Category: December 04

  • SANTA’S LIST DAY – December 4

    SANTA’S LIST DAY

    On December 4th, Santa’s List Day celebrates the day that Santa puts together his list of naughty and nice children. It’s also a day for kids to start working on their holiday wish lists.

    The legend of Santa dates all the way back to 280 A.D. This is when the real St. Nicholas was born in modern-day Turkey. Through the years, many traditions have evolved regarding St. Nick, who came to be known as Santa Claus. Some of these include the North Pole, elves who make toys, a flying sleigh pulled by reindeer, enjoying milk and cookies, and going down the chimney to deliver gifts.

    One more tradition is Santa’s naughty and nice list. The first mention of such a list occurs in the song, “Santa Claus is Coming to Town.” J. Fred Coots and Haven Gillespie wrote the fun Christmas song in 1934. The song included the lyrics, “He’s making a list, He’s checking it twice, He’s gonna find out who’s naughty or nice.” The song goes on to say that Santa Claus sees everything that boys and girls do, so they better be good for goodness sake!

    The whole idea of kids being naughty or nice may have come from 16th century Holland. Before there were stockings, parents placed their children’s clogs near the fireplace. Good children would find candy or cookies on their clogs. Naughty children, however, would find a lump of coal.

    Even though Santa might make his list on December 4th, there is still time for naughty children to make it on Santa’s nice list!

    HOW TO OBSERVE #SantasListDay

    Santa is the one celebrating this day as he is the one putting together his “naughty or nice” list. However, you can still participate by:

    • Teaching your children about the first Santa Claus, St. Nicholas.
    • Listening to the song, “Santa Claus Is Coming to Town” and other Christmas songs about Santa, such as “Here Comes Santa Claus,” “I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus,” and “Santa Baby.”
    • Talking to your children about the importance of good behavior all year round.
    • Helping your children make their Christmas list.

    Share this day on social media with #SantasListDay

    SANTAS LIST DAY HISTORY

    Our team is still researching the exact origins of this day.

     

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  • CABERNET FRANC DAY – December 4

    CABERNET FRANC DAY

    On December 4th, Cabernet Franc Day celebrates this exquisite wine. Also known as Cab Franc Day, this is a day to learn more about this kind of wine.

    Cabernet Franc is often referred to as the father of another popular wine, Cabernet Sauvignon. This is because Cabernet Franc and Sauvignon Blanc forged together to make Cabernet Sauvignon. Cabernet Franc is usually used as a blending grape in Bordeaux. This black grape is usually blended with Merlot, Petit Verdot, and Malbec.

    However, lovers of this grape want people to know Cab Franc is so much more than a blending grape. The grape makes a delicious medium-bodied red wine. It produces a mouthwatering taste and bell pepper-like. Other flavors associated with the wine include raspberry, black cherry, raspberry, and chili pepper.

    Cab Franc Pairings

    This delicious black grape wine also pairs well with a variety of foods:

    • Meats – Roasted pork, beef stew, turkey with cranberry or roasted lamb.
    • Cheeses – Feta, goat cheese, and blue cheese.
    • Vegetables – Roasted red peppers, grilled eggplant, mushrooms, and spinach.
    • Herbs and spices – Dishes seasoned with oregano, sage, red pepper flakes, and jalapeno.

    Other names for Cabernet Franc include Bordo, Bouchy, Cabernet Franco, and Cabernet Fank. The wine first became popular in France during the 1600s. It wasn’t until 100 years later that the grape was planted elsewhere. Today, Cabernet Franc wine is produced in California, New York, Washington, Chile, Argentina, South Africa, Italy, and New Zealand.

    HOW TO OBSERVE #CabernetFrancDay

    Restaurants and liquor stores have specials on Cabernet Franc wine. They also host wine tastings, wine-making demonstrations, and events that educate others on this type of wine. You can participate no matter where you are. Whether you’re at home relaxing, out with friends, or having a special dinner, be sure to have a glass. Please also share on social media with #CabernetFranceDay or #CabFrancDay.

