Most people in America think of Thanksgiving or Veterans Day as the two major celebrations in November. Veterans Day ranks high during the month because it is a federal holiday, which means some people get an extra day off. More importantly, the men and women who served in the armed forces deserve the honor of a day all their own. With these two major holidays popping up, it’s easy to overlook some of the other November days that recognize peace, kindness, and good manners.
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World Kindness Day
On November 13, 1997, humanitarians in Japan came together and decided that the day would be a “Declaration of Kindness.” The following year, it became an annual event. Over time, it has been added to calendars in the United States, Australia, and England, but it is also celebrated in other countries around the world. According to the World Kindness Movement, kindness is a common thread that unites people. It creates bonds of compassion that reach beyond race or religion, and it’s free to do nice things for others. World Kindness Day is always celebrated on November 13.
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National Philanthropy Day
Even though National Philanthropy Day (NPD) was created to honor volunteers and those who give financially, you can turn it into a day to make a change in your community. NPD places awareness on the need to give back to vulnerable individuals in the world. Make a commitment to donate your time or money to a good cause. Be the change that the world needs. NPD is celebrated on November 15—the day President Reagan declared it an official day on the calendar.
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World Hello Day
In 1973, Brian and Michael McCormack created World Hello Day to promote peace during the conflict between Egypt and Israel. The theme of the day is to “greet 10 people for peace.” The idea behind the day is to use communication to create peace instead of using force. Over 180 countries acknowledge the day, now celebrated on November 21. 2015 marks the 43rd anniversary of World Hello Day, which is supported by 31 winners of the Nobel Peace Prize and almost 100 world leaders, entertainers, and authors. See their letters of support at worldhelloday.org, and take a few extra minutes to greet people that you might normally overlook on November 21.
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Thanksgiving
Sarah Josepha Hale, who wrote “Mary Had a Little Lamb,” petitioned government officials and wrote editorials requesting that Thanksgiving be made a national holiday. President Lincoln finally gave in during the Civil War. He requested that all Americans use the day to pray that God would heal the nation and take care of the orphans and widows of soldiers who gave their lives. Thanksgiving may have been a religious holiday, but no matter what your faith and philosophy, you can get together with family and friends to remember the good times of the past and enjoy each other’s company.
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You’re Welcome Day
This day is celebrated the day after Thanksgiving. It’s a reminder to tell others thank you for kind deeds and to mind your manners in public. The idea is that the words “you’re welcome” follow “thanks,” which is why it follows Thanksgiving. This would be a great day to tell someone thanks for doing that job that often gets overlooked.
Celebrate Peace Every Day
If you see a theme, you aren’t wrong. It’s sad that humanity needs special days to be reminded to say thank you or hello to others. Make a point to observe peace and have good manners every day, whether it’s a special holiday or not. As Aesop quoted, “No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted.” Spread peace and care about those around you.