the ordinary, here are some delightful October holidays to mark on your calendar!

National Homemade Cookie Day (October 1) and National M&M Day (October 13): You can celebrate National Homemade Cookie Day and National M&M Day together by making M&M cookies! You can make a soft sugar cookie recipe, but add M&Ms. Some people prefer a chocolate chip cookie, but with some of the chocolate chips replaced with M&Ms. I recommend using plain M&Ms or the mini M&Ms, depending on the size you want the cookies to be. Just be careful when mixing the M&Ms into the batter; if you don't gently fold them in, the colors can bleed into the batter.

World Teachers' Day (October 5): Celebrate teachers by recognizing their dedication, hard work, and impact they have on their students and society! Even if you don't have a child in school, you probably have a friend or family member who is a teacher. You can write a thank-you note, host a teacher appreciation event at a local school, donate classroom supplies, help pay for professional development opportunities, or offer your time to teach students about your career.

Ada Lovelace Day (October 8): Ada Lovelace, born in 1815 as the daughter of Lord Byron, was an English mathematician and writer chiefly known for her work on Charles Babbage's proposed mechanical general-purpose computer, called the Analytical Engine. She was the first person to recognize that this machine had applications beyond pure calculation. In one of her more famous works, she described an algorithm for the Analytical Engine to compute Bernoulli numbers. Because it is considered to be the first published algorithm specifically tailored for implementation on a computer, Ada Lovelace is often cited as the first computer programmer.

National Gumbo Day (October 12): Gumbo is one of my favorite soups ever! There can be a fierce debate over Creole gumbo versus Cajun gumbo. Creole gumbo, sometimes called "summer gumbo," has a lighter roux with okra, tomatoes, and seafood. Cajun gumbo has a darker roux, andouille sausage, and some other type of meat (such as chicken, beef, or game). No matter which type of gumbo you prefer, make sure you serve it with some warm crusty bread!

International Sloth Day (October 19): Sloths are known for their very slow movement and metabolism. Their slow metabolism allows them to survive on a diet of leaves that provide very little energy; their slow digestion process can take days or even weeks to fully process a meal. Surprisingly, sloths are great swimmers! They move much faster in water than on land, and they can hold their breath underwater for up to 40 minutes. Despite their slow and seemingly laid-back nature, sloths are surprisingly strong in certain ways - particularly with their grip strength, climbing ability, and endurance. In terms of grip strength, sloths are three times stronger than humans!

World Statistics Day (October 20): For those who appreciate data and facts, World Statistics Day is a fun and informative celebration. Established by the United Nations in 2010, this day is dedicated to recognizing the vital role statistics play in every aspect of society. From economics to healthcare and environmental planning, reliable statistics help the world run more efficiently. You can celebrate by exploring fun data sets, brushing up on statistical knowledge, or appreciating the work of statisticians who provide the facts that shape our world.

National I Care About You Day (October 25): Show someone you care about them! It can be as simple as mailing a hand-written card or letter, making a video call, or sending a text. You could do a random act of kindness for a neighbor, or bake them a tasty treat. Another way to show someone you care is by supporting a cause or charity that is important to them. You can donate in their name, volunteer together, or raise awareness about an issue that they're passionate about; it's a meaningful way to demonstrate your support for what they value. One other idea to show care is to put together a playlist of songs that remind you of someone or that you think they would love. Music has a powerful way of expressing emotions, and sharing a playlist is a fun and meaningful way to show someone that you care.

October is full of unique holidays that bring opportunities to celebrate food, kindness, and fun traditions; there's something for everyone to enjoy. Get ready to make the most of October's fun-filled festivities!