January 21 National Days

January 21, 2026, is the 21st day of the year, with 344 days remaining, and it falls on a Wednesday in the fourth week of the calendar year.

The date centers on comfort and connection, shown through everyday moments like wearing sweatpants, enjoying screen-free playdates, grabbing a granola bar, or sharing a hug with people or pets, while also making space for a museum visit through Museum Selfie Day.

Below is a list of the 14 national and international days observed on January 21, each explained briefly.

National & International Days on January 21

International Playdate Day promotes screen-free, imaginative play to support social skills, cooperation, and real-life connection. The observance was envisioned in 2018 by Ilona Viluma of GIGI Bloks, in response to growing screen time limiting face-to-face play among children.

International Sweatpants Day encourages choosing comfort for the day by wearing sweatpants without concern for appearance. First developed in the 1920s by Émile Camuset of Le Coq Sportif for athletic use, sweatpants later became common clothing for home, travel, and everyday casual settings.

Museum Selfie Day* (Third Wednesday in January) invites people to experience museums as welcoming, contemporary spaces. Founded in 2014 by Mar Dixon, the observance encourages visitors to take and share selfies with exhibits using the hashtag #MuseumSelfie, helping museums reach new audiences through social media.

National Bakers Crafters Makers Day recognizes people who create handmade goods, including baked items, crafts, and custom products made to order. Founded in November 2020 by Sue Monhait, CEO of Gift Biz Unwrapped, the day draws attention to the time, skill, and effort behind handmade work and encourages support for small businesses.

National Conscious Uncoupling Day promotes a respectful and intentional approach to ending romantic relationships. The term was introduced in 2009 by author and family therapist Katherine Woodward Thomas and gained wider recognition in 2014 after Gwyneth Paltrow used it to describe her separation from Chris Martin. The observance emphasizes emotional responsibility, personal growth, and protecting the well-being of children when relationships change.

National Granola Bar Day recognizes the granola bar as a convenient, energy-boosting snack made with ingredients such as whole grains, fruits, nuts, and seeds.

National Hug Your Puppy Day is observed on the same date as National Hugging Day, shifting the focus to dogs and their need for affection. The observance highlights how hugging puppies strengthens the human–dog bond and supports emotional well-being for both.

🐶 🐾 See also our complete list of national days dedicated to dogs! Celebrate your furry friends and their special moments all year round. 🎉

National Hyaluronic Acid Day highlights hyaluronic acid as a skincare ingredient known for its ability to retain moisture and support skin hydration. Established in 2022 by La Roche-Posay, the observance focuses on helping people understand how proper use of hyaluronic acid can improve skin comfort, plumpness, and barrier function, particularly during dry winter conditions.

National Hugging Day, also known as National Hug Day, was founded in 1986 by Kevin Zaborney to encourage open, consensual displays of affection. January 21 was chosen to sit between Christmas and Valentine’s Day, a period often associated with lower mood. The observance highlights hugging as a great way to strengthen human connection, reduce stress, and support emotional well-being through the release of oxytocin.

National Cheesy Socks Day gained wider recognition around 2022 and celebrates self-expression through bold, colorful sock designs. Unlike awareness-based sock observances such as Odd Socks Day (anti-bullying) or Crazy Sock Day (Down Syndrome awareness), it focuses on personal style rather than promoting a social cause.

National One-Liners Day celebrates the compact form of expression, where one line alone can amuse, provoke thought, or become memorable. Observed since around 2022, the day highlights the importance of precise wording and timing when there is no setup or explanation. One-liners appear in jokes, puns, and well-known phrases such as “May the Force be with you”.

Own Your Own Home Day highlights homeownership as a source of long-term stability and financial security. The name traces back to a 1917 homeownership campaign by the U.S. Department of Labor. The day draws attention to building equity and having a permanent place to live.

Squirrel Appreciation Day highlights the ecological role of squirrels and promotes more positive attitudes toward them. Founded in 2001 by Christy Hargrove of Asheville, the day focuses on how squirrels support forest growth by burying nuts that later sprout into trees. The mid-winter timing reflects a period when natural food sources are scarce.

Weedless Wednesday 🇨🇦* (Wednesday of National Non-Smoking Week) is a Canadian health observance held each year during National Non-Smoking Week. Established in 1977 by the Canadian Council for Tobacco Control, the day focuses on avoiding tobacco, cannabis, and vaping for 24 hours as a manageable first step toward quitting.

🚬 Ready to take the first step towards a smoke-free life? Download our free 30-day No Smoking Challenge to support you or someone you know on this transformative journey.

National Days in January

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