New Years Eve!

Wow! Is 2008 really almost gone? New Years Eve is a day of reflection, change, and finalizing your New Years resolution!

I wonder how the New Year is welcomed around the world.

How are you planning on celebrating New Years Eve? Perhaps you are going to have a soiree with friends and family and give a loud shriek when the clock strikes 12AM (don’t forget your noise makers, maracas and whistles). Or maybe you are going to have a quite evening and watch New Years Eve specials on TV. Whatever your plans may be, the new year means new ideas so hopefully 2009 will bring about optimism.

World Peace Meditation Day

Since December 31, 1986 spiritual communities globally have gathered together in the hope for world peace through meditation. World Peace Meditation Day is about concentrating mental and spiritual energy for world peace. Today is dedicated to a synchronized global participation, a union of reflection for the benefit of world peace.

Help spread the idea of peace of mind and positive energy within your own circle of family, friends, and co-workers. Promote peace with candles or help raise awareness of World Peace Meditation Day with motivational themed giveaways for your clients.

Everyone wishes for non-violence and world peace!

Procrastination Awareness Month

(Via: Fast Up Front)

Nothing is so fatiguing as the eternal hanging on of an uncompleted task. -William James, American psychologist and philosopher

Although December is Procrastination Awareness Month, you can extend learning about and building awareness of procrastination beyond this month.

Procrastination is a behavior in which you postpone activities. Does the statement “I will just do it tomorrow” sound familiar? Do you wait until the last minute to finish tasks? Unneeded prolonging can deter you from accomplishing more immediate chores. Think of why you procrastinate and the possible implications of being a chronic procrastinator.

Maybe in order to overcome procrastination you have to give your life more structure. Try organizers, planning better, setting stricter deadlines with both positive and negative reinforcements. Write your tasks down in a notebook. You can even host a meeting with your fellow friends and procrastinators to facilitate discussion. You are not alone so seek help for your chronic procrastination.

Stop putting your life on hold!

Pepper Pot Day!

(Via: Caribbean Recipes)

During the Revolutionary War, December 29, 1777, the Continental Army while stationed at Valley Forge, were starved and cold. George Washington asked the army’s chef to cook something that would increase spirits. Left with only scraps (bits of meat, tripe, and peppercorn), the chef whipped up a hearty soup hence Pepper Pot Day was born.

Promoting food and recipes has so much historical significance! You can celebrate Pepper Pot Day with the family with the original recipe or pepper pot variations.

Cooperative Economics: Ujamaa

(Via: Time and Date)

Kwanzaa is a week-long African American and Pan-African holiday celebrating the brilliance of African culture.

Today is the 4th day of Kwanzaa or Ujamaa (Cooperative Economics), which signifies the following principle: “To build and maintain our own stores, shops and other businesses and to profit from them together.”

Great ways to embody Kwanzaa and Ujamaa are with custom candles, promoting your company’s community outreach programs, or even sponsoring an educational entrepreneurial day at your local elementary school!

National Egg Nog Day

(Via: The Nibble)

Just in case you did not know, today is National Egg Nog Day. If you have never tried or even heard of egg nog then you are in for a real treat! Egg nog is a foamy beverage made of milk, cream, sugar, beaten eggs, cinnamon, and nutmeg. There is a kid friendly version (sans alcohol) but the adults can add some zing with a kiss of liquor like brandy, rum, and whiskey. Wondering how to make the perfect egg nog? There is a galore of egg nog recipes for you to enjoy!

Need help promoting fun and the holiday spirit? Egg nog is a great beverage to serve that purpose especially when celebrating Christmas and the New Years!

History Awareness Date: Van Gogh

(Via: Art and Architecture)

On this day in 1888, famed Dutch painter Van Gogh, who suffered from deep depression, chopped his left ear with a razor; eventually he records the occurrence with a painting entitled Self-Portrait with Bandaged Ear.

I wonder how the art industry is promoting this infamously disturbing but riveting self-portrait.

History Awareness Date: George Washington

(Via: The Architect of the Capitol)

Did you know that on December 23, 1783, George Washington resigned as commander in chief? This momentous event was only a few months after the Treaty of Paris was signed and Great Britain recognized American independence. After facing eight years of war as president (Revolutionary Period was from 1764-1789), Washington made an emotional speech to the assembled Congress to humbly leave his military post. He went home, voluntarily becoming a private citizen in his Virginia estate.

Read more about his speech and the implications of his resignation here.

