Category: December

  • WORLD TWIN TO TWIN TRANSFUSION SYNDROME AWARENESS MONTH – December

    WORLD TWIN TO TWIN TRANSFUSION SYNDROME MONTH

    Expecting parents know the excitement and anxiety that comes with pregnancy. With a twin pregnancy (and other multiple pregnancies), that excitement doubles. Risk factors increase, too and that’s why World Twin to Twin Transfusion Awareness Month (World TTTS Month) serves to provide information for parents expecting twins and their doctors.

    TTTS is a rare condition that only happens when twins (or other multiple pregnancies) share a placenta during gestation. Twin pregnancies occur at a rate of 31.1 to 1000 births and TTTS occurs in about 10 percent of twin pregnancies. Still, it’s important to learn about the syndrome, how it’s diagnosed and treated.

    The placenta provides blood flow and nutrients during gestation. When twins share the placenta, sometimes they share the placenta unequally. This is called unequal placental sharing. As a result, one twin will receive more blood flow than the other. Blood will also transfuse between the twins when they share the same vascular structures.

    Symptoms include:

    • A sudden increase in abdominal size
    • A rapid increase in weight
    • Abdominal pain or tightness
    • Early contractions

    The obstetrician will conduct frequent ultrasounds to diagnose and identify TTTS early. If TTTS is present, the doctor will monitor the pregnancy closely. Treatment is available to ensure the babies grow equally and receive the same amount of blood flow.

    HOW TO OBSERVE #WorldTTTSMonth

    Learn more about TTT syndrome especially if you’re expecting twins. Speak with your physician and report any symptoms to your doctor. Share the observance on social media to help increase awareness. When you do, use #WorldTTTSMonth.

    WORLD TWIN TO TWIN TRANSFUSION SYNDROME AWARENESS MONTH HISTORY

    The TTTS Foundation founded World TTTS Awareness Day to educate the public and increase overall awareness and understanding of the risks associated with monochorionic twins, triplets, and other multiple pregnancies.

     

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  • MITTEN TREE DAY – December 6

    MITTEN TREE DAY

    On December 6th, Mitten Tree Day celebrates the gift of warmth. It’s a day to collect mittens, hang them on a Christmas tree, and then hand them out to those in need.

    Those who live in cold climates understand the necessity of mittens. This winter clothing item is essential for keeping the hands warm while outdoors. Unfortunately, however, there are many children around the world who are without adequate winter clothing, which includes mittens.

    Mittens have been around for hundreds of years. Those in cold climates made mittens from fur, animal skin, and whatever other materials could be found to keep the hands warm. Many believe the oldest mittens come from Latvia and are over 1,000 years old. Latvians didn’t just use mittens to keep their hands warm, however. When Latvian women married, they were given a hope chest with several pairs of knitted mittens. The unique patterns on the mittens had specific meanings. Some patterns signified a blessing for their home while other patterns were used to bless members of their families.

    One of the earliest known mittens in the United States dates back to 1803. The mitten contained a poem knitted into the wool. During the Civil War, Abby Condon produced hand-knitted mittens for soldiers, and she recruited women from all over New England to help her. About 1,500 workers produced 15,000 mittens in just one year.

    So as you can see, all throughout history, mittens have been given away as gifts and for those in need. This special day helps to keep this tradition alive.

    HOW TO OBSERVE #MittenTreeDay

    Every year on this day, schools, churches, and charitable organizations set up a Christmas tree and ask people to donate mittens. The mittens are hung on the tree and then distributed to those in need. You can participate by putting up a Mitten Tree in your place of work, worship, or in your home. Ask your family, friends, and coworkers to donate mittens. Many communities have child advocacy organizations that are in need of mittens and other warm clothing items for winter. You can also share this day on social media with #MittenTreeDay.

    MITTEN TREE DAY HISTORY

    Some say that Mitten Tree Day is a response to the book, “The Mitten Tree” by Candace Christianson. However, newspaper references prove this day began before the book came out. One newspaper article came out in 1949. According to the article, children of the Primary Department of St. Luke’s Lutheran Church clipped mittens and gloves to the branches of a Christmas Tree. These gloves were then turned over to the Lutheran World Service after Christmas and were distributed to boys and girls in Europe, where warm clothing was badly needed. In the 1950s and 1960s Boy and Girl Scout Troops collected or made mittens to give away at Christmastime, hanging them on trees. In recent years, Mitten Tree Day events have been held annually on December 6th.

