All - Leep Calendar

National Sleep Comfort Month highlights sleeping comfortably and getting enough sleep. Retailers often use this month for sales on bedding and mattresses ahead of the holiday season.

Africa

Nov

Small Business Saturday, Ntl.: November 29

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National Small Business Saturday is the Saturday after Thanksgiving in the United States. First observed on November 27, 2010, this shopping holiday encourages people to support small local businesses. Trademarked by the American Express Corporation, buying from participating vendors on this day often delivers increased discounts and additional points. American Express members can sign up under member benefits to extend their deals throughout the year.

Africa

Nov

Smokeout, Great American: November 20

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The American Cancer Society sponsors the Great American Smokeout on the third Thursday of November. It encourages Americans to quit smoking and was initiated on November 16, 1977. Before this, Arthur P. Mullaney recommended people stop smoking and donate the proceeds to a local school. In 1974, Lynn R. Smith of the Monticello Times of Minnesota promoted a "Don't Smoke Day."

Africa

Nov

Solidarity Day with the Palestinian People, World (1947): November 29

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World Solidarity Day with the Palestinian People is a campaign started by the United Nations General Assembly in 1977 under the resolution 32/40. November 29 represents the 1947 anniversary when the UN General Assembly approved the Partition Resolution (Resolution 181 (II)), which states that there should be an Arab State and a Jewish State in Palestine. This event brings to light the plight of the Palestinian people and their inalienable rights to self-determination without interference from other nations. The event highlights the right to national independence and sovereignty and the right to return to homes vacated forcibly during war, at gunpoint, and through terrorism. On this day, the UN organizes an annual exhibit on the rights of the Palestinian people and a cultural show that depicts the rich heritage of Palestine. The UN also urges its member states to continue supporting this campaign. The Palestinian flag is raised in the UN headquarters and the Offices of the United Nations.

Africa

Nov

Spicy Guacamole Day: November 14

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There are two unofficial events celebrating guacamole in the calendar: Guacamole Day on September 16 and Spicy Guacamole Day on November 14 each year. Neither event has a sponsor, and both appeared online several years ago. Late summer is the traditional season for avocados, though several varieties are available year-round from different areas of the world. Traditional guacamole includes avocados, tomatoes, onions, salt, lime, and cilantro. Add peppers (any kind), horseradish, or wasabi to make spicy guacamole. HISTORY OF GUACAMOLE The history of guacamole, a popular dish whose roots originate with the Aztecs of ancient Mexico, is as rich and complex as its flavor. The original Aztec version, "ahuacamolli," was a simple mixture of mashed avocados, tomatoes, and salt. This dish was more than just a culinary staple; it played a significant role in Aztec culture due to the avocado's nutritional value and the belief in its aphrodisiac properties. With the arrival of the Spanish in the 16th century, guacamole expanded. The Spaniards, who had never seen avocados before, were initially skeptical but quickly developed a taste for the fruit. They modified the original recipe, adding ingredients like onions, lime, and cilantro – elements generally fundamental to guacamole as we know it. The dish spread to other regions as the Spanish continued their explorations, eventually reaching Europe and other parts of the world. In each new location, guacamole evolved, incorporating local flavors and ingredients, reflecting the culinary practices of each region. Guacamole's journey into American cuisine began in the early 20th century, particularly in the southwestern states, where Mexican culture had a significant influence. It gained popularity in the United States post-World War II, as American soldiers returned home with a taste for the foods they had encountered abroad, including guacamole. Today, guacamole is a global food celebrated for its versatility and flavor. It's a staple in Mexican cuisine, a spread in American households, especially during events like the Super Bowl, and a gourmet addition to menus worldwide. Guacamole ingredients today range from the traditional to the innovative, with chefs adding ingredients like pomegranate seeds, mango, or even seafood, bacon, and wasabi. The history of guacamole is a testament to the dish's ability to transcend cultures and time, evolving while maintaining its core identity – a unifying thread in the culinary tapestry of the world.