AIDS Awareness Month

December is AIDS Awareness Month. AIDS or Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome is caused by HIV (Human immunodeficiency virus). A person with HIV/AIDS loses their ability to fight illness or cancer because of their extremely low count of CD4, a type of white blood cell that wards off disease. A person contracts HIV when an infected person's body fluids (i.e. blood, semen, vaginal fluids, or breast milk) enter his or her bloodstream. A person unaware he or she has HIV can feel healthy and then give the virus to others. So learn your health status by getting your blood tested at your doctor or a clinic that gives free HIV exams.

Take responsibility for your health! Keep your loved ones protected. Get tested and become aware! You can even raise awareness in your community with awareness ribbons, bracelets, or awareness pens!

Don’t forget to ask your doctor about HIV/AIDS prevention for AIDS Awareness Month or find a testing center near you!

History Awareness Dates: An Astronomical Discovery

(Via: Hubble Site)

December 22, 2005, NASA announces the discovery of two more rings around the planet Uranus (making the total count 13). What seems like a major discovery on earth is an infinitely minuscule step towards uncovering the solar system countless surprises! Perhaps some binoculars or a telescope are in order for Christmas!

Red Ribbon Safety Campaigns for the Holidays

(Via: MADD)

What are Red Ribbon Safety Campaigns?

MADD or Mothers Against Drunk Driving host their "Tie One On For Safety" Red Ribbon Safety Campaign during the holiday season. From Thanksgiving to New Years Day, red ribbons are tied to car antennas, which symbolize a promise NOT to drink and drive!

In order to help heighten public awareness of the frequency and consequences of drinking while under the influence, you and your company can give red ribbons imprinted with the company logo to your clients, employees, family, neighbors, and friends in order to show your company's commitment in promoting safe driving.

The gist of the campaign is easy; simply be responsible, practice and promote safety to keep everyone safe because there is no reason for someone to get injured or die because of drunk driving! If you are thinking of drinking, appoint a designated driver (someone who will NOT be consuming any alcohol) or always have a safe alternative to getting home (like taking the taxi or staying at a local hotel).

Join the effort in eliminating drunk driving!

International Calendar Awareness Month

International Calendar Awareness Month really highlights the diversity of the world; global calendars document events, holidays, and occasions from countries and religions around the world!

Imagine how many different cultures there are on earth (both remote and popular) and how many observances are celebrated. There are holidays celebrated every single day from all over the world!

International Sharps Injury Prevention Awareness Month

(Via: Health Finance News)

International Sharps Injury Prevention Awareness Month promotes safety in the healthcare industry. The global objective is the decrease accidental needle sticks and sharps injuries. Through the education of major players in the health industry like medical device and pharmaceutical manufacturers, health organizations, healthcare professionals, etc., there can be an increase in the use of safety-engineered products and services that can help protect health care personnel (i.e. preventing occupational HIV and hepatitis transmission to healthcare workers).

How can you help if you work in the healthcare industry? You can write to your legislature expressing your concern or perhaps host injury prevention and safety programs at the workplace!

Let us protect the ones who protect us when we are ill!

Twin to Twin Transfusion Syndrome Awareness Month

(Via Scientific American)

December is Twin to Twin Transfusion Syndrome Awareness Month.

Twin to Twin Transfusion Syndrome is a disease of the placenta where one twin has a much lesser share of the necessary nutrients needed to grow properly and even to survive. This disorder affects identical twin pregnancies (or higher multiples) with babies who share the same placenta.

You and your organization can help to educate and increase public awareness of twin to twin transfusion syndrome along side associations like the Twin to Twin Transfusion Syndrome Foundation. In order to make the most of Twin to Twin Transfusion Syndrome Awareness Month, you can volunteer, host a fundraiser to help keep related non-profit organizations alive, help sponsor a TTTS Awareness Event, or even make a donation. If you are blessed with a twin pregnancy, ask your doctor about Twin to Twin Transfusion Syndrome to ensure the healthy growth of your babies.

Las Posadas

(Via: Mexico Less Traveled)

Las Posadas is a Mexican religious tradition celebrated from December 16 to 24. Those nine days are filled with children engaging in procession consisting of role playing Mary, Joseph, and their followers. The festivities are rich of brilliant color, costumes, parades, religious song, and candlelight processions. There is also the breaking of the piñatas (filled with fruits and candy), and house to house celebrations and reenactments of the holy family’s pilgrimage to find quarters for the birth of Christ.

Here are some important Spanish terms to know in case you are spending this holiday season in Mexico or want to celebrate Las Posadas with your family and church community and distribute promotional religious calendars:

El nacimiento de Jesús: The birth of Jesus Christ
Belén: Bethlehem
Posada: inn
Virgen María (madre de Jesús): Virgin Mary (mother of Jesus)
San José: Joseph
Santos Reyes: Three Kings
pastores y pastoras: shepherds and shepherdesses
báculos: walking staffs
faroles: paper lanterns
Santos Peregrinos: Holy Pilgrims

Write to a Friend Month

(Via: Weekly Reader)

The holidays are an awesome time to catch up with some friends!