     

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  • KRAMPUSNACHT – December 5

    KRAMPUSNACHT

    On December 5th, adults celebrating Krampusnacht seek to punish misbehaving children. This not-so-jolly holiday is also referred to as Krampus Night.

    Most people associate the holiday season with lots of cheer, merriment, and joy. However, there is one traditional holiday during this time of the year that doesn’t sound so fun. In fact, it seems a little scary. It’s actually more Halloween-like than Christmassy.

    Krampusnacht dates back to pagan mythology. Some believe Krampus, also known as the “Horned God,” came from a pagan supernatural being who was assimilated to the devil. Horned devils came about during the 11th century. They often appeared in medieval plays. The name Krampus is derived from the German word krampen, which means “claw.” It’s no surprise that during the 12th century, the Catholic Church tried to ban Krampus celebrations. They did so because of his resemblance to the devil.

    Krampusnacht survived, however, and over time, Krampus evolved into a child-terrorizing ghoul that came out before Christmas. On the evening of Krampusnacht, men dress as Krampus run through the streets and frighten children. Sometimes, Krampus even pokes the children with a stick. Traditional Krampus costumes are made up of a hand-carved wooden mask. A suit made from sheep or goatskin, along with cowbells around the hips, completes the costume.

    In some countries, Krampus appears in the streets with St. Nicholas. Krampus punishes the naughty children while St. Nick rewards the good ones.

    HOW TO OBSERVE #Krampusnacht

    Krampusnacht is widely celebrated in Bavaria, Eastern Europe, and Germany. In recent years, it has also become a popular holiday in the United States. Some cities, such as Seattle, Philadelphia, and New Orleans hold Krampus parades. These parades often signify the beginning of the Christmas season. To participate:

    • Learn more about the history of Krampusnacht.
    • Attend Krampusnacht events in your city.
    • Watch a Krampus movie, such as Krampus, A Christmas Horror Story, or Krampus: The Christmas Devil.
    • Have a Krampusnacht party and invite people to dress as Krampus.

    Share this bizarre holiday on social media with #Krampusnacht.

    KRAMPUSNACHT HISTORY

    In some countries, Krampusnacht has been celebrated for hundreds of years. The event always precedes the feast of St. Nicholas, which is held on December 6th.

     

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  • 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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  • CLASSROOM – TIME TRAVEL

    CLASSROOM – TIME TRAVEL

    Time travel is a universal topic. It inspires creativity, exploration, study, and debate which all find a place in the classroom. Pretend to Be a Time Traveler Day gives us the opportunity to celebrate time travel and those whose imaginations tackle the idea. This week in the classroom we dabble with the creative side of time travel.

    Download and print this week’s projects to express their thankfulness. You can also follow the suggestions below to help your students explore the days in their own way. It might surprise you what they discover! We’re often surprised by our own discoveries!

    HOW TO OBSERVE in the Classroom – Time

    Celebrate Every Day in the Classroom by:

    1. Asking a question about the day or observance and finding the answer.
    2. Exploring the subject further. Whether you read a book, interview an expert, watch a documentary, or run an experiment, there is always more to learn about the observance.
    3. Writing about the day or observance. You can write about what you learned or what the day means to you.
    4. Telling someone about the day. You might be sharing information that is helpful to someone. Or, you might brighten someone’s day.
    5. Solving a problem. Many observances discuss issues around the world that need fixing. How would you fix it?
    6. Being creative. Draw, paint, build, design, bake, create your idea of what the observance means.

    Of course, as always, sharing on social media isn’t required; learning is. But if you do, please use #NDCClassroom to share on social media.

    THIS WEEK’S PROJECTS

    Complete these time travel projects as you travel through time.

    There are over 1,500 national days. Don’t miss a single one. Celebrate Every Day® with National Day Calendar®!

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  • ANTARCTICA DAY – December 1

    ANTARCTICA DAY

    On December 1st, Antarctica Day recognizes the anniversary of the Antarctic Treaty. It’s also a day to learn more about this cold and barren continent.

    #AntarcticaDay

    Humans didn’t discover Antarctica until 1820. Once discovered, several nations sought to claim the continent as their own. As tension increased, some countries began working on a peaceful solution. On December 1st, 1959 in Washington, D.C. delegates from 12 countries came together to sign the Antarctic Treaty. These countries included:

    • Argentina
    • Australia
    • Belgium
    • France
    • Chile
    • Japan
    • New Zealand
    • Norway
    • South Africa
    • Soviet Union
    • United Kingdom
    • United States

    Each of these countries had scientists working on the continent during the International Geophysical Year of 1957-1958. This Treaty became the first arms control agreement established during the Cold War. It symbolized global understanding during a period of intense division and secrecy.

