December 21 National Days

December 21, 2025, is the 355th day of the year, with 10 days remaining until the end of the year. Falling on a Sunday in the final stretch before Christmas, this date is defined above all by the winter solstice, the astronomical moment marking the shortest day and longest night of the year in the Northern Hemisphere. For centuries, the solstice has symbolized seasonal turning points, light returning, and nature’s slow reset.

December is usually a quieter month for national observances, but December 21 is an exception. Despite the overall slowdown, this day stands out with 21 national and international observances, covering everything from seasonal traditions and nature-based themes to cultural, historical, and lifestyle topics.

Below is a list of all national and international days celebrated on December 21, each with a brief explanation.

National & International Days on December 21

Don’t Make Your Bed Day* (First Day of Winter) traces back to a 2014 petition by a fifth-grader from New Mexico who simply wanted a day off from the chore. He chose the winter solstice, the shortest day of the year, arguing it made perfect sense to leave the bed unmade and enjoy a guilt-free break from routine.

Gravy Day 🇦🇺 is a uniquely Australian tradition inspired by Paul Kelly’s 1996 song How to Make Gravy. Written as a letter dated December 21, the song has turned this day into an unofficial celebration, with Australians playing it on repeat and sharing Gravy Day memes every year.

Humbug Day is a playful outlet for anyone feeling worn down by holiday pressure. Inspired by Ebenezer Scrooge’s famous “Bah, humbug!” from A Christmas Carol, the day invites a little grumbling and a break from forced cheer. Created by Wellcat Holidays, it acknowledges that not everyone feels festive all the time—and that is perfectly fine.

International Dalek Remembrance Day marks the first time the Daleks appeared on Doctor Who on December 21, 1963. These unmistakable villains quickly became a lasting symbol of science fiction, proving that even a pepper-shaker shape can strike fear across the universe.

👽 For dedicated Doctor Who fans, there’s also Pretend to Be a Time Traveler Day on December 8, Doctor Who Day on November 23, Fish Fingers and Custard Day on April 3 and Impossible Astronaut Day on April 23.

International Dalek Remembrance Day

International Energy Drink Day* (Winter Solstice) on the winter solstice spotlights drinks designed to boost focus and fight fatigue. Founded in 2022 by the Hungarian Energy Drink Association, the day also nods to their origins in 1960s Japan and encourages informed, responsible consumption.

Look On The Bright Side Day* (Winter Solstice) reminds us that from this point on, days slowly grow longer. It is a day to focus on optimism, especially during a season often linked to low light, cold weather, and holiday stress.

National Armagnac Day was established in 2019 and celebrates one of France’s oldest distilled spirits. Produced in the Gascony region since at least 1310, Armagnac is known for its traditional distillation methods and strong regional identity.

National Coquito Day celebrates Puerto Rico’s holiday drink made with coconut, spices, and rum. Often compared to eggnog, coquito coquito has its own tropical twist. The day was established in 2018 by Don Q® to honor the tradition of sharing homemade coquito just before Christmas.

National Crossword Puzzle Day marks the debut of the very first modern crossword puzzle, published in 1913 by journalist Arthur Wynne. The original diamond-shaped “word-cross” appeared in a newspaper’s fun section and later grew into a daily ritual for millions, eventually earning a place in The New York Times during World War II as a popular mental escape.

National Flashlight Day* (Winter Solstice) falls on the winter solstice, the longest night of the year, when a reliable light matters most. The day highlights safety and preparedness, from checking batteries to keeping flashlights ready for winter power outages, while also celebrating their late-1890s invention that changed how we handle the dark.

National Flashlight Day

National French Fried Shrimp Day celebrates crispy, battered shrimp prepared using a deep-frying method rather than any French origin. The dish began as a luxury food in 18th-century Europe and became widely popular in the United States after frozen shrimp reached grocery stores following World War II. The observance itself has been celebrated since at least 2000 and gained broader recognition in 2014.

National Homeless Persons’ Remembrance Day* (Winter Solstice) is observed on the longest night of the year. Established in 1990, it honors people who lost their lives while experiencing homelessness and brings attention to the risks of living without shelter during winter. It is officially sponsored by the National Coalition for the Homeless (NCH), the National Health Care for the Homeless Council (NHCHC), and the National Consumer Advisory Board.

National Maine Day celebrates the Pine Tree State and its place in U.S. history. Established in 2017, the day recognizes Maine as the 23rd state to join the Union in 1820 and highlights its unique position as the easternmost state in the country.

National Short Girl Appreciation Day celebrates petite women with a playful link to the winter solstice, the shortest day of the year. It highlights confidence, body positivity, and the everyday perks of being shorter, from extra legroom to always fitting perfectly under a blanket.

Short Girl Appreciation Day

National Short Story Day* (Winter Solstice) celebrates short fiction that can be read in a single sitting. The observance was established in 2013 by author Nancy Christie and is held on the winter solstice, the shortest day of the year, as a playful link to the short form itself.

Phileas Fogg Win a Wager Day marks the moment a fictional gentleman beat the clock and won his bet. In Jules Verne’s Around the World in Eighty Days, Fogg returns to London thinking he is too late, only to discover that crossing the International Date Line earned him an extra day. A clever reminder that timing, perspective, and a little geography can change everything.

Ribbon Candy Day celebrates a classic holiday treat known for its bright colors and glossy ribbons. Created in 1998 by Judy Pancoast, the date honors her father, who asked for ribbon candy every birthday.

Winter Solstice / First Day of Winter* (Between December 20th and December 23rd) marks the shortest day and longest night of the year in the Northern Hemisphere. It signals a turning point, as daylight slowly begins to return and many cultures mark the moment with traditions focused on renewal and light.

World Basketball Day commemorates the anniversary of the first basketball game played in 1891. It celebrates how a classroom idea grew into a global sport that brings people together through teamwork, movement, and shared love of the game.

World Basketball Day

World Meditation Day was previously informally observed on May 21. Now the official date is December 21, aligned with the winter solstice in the Northern Hemisphere. Chosen by the United Nations in 2024, the date reflects a time traditionally linked to reflection, inner calm, and renewal, while highlighting meditation’s benefits for mental, physical, and emotional well-being, as well as its role in promoting peace and connection worldwide.

World Snowboard Day celebrates snowboarding culture around the world, with events, lessons, and rides hosted by schools, federations, and local riders. Created in 2006, the day invites both beginners and experienced snowboarders to enjoy the sport and the community built around it.