Mark The Months - December

This month is a time to shine a spotlight on the tireless work of human rights defenders worldwide - individuals and organizations who often work in challenging and sometimes perilous conditions to protect the rights of others. It's a period to acknowledge and celebrate their courage and commitment and to remember those who have faced persecution or paid the ultimate price for their dedication to human rights. By highlighting their stories and struggles, Universal Human Rights Month not only honors these brave souls but also inspires others to take a stand for justice, equality, and human dignity in their own communities and beyond.

  Celebrated: Annually, throughout December

It's that special time of year when we navigate the treacherous aisles of toy stores, armed with nothing but our wits and an unshakeable determination to avoid any toy that might spontaneously combust. As we stand before shelves lined with beeping, flashing 'educational' gadgets, we can't help but reminisce about the good old days when the biggest toy hazard was stepping barefoot on a Lego. Now, we face toys with more warning labels than a bottle of hot sauce, reminding us that while children's imaginations are limitless, their sense of self-preservation is... well, let's just say, still under development. So, here's to choosing toys that spark joy, not trips to the ER, making this holiday season merry, bright, and incident-free!

  Celebrated: Annually, throughout December

In the quiet corners of animal shelters, where the festive cheer seems a distant echo, sit countless hopeful eyes, gazing through bars with a longing that's both profound and heartrending. These are the forgotten ones, the pets who've never known the warmth of a holiday home, whose only wish is for a gentle touch or a kind word. Each wagging tail hides a story untold, a yearning for love that remains unmet as they watch, day after day, for someone to notice them, to offer the gift of a forever home - a dream that, for many, remains just out of reach in the cold shelter walls during the season of giving.

  Celebrated: Annually, from December 1st. to Christmas Eve

Each participant in the Dressember campaign carries a unique story, often sharing their personal reasons and inspirations for joining the movement on social media and personal blogs. This act of sharing creates a tapestry of powerful, personal narratives that not only raise awareness about human trafficking but also foster a deep sense of community and solidarity. By connecting participants from diverse backgrounds and locations through shared stories and experiences, Dressember transcends mere advocacy, becoming a platform for empowerment and a catalyst for social change. The collective voice of these stories amplifies the campaign's impact, making it not just a fundraiser but a movement grounded in the real-life experiences and passions of its participants.

  Celebrated: Annually, throughout December

National Impaired Driving Prevention Month is a beacon of collective responsibility and awareness, shining a light on a critical issue with a simple yet powerful message: every decision to drive sober is a life saved. This observance transforms a sobering statistic into a rallying cry for change, uniting communities, law enforcement, and individuals in a shared mission to make our roads safer. It's a time when a single choice behind the wheel becomes a profound act of caring for ourselves, our loved ones, and strangers alike, weaving a tapestry of safety and responsibility that extends far beyond the festive season.

  Celebrated: Annually, throughout December

Every December, this creamy champion laces up its metaphorical sneakers and embarks on a month-long endurance race. It starts off at a steady pace in early December, accompanying the first batches of holiday cookies. As the month progresses, its journey intensifies, fueling last-minute shopping sprees and adding a dash of cheer to endless holiday playlists. Eggnog hits its stride at office parties and family gatherings, where it's passed around like a baton in a relay race of holiday spirit. By the time it reaches the finish line on New Year's Eve, it's not just a beverage; it's a seasoned marathoner that's kept pace with the busiest, most festive time of the year. And when the clock strikes midnight, it crosses the finish line with a creamy flourish, leaving us all in awe of its holiday stamina.

  Celebrated: Annually, throughout December

In a humorous twist, a man decided to donate his old, barely functioning car to charity, thinking little of the rickety vehicle's worth. To his surprise, the car, a vintage model with an unassuming exterior, caught the eye of a classic car enthusiast at the charity auction. It turned out, hidden under layers of rust and years of neglect, was a rare collector's item! The car fetched a handsome sum, far exceeding anyone's expectations. The man, amused and astounded, received a tax deduction that was several times more than what he initially thought the car was worth, and the charity benefitted immensely from his 'clunker' that turned out to be a hidden treasure.

