There are an abundance of unusual holidays in January that we can use to add a touch of something different to our stories. If you write mysteries, a crime could be centered around one of these lesser known holidays. Or if you write historical fiction, the origins of one of these unusual holidays could be the focus of your story. In this article, I'll tell you the about the unusual holidays from the first day of January until the eighth day of January. Some days I will talk a bit about, others I won't. Additional information about the mentioned holidays can easily be found on the internet if you want to know more about them.

January 1
January first is New Year's Day. Everyone knows that. But there are other reasons to celebrate the first day of the new year, too.
First Foot Day - This custom may still be observed in some parts of Britain, Scotland, and the United States, maybe even elsewhere. It is kind of an interesting custom in which the first feet to cross the threshold of a home in the wee hours of New Year's Day belongs to the one who is supposed to bring all the luck, whether it be good or bad, for the next year. There is one catch though, the first-footer has to be a dark-haired and handsome male! And if he wants to bring his family good luck, his arms must be loaded with food.
Polar Bear Plunge or Swim Day - This normally wouldn't be a day to plunge into water, unless maybe you dove into an indoor pool or climbed in a hot-tub. But some brave souls plunge into icy waters outdoors to raise money for charity. There are several locations in the United States and Canada where gutsy individuals choose to plunge into the freezing waters. This event is also held at other times during the year.

January 2
Happy Mew Year for Cats Day - I think the name says it all.
Run it Up the Flagpole and See if Anyone Salutes Day - This is an expression that means to try something new and see if anyone notices. So if you've wanted to try out a new haircut or change your style of clothing, this is the day to do it. Be creative. Have you wanted to write in a different genre than the one you normally write your stories in? Maybe you want to try writing a romance, but all you've ever written before is fantasy. This is the perfect day to see what you can do.

January 3
Drinking Straw Day - On this day in 1888, the drinking straw was patented by Marvin C. Stone. Thank you, Mr. Stone.
Festival of Sleep Day - This is the perfect day to sleep in and lounge around. After the busy holidays, it is time to catch up on your sleep and prepare to return to work or school. The origins of this holiday are not known, so why not write a story around what you believe inspired this most awesome holiday?
Fruitcake Toss Day - If you have fruitcake left over from the holiday season, this is the day to toss it. You could even make a competition out of it and see who can toss their leftover fruitcake the furthest.
J.R.R. Tolkien Day - This great author was born on January 3, 1892 in Bloemfontein, South Africa.
National Chocolate Covered Cherry Day

January 4
Trivia Day - All of those useless little bits of trivia that you carry around in your head? This is the day to share them with everyone. Even better, you could create a character whose brain is a vast storehouse of all kinds of trivia. And he can't help himself, he must share it with everyone.
Dimpled Chad Day
World Hypnotism Day

January 5
National Bird Day - This would be a great day to write a story where a bird is one of your main characters. Tweety Bird is known by everyone. Can you create a fictional bird that will be remembered as well as he is?

January 6
Cuddle Up Day - The name pretty much says it all. This is the day to cuddle up with that special someone. Or, if there isn't a special person to cuddle with, you can cuddle up with a book, a pet, or a stuffed animal. Just find something or someone to cuddle with. And while you are cuddling, make up some origins for this awesome day as its beginnings are a mystery.

January 7
Harlem Globetrotter's Day - Do you remember this entertaining basketball team? I'm not even a basketball fan, but I sure do remember them. On this day in 1927, they traveled from Chicago, Illinois to play their very first game in Hinckley, Illinois.
I'm Not Going to Take It Anymore Day - This is the day to take control of all the events in your life and get rid of the ones you don't want anymore.
Old Rock Day - This is the day to finally start your rock collection, search for fossils, or whatever you want that has to do with rocks. There is no set way to celebrate this day. I see a group of kids out hunting rocks for their rock collection due in science class the next week. But they find more than the required rocks – they find an old skeleton, too.

January 8
Bubble Bath Day - This day, probably created by someone who needed to relax after a very long day, is the day to pull out some nicely scented bubble bath and relax in a tub full of its bubbles.
National JoyGerm Day - This is the day that everyone is encouraged to spread a specific type of germ – joy!
Show and Tell Day at Work - Schoolkids get to enjoy show and tell at school, so why shouldn't adults get to enjoy it at work? This has the potential to be a great beginning of a mystery or thriller story.