    CABERNET FRANC DAY HISTORY

    Lori Budd, one of the top 15 wine bloggers in the United States, created Cabernet Franc Day in 2015. She did so to celebrate her favorite grape and chose December 4th as it is the anniversary of Cardinal Richelieu’s death. The Cardinal transported the first cuttings of the cabernet franc grapevines to the Loire Valley in southwest France where the wine was first established.

     

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  • INTERNATIONAL CHEETAH DAY – December 4

    INTERNATIONAL CHEETAH DAY

    Every year on December 4th, International Cheetah Day encourages people worldwide to help this animal win the race against extinction.

    The cheetah is well-known as the fastest animal on earth. This amazing animal can reach a top speed of 70 mph in just three seconds! At top speed, their stride spans 21 feet. The cheetah is a big, slender cat with long legs. Its short fur is yellowish-tan and covered in thousands of black spots. Most cheetahs have between 2,000 and 3,000 spots, which helps to camouflage themselves. The animal’s name comes from the Hindi word, “chita,” which means “spotted one.” These big cats weigh anywhere from 46 to 158 pounds.

    Where can I find more International Days?

    Cheetahs live on the open grasslands of Sub-Sahara Africa. They are carnivores that feast mainly on small antelopes and wildebeest calves. They sometimes eat smaller animals, such as rabbits and birds. Female cheetahs live by themselves. Male cheetahs, on the other hand, live with a small group of brothers called coalitions.

    Cheetahs are the most endangered big cat in Africa. As of 2020, scientists believe less than 8,000 cheetahs are living in the wild. This is a 50 percent decline in the last four decades. In the past, cheetahs were hunted for their fur. Today, one of their biggest threats is the loss of habitat due to increased human settlements and road construction. Some cheetahs are not able to reproduce, which threatens their survival even more.

    HOW TO OBSERVE #InternationalCheetahDay

    Many zoos and wildlife conservation groups hold special events on this day that highlight the cheetah. If your local zoo has a cheetah exhibition, this is a great day to check it out. Other ways to participate include:

    • Donate to the Cheetah Conservation Fund.
    • Learn more about cheetahs and why they are endangered.
    • Check out children’s books about cheetahs and read them with your kids.

    Post your favorite photo or video of a cheetah on social media with #InternationalCheetahDay or #SaveTheCheetah.

    INTERNATIONAL CHEETAH DAY HISTORY

    American zoologist Dr. Laurie Marker founded the Cheetah Conservation Fund in 1991. In 2010, she designated December 4th as International Cheetah Day. She chose December 4th as it was the birthday of a cheetah named Khayam. Dr. Marker trained this cheetah for her first research project on teaching captive-born cheetahs to hunt. When she reintroduced Khayam to the wild, she realized how endangered the cheetahs were becoming.

     

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  • WILDLIFE CONSERVATION DAY – December 4

    WILDLIFE CONSERVATION DAY

    Each year on December 4th, Wildlife Conservation Day seeks to spread awareness about preserving and protecting the natural world and its inhabitants. Additionally, the observance strives to put an end to wildlife crime and supporting the Endangered Species Act.

    Wildlife Crime

    Wildlife crime includes illegal poaching and smuggling of animals. Additionally, it includes transporting a specific animal product by criminal groups to make a profit. A few examples would be rhino horns and elephant tusks. Wildlife crime is detrimental to the ecosystem as it causes animals to become endangered or extinct.
    Because of poaching, these six animals are at risk of becoming extinct:

    • Elephants
    • Rhinos
    • Tigers
    • Sea turtles
    • Lemurs
    • Gorillas

    Can you imagine living in a world where these fantastic animals no longer exist? If wildlife crime continues, it could very well happen. This is why Wildlife Conservation Day focuses on putting an end to wildlife crime.