Africa

Nov

Spicy Hermit Cookie Day: November 15

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Spicy Hermit Cookie Day celebrates the unique New England sweet. Hermit cookies, known for their distinctive spicy flavor and chewy texture, have a history that is as intriguing as their name. Originating in the New England region of the United States during the 19th century, these cookies have become a beloved treat with a legacy that spans over a century. The name "hermit" is shrouded in mystery, with several theories attempting to explain its origin. One popular belief is that these cookies were named for their ability to be stored for long periods, much like a hermit living in seclusion. This longevity was due to the rich molasses, spices, and dried fruits in the recipe, which acted as natural preservatives. Another theory suggests that the cookies' somewhat plain appearance, lacking the elaborate decorations of other 19th-century confections, led to their being named after the modest attire of hermits. Regardless of the origin of their name, hermit cookies quickly gained popularity for their rich taste and the convenience of their long shelf life. The classic hermit cookie recipe features a blend of spices such as cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg combined with ingredients like molasses, brown sugar, raisins, and nuts. This combination results in a moist, chewy texture, rich in flavors that deepen over time. Traditionally, these cookies were baked as bars and then cut into small squares or rectangles, but today, it is just as common to find them in drop cookie form. Hermit cookies have endured and thrived over the years; their recipes have been passed down through generations of bakers. They are a staple in New England bakeries and are particularly beloved during the holiday season, though their hearty nature makes them a comforting choice year-round.

Africa

Nov

Split Pea Soup Week, National: November 9-15

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National Split Pea Soup Week began in 1969. North Dakota and Montana farmers grow 79% of all the dried peas. National Split Pea Soup Week is best celebrated by cooking or eating the soup. Split peas or pulses, whether green or yellow, are full of fiber, protein, vitamins, and minerals.

Africa

Nov

Sports Fan Day, Ntl.: November 1

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You know who you are, whether pro, college, or neighborhood—you're a sports fan. National Sports Fan Day began in 2016. The timing has to do with the "sports equinox," the one day a year when every major sports league seems to have a game going. The sports equinox tends to occur during the last day of October or the first week of November.

Africa

Nov

Square Dance Day: November 29

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Square Dance Day is the day to honor the square dance, a style of dance invented in England during the 1600s and imported to America, where it received its multicultural twist. Square dancing has been a part of Americana ever since.

Africa

Nov

Stand Sunday: November 9

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In 2004, Bishop Aaron Blake, Sr. started “Stand Sunday” in the United States, at his church in Brownwood, Texas, as a call to stand up to care for children and families impacted by the child welfare system. The Christian Alliance for Orphans (CAFO) initiated Stand Sunday to inspire and equip Christians for adoption, foster care, and global orphan care. The movement aims to draw attention to millions of children worldwide who desperately need a family. The year before, in 2003, in Zambia, a pastor called the local church to respond to the orphan crisis around them, creating the first International Orphan Sunday. During Stand Sunday services, congregations worldwide commit to prayer and raise awareness about the plight of orphans. Pastors share biblical teachings on adoption and families to consider adopting, fostering, or sponsoring a child in need.

Africa

Nov

Stand Up to Bullying Day, Intl.: November 21*

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Howdy! We're working on the description for this event. It's one of over two thousand events added to the calendar this year. We have verified it is an authentic event and have included the organization behind it for our members. In the meantime, we wanted to make sure you were able to include it in your search for events this month and in this category. We appreciate your patience!

Africa

Nov

Start Your Own Country Day: November 22

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Start Your Own Country Day is a promotion that started at the 1939 World’s Fair held in New York City. It honors people who believe that the world can get better if anybody can declare any micro-nation as their own. The 1933 Montevideo Convention outlines the requirements and needs to create your own country. Your country must have the following: 1) A permanent population 2) A defined territory 3) A government 4) The capacity to enter into relations with other states. Get those things together (and some way to defend it), and you’ve got your own private nation.

Africa

Nov

Stay at Home Because You Are Well Day, Ntl.: November 30

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National Stay at Home Because You Are Well Day is the ultimate excuse to take a "mental health day." Brought to you by the folks at Wellcat.