During Write to a Friend Month, you can make a list of friends you would like to send letters to and even those who you would like to reconnect with. Personalized cards are a great way to say you were thinking about them with your personal message or even sum up your memories with a letter and funny photographs with you and the letter recipient in a magnetic picture frame! The personal letter can even be in the form of a cordial invitation (in case you are thinking of throwing a get-together for all your friends).

There are many reasons to connect and reconnect with your good friends so join me in celebrating Write to a Friend Month!

National Write A Business Plan Month

(Via: Wick Wick & Associates)

December is National Write A Business Plan Month!

A business plan is a blueprint that outlines what your business is and how you would like it to operate; the written tool is very crucial in management, funding, and competing in the market.

When starting a new business, you must have a business plan in order to give your company direction and a basis. The business plan delineates the “who’s”, “how’s”, “when’s”, “why’s”, and “what’s” of your company.

So for National Write A Business Plan Month get motivated and get that business plan completed!

Cancer-Related Fatigue Awareness Month

(Via Everyday Lifestyle)

December is Cancer-Related Fatigue Awareness Month. Cancer-related fatigue is a constant feeling of tiredness that is derived from the body’s battle with cancer and also handling with cancer treatments. The fatigue often hits cancer patient unexpectedly. Fatigue related to cancer is much different from the exhaustion of everyday life because it cannot be alleviated with rest.

Although there is no cure for cancer-related fatigue, organizations like The Cancer Institute of New Jersey are finding ways to help patients cope and manage their fatigue like with proper nutrition, exercise, and relaxation. If someone you love is suffering from an ailment, they might also be suffering from some kind of emotional, physical, or mental fatigue. Give them your encouragement! Try relaxation exercises with them like yoga or change your eating habits with them (even if your loved one wants to try a raw food diet, be by their side to show your support!)

Build awareness of Cancer-Related Fatigue Awareness Month and help the weary cope with cancer-related fatigue.

Art And Architecture Month

“Art and Architecture Month” celebrates not only the fine skill and the science of building, but also the majesty of fusing both art with structural design— a powerful combination of modernism, creation of a beautiful object, and industry like the Sydney Opera House (in above photograph), designed by Jorn Utzon.

Celebrate art and design by visiting the art and architecture section of your local library and learn about the history of the two disciplines.

Made In America Month

(Via: Rob Cubbon ltd)

When you think about it, everything nowadays seems to be made out of this country. Promote America by proudly celebrating Made In America Month and the diverse cultures found in the United States.

December is “Made In America” Month. Former president Ronald Reagan with the proclamation of Made In America Month in 1985 wanted to promote instilling competitiveness, dependability, and high quality into the U.S. economy by distributing (nationally and overseas) more products made in the U.S. He wanted to illustrate that items wearing the “Made In U.S.A.” label could be that of great quality.

If more items were made in the U.S.A. with material created here wouldn’t they be distributed more quickly amongst our residents? Wouldn’t food grown here be fresher and more natural because it doesn’t have to be fed with preservatives in order to remain in tact while being shipped from overseas? Are a means of survival that is more about self-sustenance the solution to healing a suffering economy?

In order to celebrate Made In America Month you can try buying products that are create here. For example you can purchase food from a Farmer’s Market, a great source of organic foods because the produce is grown locally or buy clothing from American Apparel, whose clothing is manufactured in Los Angeles. By celebrating Made In America Month you can support your local businesses.

Seasonal Depression Awareness Month

December is Seasonal Depression Awareness Month. Depression is a spell of sadness in which you cannot recover. Specifically, seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a type of depression that is common as fall and winter approaches. With long night, truncated days, and dropped temperature, people with SAD experience long periods of lethargy, depression, fatigue, amongst other problems.

Don’t let seasonal affective disorder go untreated; get help! Advocate mental health at the office with a company newsletter with information on Seasonal Depression Awareness Month and seasonal affective disorder. Even include suggestions on winter outdoor activities and on how to stay active and mentally stimulated during the winter months.

Universal Declaration of Human Rights

(Via: Flickr Abhinavt's Photostream)

Sixty years ago (December 10, 1948) the General Assembly of the United Nation adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. The doctrine proclaimed that the foundation for peace, justice, and freedom in this world is human rights. Dignity and justice are not privileges or rights and advantages solely enjoyed by the elite; they are universal freedoms.