    The Endangered Species Act

    Another focus of Wildlife Conservation Day is the Endangered Species Act (ESA). The ESA was signed into law by President Nixon in 1973. The program helps to protect endangered plants and animals. The lead federal agencies for implementing the ESA include:

    • The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS)
    • U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)

    The FWS maintains a list of all the endangered species, which include birds, insects, fish, reptiles, mammals, crustaceans, flowers, grasses, and trees. In late 2019 President Trump announced a major overhaul to the law that would reduce regulations. Because of this, it’s more important than ever to support the ESA.

    HOW TO OBSERVE #WildlifeConservationDay

    Many conservation groups, zoos, and wildlife organizations hold a variety of events. These events focus on ending wildlife crime and saving endangered species. They host educational seminars and exhibits. They also offer discounted or free passes to their facilities.

    To participate:

    Sign the WWF pledge to stop wildlife crime

    • Don’t buy illegal wildlife products, such as ivory
    • Boycott unsustainable food products, such as palm oil
    • Donate to a conservation group or wildlife organization
    • Educate yourself on wildlife crime and endangered species
    • Learn more about the Endangered Species Act
    • Watch documentaries on wildlife issues and animal protection, including Blackfish, Forks Over Knives, and Racing Extinction.

    Be sure to share this day on social media with #WildlifeConservationDay

    WILDLIFE CONSERVATION DAY HISTORY

    The call to wildlife conservation began in the 1900s. At the time, the bison nearly became extinct, and the passenger pigeon disappeared. These two events introduced the public to the concept of extinction.

    Throughout the years, much was done to create awareness about wildlife conservation. However, it wasn’t until 2012 that former Secretary of State Hilary Clinton created Wildlife Conservation Day.
    At the time, Clinton had stated, “Wildlife cannot be manufactured. And once it’s gone, it cannot get replenished. Those who profit from it illegally are not just undermining our borders and our economies; they are truly stealing from the next generation.”

     

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  • NATIONAL SOCK DAY – December 4

    NATIONAL SOCK DAY

    National Sock Day on December 4th recognizes the rarest of all lasting unities, the marriage of matched socks. When they find each other, wash after wash, dry after to dry, it’s time to celebrate!

    #NationalSockDay

    The founders of the celebration turned the tables on other sock holidays. Such individualism generated was out of control. Days like National No Sock Day on May 8th and National Lost Sock Day (for shame!) on May 9th were rebels.

    To promote lasting sock matches, the observance dedicated the day to all pairs, even the tiny baby socks who manage to stay paired. We don’t know if it’s animal magnetism (static cling) or chemistry (something in the detergent), but these sock pairs deserve recognition!

    The day honors all matches made in laundromantic-matrimony. We will turn no color, style, or size away. So, Argyle to tube socks, knee highs, and fuzzy slipper socks – if they keep finding their mate over and over, this National Day wiggles its toes in their honor!

    HOW TO OBSERVE NATIONAL SOCK DAY

    Do your socks match? If they do, celebrate them! You can also go shopping for a new pair of shiny new matching socks. They can be baby socks or grown-up socks. It doesn’t matter. Make them fun, colorful socks. Stripes or polka dots, Argyle or geometric shapes. Either way, we want to see your beautifully matched mates. Share your rare pairs of socks by using #NationalSockDay on social media.

    NATIONAL SOCK DAY HISTORY

    Pair of Thieves founded National Sock Day on December 4th to warm our toes with the commemoration of two toe-tapping historical events that happened on this day. 

    In 1954, the final curtain fell on the first revival of the Broadway musical On Your Toes. The Rogers and Hammerstein production first made its debut in 1936. It was unique in that it incorporated ballet with a traditional musical genre. The popular musical was revived in 1984. 

