Next time you need a day off, instead of the usual fake cough over the phone, why not try using one of the weirdest national holidays as an excuse? For example, “I cannot come to work today because it is National Hobbit Day…”
We’re not saying it’ll work, but at least if your boss checks online to see if it’s real, they’ll find that it is. Just expect lots of questions next time you’re at work — and probably a written warning! Here are a few of the weirdest national holidays that exist.
10. National Nothing Day, January 16
Who doesn’t love to do just nothing all day? Well, now you can make it a great excuse to avoid interaction with one of the weirdest National holidays in January. The “un-event” was proposed in 1972 by columnist Harold Pullman Coffin and started being observed in 1973.
It was proposed simply to provide Americans with one National Day when they can just sit without celebrating, observing, and honoring anything they wish. While it might be a great way to get out of obligations, it’s always nice to sit and find enjoyment in alone time.
Related: Top Weirdest Houses in the World
9. National Lost Sock Memorial Day, May 9
Where do those pesky socks go? Whether they’re stuck behind the laundry machine, or torn up in your dog’s kennel, May is the month to honor and observe those lost socks that will never be found.
This is one of the weirdest national holidays that also doesn’t have much of a history, and by that, it simply has stretched through the centuries. But no matter why it became a holiday or when all that matters is that we mourn the sock pairings that could have been.
Also Read: Weird Facts from U.S. Election History
8. National Ghost Hunting Day, September 24
The last day of September is not only leading into the month of October, but it also holds one of the weirdest national holidays, and fitting holidays: National Ghost Hunting Day. This annual holiday celebrates investigating all things paranormal.
Whether you want to take the day to watch ghost-hunting videos in the safety of your home or creep around the abandoned buildings in your town, the day is full of spooky times and haunting environments.
Check Out: Weird Facts About Pigs
7. National Clean Your Desk Day, January 10
National Clean Your Desk Day is celebrated on January 10 as a symbol of preparing your workplace for a new year and a new start.
This day is not just about cleaning your desktop and workplace physically but also cleaning it internally by removing extra files and getting rid of extra material from your drawer.
You can celebrate this day by decluttering your workspace getting rid of material that you no longer need. Don’t use this one to get a day off work — it’ll definitely backfire.
6. National Bubble Wrap Appreciation Day, January 31
This could be the weirdest national holiday going — but one of the best. National Bubble Wrap Appreciation Day is a celebration of the joy that is popping bubble wrap.
It is celebrated on January 31 and started when a radio station unwrapped their new microphone and started popping bubbles on air while it was being listened to — and it was loved by millions.
This day is now celebrated by throwing eccentric parties where everything gets bubble-wrapped — and ultimately popped.
Read Next: Most Controversial Movies Ever Made
5. National Toothache Day, February 9
The worst and weirdest national holiday ever. One of the most severe aches anyone can have is toothache and to celebrate this unbearable ache, February 9th has become National Toothache day.
Unsurprisingly, the reason behind celebrating this day is unknown. Yet, most people celebrate it by visiting their dentists and making sure that all is well with their teeth.
Perhaps it’s a gentle reminder to take good care of your teeth before toothache kicks in. Who knows, but this is one weird national holiday that we’ll be skipping.
4. National Open an Umbrella Indoor Day, March 13
While opening an umbrella outdoors is a common thing, opening an umbrella indoors is both weird and bad luck (if you’re into that sort of thing).
On March 13, if an indoor umbrella opening is your thing, you can, and you’ll have a good excuse (well an excuse). This day is celebrated to check the superstition that opening an umbrella indoors will bring bad luck.
Also Read: Weird Facts About Dolphins
3. National No Dirty Dishes Day, May 18
Cleaning dishes every day is important but on National No Dirty Dishes Day it is the most important thing. May 18 is unofficially celebrated as National No Dirty Dishes Day — and is a date where you have to make sure that there are no dirty dishes in your kitchen or anywhere else.
It is considered to be a fun activity and is celebrated by some young Americans as a reminder of how important it is to clean your dishes.
Check Out: Best Christmas-Themed Video Game Levels to Get You into the Holiday Spirit
2. National Hobbit Day, September 22
One of the weirdest national holidays, as well as a beloved one, is celebrated on September 22. The day celebrates J.R.R. Tolkien’s most loveable characters, as it’s National Hobbit Day.
Tolkien introduced hobbits as shy yet courageous characters who were dragged into adventures. Hobbits have fans from all over the world, and while this weird national holiday is celebrated by only die-hard fans, it is the perfect excuse to take a day off and go on your little adventure.
Read More: Most Obscure Sports in the World
1. National Dogs in Politics Day, September 23
Dog lovers of the United States celebrate dogs in politics on September 23, And White House Dogs have always attracted attention from the public and even swayed voters in the polls.
This day is specially celebrated in memory of President Richard Nixon’s Dog, Checker who touched millions of hearts when the President alluded to him during his television address on September 23, 1952.