  Celebrated: Annually, throughout December

Writing a business plan – it's like assembling IKEA furniture without the instruction manual, but somehow even more fun! You start with grand visions of empire-building, only to realize you're not entirely sure what 'market segmentation' means. It's a thrilling journey where you fluctuate between feeling like a business mogul and wondering if your plan is just a glorified wishlist. You meticulously analyze your 'target market' while sipping coffee at 2 AM, wondering if 'insomniacs with a caffeine addiction' could be a niche. And just when you think you've got it all figured out, the financial projections section stares at you like a riddle wrapped in a mystery inside an enigma. But fear not, brave entrepreneurs, for each confusing graph and perplexing pie chart brings you one step closer to your dream – and at the very least, you'll have a snazzy document that looks impressively official!

  Celebrated: Annually, throughout December

Pears, with their often bottom-heavy shape, are nature's comical reminder that fruit, too, can have a sense of humor. Imagine a pear, sitting nonchalantly in the fruit bowl, looking like it just walked out of a cartoon, carrying all its belongings in a bottom-heavy suitcase. It's the fruit equivalent of the awkward kid in gym class who grows up to be unexpectedly cool and versatile. Whether it's strutting its stuff in a fancy dessert or casually lounging in a lunchbox, the pear manages to be both the butt of jokes and the belle of the ball. Its ability to play both roles with such juicy aplomb demonstrates its endearing charm. Next time you see a pear, give it a nod; it's quietly mastering the art of being both a culinary staple and a delightful oddity in the world of fruits.

  Celebrated: Annually, throughout December

This is where our dreams of a peaceful, Norman Rockwell-esque holiday scene meet the reality of Aunt Edna's mystery casserole and your nephew's newfound talent for playing the recorder... at full blast. It's that special time of year when the family gathers, bringing together a unique blend of quirky personalities and over-enthusiastic pets, and Uncle Larry’s attempt at deep-frying the turkey ends up summoning the local fire department (again). At the same time, the kid's table looks like a scene from a miniature food fight championship, and someone always forgets to thaw the cranberry sauce. But amidst the chaos, the burnt pies, and the inevitable debate over whether Die Hard is a Christmas movie (it is), there’s laughter – the kind that makes your belly ache and eyes water

  Celebrated: Annually, throughout December

Diving into a new book is like going on a blind date arranged by your most eccentric friend. You're hopeful, slightly apprehensive, and wondering if it'll be a storybook romance or a tale you'll recount at parties for laughs. Will it be love at first line, or will you be ghosting the book by chapter three? Either way, you're in for an adventure, armed with nothing but your wits and a bookmark, ready to explore the wild terrain of fresh plots and unfamiliar characters. And the best part? No need to dress up – pajamas and fuzzy socks are the recommended attire for this literary rendezvous!

  Celebrated: Annually, throughout December

Imagine if eyes could talk – they’d probably have the best "I spy" jokes. And here’s a thought: if eyes are the windows to the soul, does that make eyelashes the window treatments? Eyes do all this heavy lifting – literally, they lift about four ounces of eyelid a few thousand times a day – and what thanks do they get? A bit of cucumber during a facial, maybe. They're like the overworked employees of the face, constantly looking out for us (pun intended), while the mouth gets to enjoy all the coffee and ice cream. So, here's to our peepers, the unsung heroes who never look away from a challenge, even if it's just a Monday morning staring contest with the alarm clock!

  Celebrated: Annually, throughout December

This is the time of year when your mailbox becomes more than a resting place for bills and ads! It's when you get to puzzle over whose handwriting is on the envelope and why it looks suspiciously like your aunt's, who last wrote a letter during the Reagan administration. Imagine the hilarity of deciphering your friend's scrawl that resembles ancient hieroglyphics, or the chuckle you get when you receive a letter addressed to your pet (because, why not?). It's a month filled with the nostalgia of ink-smudged fingers, the suspense of waiting for the mailman, and the realization that your penmanship could really use some work. Write a Friend Month: reviving the lost art of letter writing, one giggle at a time!

  Celebrated: Annually, throughout December

There’s a lot that goes into a great meal—flavor, presentation, maybe even a little flair from the chef. But behind all that is something even more important: making sure that what lands on your plate doesn’t come with a side of regret. Food service professionals work hard to keep things clean, controlled, and under control, even when the kitchen is moving at full speed. It may not be the most glamorous part of the job, but it’s the part that makes everything else possible… and keeps everyone coming back for seconds.

  Celebrated: Annually, throughout December