Celebrate, advocate, and protect human rights!

Universal Human Rights Month

To fight for human rights is to fight for diversity and universal rights. December is Universal Human Rights Month so let us find a way harmoniously!

Pronunciation: \ˌyü-nə-ˈvər-səl\
Function: adjective
Etymology: Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Latin universalis, from universum universe
Date: 14th century
1: including or covering all or a whole collectively or distributively without limit or exception; especially: available equitably to all members of a society <universal health coverage>
2 a: present or occurring everywhere b: existent or operative everywhere or under all conditions <universal cultural patterns>
3 a: embracing a major part or the greatest portion (as of humankind) universal state> <universal practices> b: comprehensively broad and versatile universal genius>

(Via: Merriam-Webster Online)

Article 1. — Universal Declaration of Human Rights

“All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights. They are endowed with reason and conscience and should act towards one another in a spirit of brotherhood.”

Human rights are utterly important in order for people to coexist and live. For example, the right to a basic standard of living (food, shelter, clothing), to have protection from the law, to vote, to have education, and to have health care are basic examples of essential human rights that should be universal! The best way to fight for human rights is to adopt a more collective mentality rather than individualistic. You can ensure human rights for everyone on a microcosmic scale like eliminating work place discrimination or teaching your kids about diversity or distributing promotional human rights/diversity posters in your community. The concept of human rights, non-discrimination, equality, fairness, and universality, should apply to everybody, ubiquitously and always.

National Drunk and Drugged Driving Prevention Month

December is National Drunk and Drugged Driving Prevention Month.

Intoxication of any sort impairs your judgment. Think of your potential victims; if you are driving under the influence of alcohol or narcotics, you are not only putting yourself and your passenger(s) in danger but also pediatricians and other drivers on the road. Even if you take prescription medicine, do NOT drive if your prescriptions make you sluggish or inattentive! So many crashes, injuries, and death on the road can be prevented when people start becoming responsible, accountable defensive drivers!

Team up with organizations like Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) or sponsor your own program in order to do all you can to prevent alcohol and narcotics related crashes during National Drunk and Drugged Driving Prevention Month and beyond! Promoting safety definitely does not start with you having the best looking vehicle or the coolest automotive products and gadgets; protecting yourself and others on the road begins with YOU.

Identity Theft Prevention and Awareness Month

Identity theft, one of the fastest growing crimes across the country, refers to someone stealing personal information from someone else to commit fraud or other crimes. Identity theft not only harms the individual whose identity and assets have been compromised but also the family, who also suffers the devastation relating to someone else posing as their loved one.

How do you protect yourself from identity theft? There are many ways that you can decrease your risks or damages related to identity theft. By recognizing common identity theft scams you can decrease your chances of your identity being stolen. For example some thieves go into your garbage to find personal information so make sure you finely shred and mix all your unwanted mail or other documents; others can even re-route your mail to another address so they have access.

Reading through a list of ID Theft Scams is a great way to build awareness of ID theft in order to protect yourself and your loved ones! Also meticulously check your bank statements and monitor your credit report for accuracy; keep a record of your spending in order to careful watch your spending, which will help you notice any expenses that are not yours.

How are YOU protecting yourself against identity theft this holiday season?

Safe Toys and Gifts Month

Thinking of gift safety is relevant for giving to both children and adults so here are some ideas for safe toys for children and gift ideas for adults!

Gift giving is synonymous to the holiday season. But during Safe Toys and Gifts Month, it is imperative that you ensure the quality and safety of the gifts we give! In order to make certain your gift recipient is safe, do some research. Know your gift recipient; a person’s lifestyle, possible food allergy, skin conditions, potentially hazardous toy components for children are just some essentials to think about when trying to find a perfect gift. Here are some keywords in safe gift giving:

1) Hypoallergenic: This word, which means non-allergy producing, is pertinent to anything from cosmetics to dog breeds.
2) Child-proof: Gifts for adults that keep in mind the safety of a child is great for families. Perhaps even a gift that the entire family can cherish would be a great appreciated treasure.
3) Recall: Make sure you check a list of toys and products that has been recalled to avoid potential danger.

Thinking of safety may seem overwhelming, but use your intuition and common sense when determining a gift’s safety for someone you love. How about giving a gift certificate for kids’ classes at Gymboree (think safe games, toys, and fun) or the gift of something new like raw food classes/retreats or décor like a decorative digital photo frame! Gift giving can be both safe and fun!