    The second historical event occurred in 1991. On the stage of the Murphy Center in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, the Judds took the stage for their final concert. For years, the mother-daughter duo had kept country music lovers two-stepping. Following the concert, daughter Wynonna continued a solo career. From time to time, as Wynonna’s career resumed successfully, mother Naomi would join her on stage. However, the Murphy Center concert is still considered the Judd’s final show.

    In October of 2016, the Registrar at National Day Calendar declared the celebration to be observed annually.

    Socks FAQ

    Q. What are sock parts called?
    A. The names of sock parts will not knock your socks off, but the different parts of the sock include:

    • Cuff – the top part of the sock
    • Rib – the tube structure that is between the cuff and the ankle
    • Angle – the bottom of the rib
    • Heel – shaped to snuggly form to the heel
    • Foot – the fabric between the ankle and the toe
    • Toe – the tip of the sock encasing the toes

    Q. What’s a sock hop?
    A. A sock hop was a kind of dance event usually hosted in school gymnasiums or cafeterias. Dances were often required to remove their shoes to protect the floor and dance in their socks. Other phrases that include the word “sock” include:

    • Pull your socks up – to improve your work, behavior, performance, attitude
    • Sock it to them or me – to use your full force, effort, or have a powerful impact on someone
    • Put a sock in it – to stop being noisy, talking, arguing
    • Knock (your, his, her, their) socks off – impress someone with a performance, gift, idea, skill

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  • NATIONAL DICE DAY – December 4

    NATIONAL DICE DAY

    Each year on December 4th, National Dice Day recognizes an ancient gaming tool. Many games incorporate dice as a way to add random challenges or obstacles to the objectives. It’s time to roll the dice and see where you land!

    #NationalDiceDay

    Players typically throw dice onto a flat surface from their hands or a cup. The uppermost face of the die after it comes to rest determines the value of the throw. One popular dice game is craps where wagers are made on the total value of the throw of the dice. Frequently used in board games, players use dice to randomize their moves, commonly by deciding the distance a piece will move on a board. Favorite board games using dice include backgammon and Monopoly.

    The origin of dice is uncertain. However, it is known that they have been around for thousands of years.  At the Burnt City, an archaeological site in south-eastern Iran, archaeologists unearthed the oldest known dice as part of a 5000-year-old backgammon set.

    Players originally made dice from the talus (ankle bone) of hoofed animals. They also used ivory, wood, and plastics in making dice. Dice also come in many shapes and colors. 

    HOW TO OBSERVE NATIONAL DICE DAY

    Play a game using dice. Or hang those fuzzy dice on the rear-view mirror. If you have two dies, you might be in pair o’ dice. Use #NationalDiceDay to post on social media.

    NATIONAL DICE DAY HISTORY

    National Day Calendar® continues researching the origins of this ancient gaming device. 

    Dice FAQ

    Q. What does “no dice” mean?
    A. The phrase “no dice” originally comes from gaming. A dealer or competitor will sometimes say, “No dice,” when the roll doesn’t land the way they wanted. Today it can mean to deny permission or reject a request. If you ask your parents for a new phone, they might say, “No dice.”

    Q. What is the singular form of “dice”?
    A. The singular form of dice is “die.”

    Q. How many sides are on a typical die?
    A. There are 6 sides to a typical die. However, there are many different kinds of dice.

    Q. What are the dots on a die called?
    A. The dots on a die are called “pips”. Each pip or combination of pips represents a number. Pips can also be found on golf balls and dominoes.

    December 4th Celebrated (And Not So Celebrated) History

    1867

    The National Grange of the Order of Patrons of Husbandry, The Grange for short, was established following the Civil War to bring organized and cooperative farming to a national level. Seven men and one woman founded the first fraternal organization in New York and further memberships opened across the country.

    1881

    Nathan Cole Jr. and Thomas Gardiner published the first edition of the Los Angeles Daily Times, known today as the Los Angeles Times. By 1882, Harrison Gray Ottis would take over the editing of the paper.

    1918

    President Woodrow Wilson becomes the first US president to travel to Europe while in office as he sails to for the World War I peace talks in Versailles.