Africa

Nov

STEM Day: November 8

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MGA Entertainment, a major player in the children's entertainment and toy industry, created STEM Day inn 2015 to promote Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education. This annual underscores the importance of engaging children in STEM subjects early to foster curiosity, creativity, and critical thinking skills. November 8 or "NOV8" is shorthand for "innovate." STEM Day is part of MGA Entertainment's broader commitment to education and innovation. The company, known for its popular toy brands like LOL Surprise! and Little Tikes, integrates STEM concepts into its products and educational initiatives. The goal is to make STEM learning accessible and fun, encouraging children to explore and develop an interest in these fields. The day features a variety of activities, including interactive STEM workshops, educational events at schools and community centers, and social media campaigns. These activities inspire and educate children, providing hands-on experiences demonstrating the real-world applications of STEM subjects. MGA Entertainment often collaborates with educators, STEM professionals, and other organizations to bring these events to life. These partnerships aim to deliver meaningful and engaging content that resonates with children of various ages and backgrounds. One of the key messages of STEM Day is the importance of inclusivity in STEM education. MGA Entertainment emphasizes the need to break down gender stereotypes and encourage participation from all children, regardless of their background. This approach aligns with the growing recognition of the need for diversity in STEM fields in education and the professional world. In addition to one-day events, MGA Entertainment's commitment to STEM extends to product development. The company incorporates STEM principles in its toys and games to stimulate learning and development through play. This strategy reflects a trend in the toy industry to blend entertainment with education, particularly in areas vital for future careers and innovation. In summary, MGA Entertainment's STEM Day is more than a celebration; it's a part of a comprehensive effort to integrate STEM learning into children's lives through interactive, engaging, and fun experiences. By combining education with play, MGA Entertainment aims to spark a lifelong interest in STEM subjects among the next generation of learners and innovators.

Africa

Nov

Stir-up Sunday (UK): November 23

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CHRISTMAS PUDDING STIR-UP SUNDAY IS A BRITISH TRADITION Stir-up Sunday is a traditional day in the United Kingdom, celebrated on the last Sunday before Advent. The day marks the start of the Christmas preparations, particularly the tradition of making the Christmas pudding, also known as plum pudding. The name "Stir-up Sunday" comes from the opening words of the Collect (a short prayer) for the day in the Book of Common Prayer: "Stir up, we beseech thee, O Lord, the wills of thy faithful people..." This prayer encouraged people to "stir up" their hearts and prepare for Advent. Still, it also became associated with the culinary act of "stirring up" ingredients for the traditional Christmas pudding. PLUM PUDDING, A BRITISH TRADITION Plum pudding, often referred to as Christmas pudding, is a decadent, dense dessert made with a mixture of dried fruits (historically referred to as "plums" though no actual plums are in the modern recipe), spices, suet, and other ingredients like breadcrumbs, sugar, and brandy. Stir-up Sunday is when families come together to make the pudding before Christmas Day, allowing it time to mature and develop its flavors. KEY TRADITIONS —Family Involvement: Stirring the Christmas pudding is a family activity, with each member of the household taking turns to stir the mixture from east to west, symbolizing the Wise Men's journey to Bethlehem. —Making a Wish: Traditionally, while stirring the pudding, each family member makes a secret wish for the coming year. —Adding Coins or Charms: Some people place a silver coin (usually a sixpence) or small charms into the pudding mixture, which tradition says brings luck to the person who finds each in their pudding. —Maturing the Pudding: Once prepared, the pudding is wrapped and stored for several weeks, allowing the flavors to develop. On Christmas Day, it is steamed and often served with brandy, set alight for a dramatic flaming pudding presentation. Plum pudding is a centerpiece of traditional British Christmas celebrations, representing family unity, luck, and anticipation of the holiday season. Stir-up Sunday marks the beginning of these celebrations, allowing families to come together in preparation for Christmas. In modern times, while fewer families may prepare their own Christmas pudding, Stir-up Sunday remains an important cultural event, symbolizing the start of festive preparations and the joyful spirit of the holidays.

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