Learn a Foreign Language Month

(Via: River Bend Middle School)

Through learning another language you gain access to another culture by overcoming the communication barrier. When traveling to a country with the language in your grasp, you opt to enjoy your visit better because you are filled with the desire to explore the culture rather than utter confusion. During Learn a Foreign Language Month, you can learn a new language by yourself, with your family, or with friends. Write down the language(s) you would like to learn and plan out a schedule/program that makes learning a language feasible! There are so many options to effective language study like using computer programs (i.e. Rosetta Stone), language textbooks, volunteering overseas, or even enrolling in an immersion program or a language school abroad, depending on how much extra time you have.

Learning a foreign language is just as important as your travel guidebook when traveling overseas to ensure that you don’t feel lost. Not only is learning a foreign language essential for communicating with the native inhabitants of a country but its fun!! Learning a foreign language also allows you to diversify your social circle; you can attend a language learning group in your area and meet new people with your interest in learning a new dialect.

Let’s get started!

Tolerance Week

(Via: UN)

The first week in December marks Tolerance Week. Being tolerant means you have an open mind to others’ beliefs and views despite them conflicting or differing from your own. Imagine a world that practiced tolerance; there would be no need for war or violent fighting because one disagrees about a religious view or political view. Nonviolence, tolerance, and equality would be the ultimate combination for an ideal, humble world.

Teaching tolerance to our youth is a new initiative developing in the education industry. Promoting tolerance education can only be beneficial within schools and universities but also in the workplace in order to build work diversity.

Everyone is different! Keep an open mind!

Operation Santa Paws

(Via: Daily Puppy)

According to the HSUS (Humane Society), animal shelters in the United States care for approximately 6–8 million dogs and cats every year. Operation Santa Paws is a holiday initiative (December 1-24 2008) established by Justin Rudd in 2001 under his umbrella organization called Haute Dog. Operation Santa Paws helps gather brigades of volunteers to collection pet toys for abused and abandoned pets living in shelters and rescue housing. Your business can volunteer or donate to the Operation Santa Paws effort or your company can even sponsor your own pet toy drive collecting at the workplace or around the neighborhood. You can give out pet-themed promotional products as a gift for every donation to increase awareness for your fundraising endeavor!

Let's promote the efforts of Operation Santa Paws and show every pet love by collecting not only toys but pet food, grooming products, etc. for abused and abandoned animals.

Read a New Book Month

(Via: Tree Hugger)

The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you’ll go –Dr. Seuss

Did you know that December is Read a New Book Month? Who wouldn't want to promote more positive reading!

Books feed anyone’s likings. Reading is not only a great means of entertainment but is also a way to unleash one’s imagination. How else can you venture through different time periods, parts of the world, or taste different cultures all in one rather quick sitting?

No one is too old or too young to love reading. You can start a new book this month in order to celebrate the thrill of reading. You can even gift personalized books for your employees or loved ones this holiday season. Read a New Book Month is definitely a perfect time to initiate your desire to read more so visit your local library or Barnes and Nobles and get a new book!

National Handwashing Awareness Month

December is National Handwashing Awareness Month!

Did you know that simply washing your hands can prevent the spread of disease-causing germs? Handwashing seems like an effortless hygienic routine but many people tend to forgot this very important practice. Washing your hands with warm soapy water for at least 15 seconds prevents various forms of contamination.

Promoting soap use at the workplace and home can help those you know practice good hygiene. Think about the times that you might not have washed your hands properly: before preparing food, before eating, after changing your baby’s diaper, after coughing, sneezing, or blowing your nose into a tissue, after using the bathroom.

Let soap and/or a product like Purell® Instant Hand Sanitizer become your arsenal against germs and illness; you can wash your hands without being over compulsive.

World AIDS Day

Today is World AIDS Day!!

What is AIDS? Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome or AIDS is caused by a virus called HIV, the Human Immunodeficiency Virus. HIV/AIDS weakens the immune systems ability to fight infection and cancers. Unfortunately, AIDS, a global epidemic claims the lives of more than 5000 people DAILY.

The best defenders against AIDS and HIV are education and prevention! During World AIDS Day, both individuals and organizations come together to fight against AIDS epidemic. Wondering how you can do your part in the prevention of HIV and AIDS? GET TESTED! You can join the efforts of organizations like the World AIDS Campaign (WAC) or you can host your own endeavors and raise awareness about the prevention and treatment of HIV/AIDS using multiple government resources as your guide. Make sure your friends, neighbors, co-workers, get tested today and learn about ways to prevent the disease from spreading!

Did you know that some people do not even know that they are living with HIV or AIDS? Don’t live in fear; find a local clinic or visit your doctor and get tested today! AIDS is not an isolated pandemic; it affects everyone.