Hello friends, 2024 was a year of significant loss for our family. Amongst other setbacks, we lost my father in May and our beloved dog, Holly, earlier this month. These losses deeply affected us, leaving us navigating grief and trying to find our footing.
Grief can be an overwhelming weight, especially when losses accumulate. However, as we move forward into 2025, I’m determined to focus on finding joy in the small moments life brings; in finding the little glimmers of sun between the clouds. To help with that, I have prepped a list of some little things that may bring joy, even during the hard times. Here is my list for January.
Week 1
| Date | How To Celebrate |
| January 1 – Bloody Mary Day | To celebrate: Start the new year with a classic Bloody Mary. Don’t skimp on the horseradish!  |
| January 2 – Cream Puff Day |
To celebrate: Indulge in some delicious profiteroles to honour the choux pastry.
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| January 3 – 1924: King Tutankhamun’s Tomb is opened by Howard Carter | To celebrate: Commemorate this historical event with some Eggs Hamine. Why not also enjoy a cracking read with “Death on the Nile.”  |
| January 4 – National Spaghetti Day |
To celebrate: Learn how to twirl your spaghetti like a pro with the help of Margaret Fulton.
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| January 5 – The word “hamburger” first appeared in a Walla Walla Washington newspaper today in 1889 |
To celebrate: Skip the fast food line. Make your own delicious Devilled Hamburgers.
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January 6 – In 1988 the famous Paris Restaurant La Coupole was sold. La Coupole had many famous regulars including Jean Cocteau, |
To celebrate: Enjoy a classic Welsh Rarebit a dish that was popular at this iconic Parisian restaurant.
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| January 7 – American Pie is #1 on the charts for Don McLean in 1972 | Celebrate like a good old boy with some Whiskey and Rye Blondies |
Week 2
| January 8 1947 – David Bowie born |
To celebrate: Dye your hair!
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| January 9 – National Apricot Day | To celebrate: Enjoy the sweetness of apricots with a refreshing Apricot and Basil Sorbet. |
| January 10 – National Houseplant Appreciation Day | To celebrate: Spend some time with your plants. Play them some classical music and enjoy the air-purifying benefits they bring to your home.  |
| January 11 – National Vision Board Day | To celebrate: Create a vision board to help you achieve your goals for the year. You can take some inspo from my Pinterest vision board, if you like!  |
| January 12 – National Chicken Curry Day |
To celebrate: Treat yourself to a delicious Chicken Curry Mildura.
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| January 13 – National Peach Melba Day | To celebrate: Indulge in this classic dessert: Peaches, raspberries, and ice cream. |
| January 14 – It’s Poetry At Work Day |
To celebrate: Share a poem with a colleague (keep it appropriate!)
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Week 3
| January 15 – National Bagel Day |
To celebrate: Enjoy a delicious bagel with your favourite toppings.
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January 16 – Jaws by Peter Benchley was published today back in 1974. |
To celebrate: Watch the classic movie adaptation of “Jaws”. Enjoy a classic Fish and Chips dinner.  |
| January 17 – International Day of Italian Cuisines | To celebrate: Explore the vast world of Italian cuisine. What’s your favourite Italian dish? I’m going to remake Spaghetti Diable  |
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January 18 – Captain Cook discovered the Hawaiian Islands today in 1778. He named them the Sandwich Islands after Lord Sandwich. |
To celebrate: Make yourself a delicious sandwich. Try an Elsa Greer for a unique twist.
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| January 19 – Tin Can Day | To celebrate: Get creative in the kitchen and use those tin cans to make delicious meals. Try Satanic Sardines for inspiration.  |
January 20 – In 1968 Bonnie and Clyde premiered today. |
Crime has never been so glamorous! To celebrate: Watch this classic film and sip a Faye Dunaway Cocktail |
| January 21 – Also in 1968, the Battle of Khe Sahn began | We’re not really celebrating a battle but the classic Australian rock song “Khe Sahn” it inspired. We’ll also eat some delicious Vietnamese food like my Cha Ca La Vuong |
Week 4
January 22 – National Polka Dot Day |
To celebrate: Embrace the fun and playful spirit of polka dots. You can check out my polka-dot Pinterest Board here Don’t forget to make some Polka Dot Popcorn!  |
| January 23 – National Pie Day | To celebrate: Enjoy a delicious slice of pie like my Upside Down Savoury Pie |
| January 24 – Beer Can Appreciation Day | To celebrate: Appreciate the ingenuity of the beer can and enjoy a refreshing beverage. Try making Old Bay Beer Can Chicken  |
| January 25 – Tatiana / Student’s Day Tatiana Day is celebrated throughout the former USSR. The day starts with a church service, speeches and prize-givings. It ends with parties and l |
To celebrate: Enjoy some Moscow Potatoes. Revelry optional!
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| January 26 – National Peanut Brittle Day | To celebrate: Indulge in this sweet and crunchy treat. It’s easy to make in your microwave.  |
| January 27 – 2021 – Reports on the Cookie Monster Agate, found in Brazil in late 2020 go viral  |
To celebrate: Enjoy a delicious cookie in honour of this adorable discovery. |
| January 28 – National Daisy Day | To celebrate: Spend some time appreciating the beauty of daisies. Start with this pic of our Daisy! |
Rest of January
| January 29 – National Corn Chip Day | To celebrate: Enjoy a plate of nachos or try Joan Crawford’s Danti Chips for something different! |
January 30 – National Croissant Day |
To celebrate: Enjoy a flaky and delicious Ham and Cheese Croissant |
| January 31 – National Hot Chocolate Day | To celebrate: Warm up with a delicious and comforting cup of hot chocolate. Try a Rum Spiked Cocoa for a special treat.  |
Before we get to January though, I want to thank all my readers! I wish you all the very best for a wonderful 2025! Happy New Year!