    1998

    Space shuttle Endeavor with a crew of six launched from Kennedy Space Center on the first mission to begin assembling the International Space Station.

    December 4th Celebrated (And Not So Celebrated) Birthdays

    Chester Greenwood – 1858

    On March 13, 1877, a young Greenwood received patent No. 188,292 for his earmuff invention.

    George A. Hormel – 1860

    In 1891, the American businessman founded the Geo. A. Hormel & Co. in Austin, MN. His understanding of the meatpacking industry led to innovations that served the Hormel company well.

    Edith Cavell – 1865

    During World War I, the British nurse served in German-occupied Belgium. She provided care to both Belgian and German soldiers during the occupation. German authorities later arrested Cavell, accusing her of aiding British and French POWs to escape. Cavell admitted to the charges and was found guilty. The Germans executed Cavell on October 13, 1915.

    Jeanne Manford – 1920

    In 1973, Manford created the support network now known as PFLAG to support her son Morty Manford and gay rights efforts.

    Jay Z – 1969

    Born Shawn Corey Carter, the Grammy award-winning rapper, has received critical and popular acclaim since his debut album, Reasonable Doubt.

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  • NATIONAL COOKIE DAY – December 4

    NATIONAL COOKIE DAY

    National Cookie Day on December 4th serves up a sweet treat. Bakers across the country warm up the ovens for holiday baking, and we enjoy giving tins of cookies to friends and family all season long. 

    #NationalCookieDay

    We can thank the Dutch for more than windmills and tulips. The English word “cookie” is derived from the Dutch word koekie, meaning “little cake.”
    Hard cookie-like wafers have existed for as long as baking has been documented. Not surprisingly, they traveled well, too. However, they were usually not sweet enough to be considered cookies by modern-day standards.

    The origin of the cookie appears to begin in Persia in the 7th century, soon after the use of sugar became common in the region. They then spread to Europe through the Muslim conquest of Spain. Cookies were common at all levels of society throughout Europe by the 14th century, from the royal cuisine to the street vendors. 

    Cookies arrived in America in the 17th century. Macaroons and gingerbread cookies were among the popular early American cookies.

    In most English-speaking countries outside of North America, the most common word for cookie is “biscuit.”  In some regions, both terms, cookies, and biscuits are used.

    Cookies are classified into different categories, with the most common ones being:

    Bar cookies – Drop cookies – Filled cookies
    Molded cookies – No bake cookies
    Pressed cookies – Refrigerator cookies
    Rolled cookies – Sandwich cookies

    HOW TO OBSERVE NATIONAL COOKIE DAY

    Pick up some cookies at your local bakery. Remember to share some of your cookies with your family and friends! A great way to get started is by making a list of your favorite cookies to bake and enjoy. Then organize your baking tools and start your assembly line.

    Use #NationalCookieDay to post on social media.

    NATIONAL COOKIE DAY HISTORY

    In 1976, Sesame Street included National Cookie Day on its calendar for the first time on November 26th. The Cookie Monster also proclaimed his own National Cookie Day in the 1980 book The Sesame Street Dictionary.  

    Then in 1987, Matt Nader of the Blue Chip Cookie Company out of San Francisco created Cookie Day, celebrating it on December 4th.

    Cookies FAQ

    Q. Why do recipes say to mix dry and wet ingredients separately?
    A. There are two important reasons why recipes for baked goods call for mixing dry and wet ingredients separately. First, mixing these ingredients separately helps to disperse the spices, leavening agents, and flavorings equally through the mix. Second, this practice prevents us from overmixing the ingredients. When we overmix ingredients, the gluten in the flour becomes tough and will create a tougher final product.

    Q. Should I use butter or margarine in my cookies?
    A. Real butter is best for cookie baking (unless the recipes specifically calls for a different fat or oil). Cookies baked with butter develop richer, tastier flavor.

     

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