    The Antarctic Treaty ensured that all exploration and research on the continent would be for peaceful purposes only. The Treaty also promoted the idea of cooperation between countries and that all scientific observations would be made freely available. Additionally, the continent could never be used for military purposes or radioactive waste disposal.

    In recent years, climate change and tourism have become important issues for the Antarctic region. Antarctica has an average temperature in the summer of -18° F. The average temperature in the winter is -76° F. Despite these frigid temperatures, tourism on the continent is growing. In one year, 40,000 people visited the fifth-largest continent. Antarctica is about 5.5 million square miles, which is twice as big as Australia. Ninety percent of the planet’s ice is on Antarctica.

    HOW TO OBSERVE ANTARCTICA DAY

    On this day, schools, museums, and science centers around the world hold various Antarctica-themed events. Flag displays, writing contests, webinars, and film festivals are just some of the different kinds of activities held on this day. To participate:

    • Learn more about the Antarctic Treaty and the continent of Antarctica.
    • Hold a contest with family and friends to see who can name the most species of animals that live in Antarctica.
    • Watch a documentary on Antarctica, such as Encounters at the End of the World, Antarctica: A Year on Ice, or Shackleton’s Voyage of Endurance.
    • Read about famous Antarctic explorers, like Charles Wilkes, Robert Falcon Scott, Jules Dumont, and Ann Bancroft.

    Share this day on social media with #AntarcticaDay

    ANTARCTICA DAY HISTORY

    The Foundation for the Good Governance of International Spaces established Antarctica Day. Their goal was to highlight the international cooperation that makes governance of Antarctica possible. The day was created following the Antarctic Treaty Summit in 2009. This year marked the 50th anniversary of the Antarctic Treaty, which was signed in 1959.

     

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  • CLASSROOM – Pie

    CLASSROOM – Pie

    Any way you slice it, celebrating National Pie Day in the classroom is a treat! There are so many different kinds of pies, and it’s one food over the holidays we can be thankful for. This week we also talk about thankfulness. It’s not just something that happens at Thanksgiving; it happens all year long, too.

    HOW TO OBSERVE in the CLASSROOM – Pie

    Download and print this week’s projects to express their thankfulness. You can also follow the suggestions below to help your students explore the days in their own way. It might surprise you what they discover! We’re often surprised by our own discoveries!

    Celebrate Every Day in the Classroom by:

    1. Asking a question about the day or observance and finding the answer.
    2. Exploring the subject further. Whether you read a book, interview an expert, watch a documentary, or run an experiment, there is always more to learn about the observance.
    3. Writing about the day or observance. You can write about what you learned or what the day means to you.
    4. Telling someone about the day. You might be sharing information that is helpful to someone. Or, you might brighten someone’s day.
    5. Solving a problem. Many observances discuss issues around the world that need fixing. How would you fix it?
    6. Being creative. Draw, paint, build, design, bake, create your idea of what the observance means.

    Of course, as always, sharing on social media isn’t required; learning is. But if you do, please use #NDCClassroom to share on social media.

    THIS WEEK’S PROJECTS

    I don’t know about you, but I’m pretty thankful for pie, especially homemade ones. What are you thankful for?

    There are over 1,500 national days. Don’t miss a single one. Celebrate Every Day® with National Day Calendar®!

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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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  • CLASSROOM – Monkey

    National Day Calendar Classroom - December - Monkey

    CLASSROOM – Monkey

    It’s important not to have any monkey business in the classroom. This week, though, we’re going to invite the monkey’s into the classroom for Monkey Day. It’s an opportunity to learn about different primates all over the world. Whether your students read about them or explore these fascinating creatures in blogs or videos, they can learn a lot. Many species currently face reduced habitat due to deforestation. Those that aren’t on the endangered species list are threatened or struggling.

    HOW TO OBSERVE – Monkey

    This week, we offer a coloring page and several resources to help you celebrate Monkey Day with your students.

    Of course, as always, sharing on social media isn’t required; learning is. But if you do, please use #NDCClassroom to share on social media.

    THIS WEEK’S CLASSROOM PROJECTS – Monkey

    Monkeys are fascinating creatures. They are close cousins to the chimpanzee, another primate. This week, we invite you to explore what a monkey is and where they live.

    There are over 1,500 national days. Don’t miss a single one. Celebrate Every Day® with National Day Calendar®!

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There are over 1,500 national days. Don’t miss a single one. Celebrate Every Day with National Day Calendar!

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