December 1 National Days

December 1, 2024, is the 336th day of the year (337th in leap years), leaving just 30 days until the end of the year. Falling on a Sunday in the 49th week, this day brings 18 national and international observances. From holiday traditions and cultural celebrations to raising awareness about significant global issues, December 1 offers meaningful ways to engage, reflect, and take action.

Here’s a look at the celebrations and their significance on December 1.

Antarctica Day: Celebrated on December 1st, this day marks the signing of the Antarctic Treaty in 1959, an agreement promoting peaceful international cooperation on the continent. Established by the Foundation for the Good Governance of International Spaces in 2009, Antarctica Day encourages learning about this remote region and its unique governance.

National Pie Day: This day celebrates the timeless dessert we know and love. While January 23 is the more popular date for National Pie Day, December 1 provides another opportunity to enjoy your favorite pies.

Rosa Parks Day: Honoring the Civil Rights leader Rosa Parks, this day is celebrated on two dates: February 4 (her birthday) and December 1 (the day of her arrest in 1955). States like Ohio and Oregon observe this day on December 1 to commemorate her pivotal role in the Montgomery Bus Boycott.

Day Without Art: Observed on the same day as World AIDS Day, this event began in 1989 as a response to the AIDS crisis. Art galleries and museums symbolically cover their artwork or close for the day to mourn the loss of artists to AIDS and to raise awareness about prevention and treatment.

Bifocals at the Monitor Liberation Day: Created by Thomas and Ruth Roy, this quirky day encourages empathy for those who wear bifocals and struggle with the challenges of dual-vision impairment.

National Secondhand Sunday* (Sunday after Thanksgiving): Established by Poshmark in 2022, this day promotes secondhand gifting as a sustainable and meaningful option during the holiday season. It highlights the benefits of supporting resale markets and circular fashion while reducing waste.

National Eat A Red Apple Day: Encourages everyone to enjoy a red apple, celebrated since 1998. The day pays homage to the classic saying, “An apple a day keeps the doctor away,” with a focus on the Red Delicious variety.

National Christmas Lights Day: Recognizes the history of Christmas lights, which began with Edward H. Johnson’s first electrically lit Christmas tree in 1882. Today, the day celebrates the festive spirit that lights bring to homes and communities.

National Cookie Cutter Day: Celebrated on the first day of National Cookie Cutter Week (Dec 1st, 2024 – Dec 7th, 2024), this day honors the tools that make holiday baking creative and fun. Established in 2019, it follows the mid-1990s origins of National Cookie Cutter Week.

National Twin With Your Dog Day: Founded in 2021 by Kim O’Donnell in the UK, this day celebrates the bond between dog owners and their pets by encouraging them to wear matching outfits or accessories.

Christmas Book Day: Inspired by Iceland’s Jólabókaflóð (Christmas Book Flood), this day highlights the tradition of giving books as gifts on Christmas Eve, fostering a love for reading and connection during the holiday season.

Wear a Dress Day: This fun day celebrates wearing dresses, with origins in a casual conversation in Bend, Oregon, in 2010. While primarily observed on June 1, some enthusiasts mark it on December 1 as well.

National Women Support Women Day: Established in 2018 by Amy O’Donnell, this day encourages women to uplift and celebrate each other’s contributions across fields like business, arts, and politics. It highlights the power of women supporting women.

National Peppermint Bark Day: Founded by Williams Sonoma in 2018, this day celebrates the iconic holiday treat, crafted to perfection after numerous trials by founder Chuck Williams and his team.

World AIDS Day: Established in 1988, this global observance raises awareness about the AIDS pandemic, honors lives lost to the disease, and promotes education on prevention and treatment.

First Sunday of Advent* (Fourth Sunday before Christmas): Marks the beginning of the Christian liturgical season of Advent, a time of preparation for the celebration of the birth of Christ.

Cyber Safety Sunday* (Sunday before Cyber Monday): Created by Norton, this day raises awareness about online shopping safety, helping consumers protect themselves from scams and phishing during the holiday season.

Prisoners for Peace Day: Organized by War Resisters’ International, this day highlights the stories of individuals imprisoned for their nonviolent efforts to promote peace. It encourages solidarity through letters of support and awareness campaigns.