Ken Day

Ken Day celebrates the occasion in 1961 when Barbie’s long-term on-off boyfriend, Ken Carson, first appeared on the scene, exhibited by his makers Mattel at a toy fair. In spite of some unfair comments about his manliness, and the rather more likely suggestions that he cared more about his clothes than his love life, the romance blossomed. The couple had a brief separation in the 1960’s, but then stayed together until 2004. Then, in a move that shocked the world of plastic celebrities, Barbie announced their break-up, and transferred her affections to Blaine Gordon, an Australian surfing dude. Ken hadn’t given up though, and in 2011 made some much-publicised attempts to celebrate their fiftieth anniversary by winning her back.

Ken Day is probably best celebrated with a wholesome date night or a barbecue on the beach, a very large hair-do and some polyester leisure wear.

Earmuffs Day

Protect your ears from loud noises and protect them from the cold on Earmuffs Day!

Open An Umbrella Indoors Day

Everybody knows that opening an umbrella indoors is supposed to be bad luck. But is there any truth behind this age-old superstition? Fortunately for those spending sleepless nights pondering this question, there is actually a wacky holiday dedicated to finding out the truth. The aptly-named Open An Umbrella Indoors Day was invented in 2003 by a man called Thomas Knibb. Knibb allegedly hoped to defy silly superstitions by encouraging people to open their umbrellas indoors and observe the (non-existent) consequences.

The best thing about this bizarre holiday is that anybody can take part. Just follow these four simple steps:

Step 1: Find an umbrella and check that you are, indeed, indoors.
Step 2: Position yourself clear of breakable objects and/or people who value their eyesight.
Step 3: Take a deep breath, grasp the umbrella handle firmly with one hand and open the umbrella with your other hand.
Step 4: Note any bad luck that occurs in the following days or weeks.

Note: People who take part in this holiday do so at their own risk.

Coconut Torte Day

Seems only 51 weeks ago we were last celebrating Coconut Torte Day with a delicious, moist, coconutty coconut torte. But no, apparently it’s been a whole year! Thank goodness it’s rolled around again so soon. What could be more exciting than the smell of a cake in the oven?

Not just any cake either. This will need at least three layers of sponge. But it’s not about the sponge. It’s about the filling. Creamy. Coconutty. Close your eyes, and pretend you’re in Mexico…

You want to go for it? Good! So a regular cake mix will probably do for the sponge. Because, remember, it’s not about the sponge. If you’ve a good recipe of your own, wheel it out. For the filling, you’ll need lots of sour cream, flaked coconut and sugar. Whip it all together, and smother the sponge in it, on all sides, and in between. Then, devour.