Winter is officially upon us, which means there’s a brand new collection of small holidays to celebrate together as a family! Come January 2, after the holiday storm comes to a close, there’s a whole list of little reasons to observe, celebrate, and enjoy life’s littlest moments. After all, some of the best memories are often made in the seemingly mundane day-to-day details. Choose a few from the list below that resonate most, or participate in them all, and get ready to make this your best winter yet.

January 2: National Science Fiction Day
Celebrated on the same day as famous writer Isaac Asimov’s birthday, National Science Fiction Day is a time to celebrate all things outer space, extraterrestrial, and beyond this galaxy. Pick up a couple of new science fiction selects at the library, or settle in to watch an episode or two of Star Trek and The Twilight Zone. It’s sure to be an out-of-this-world day either way!

January 4: National Trivia Day
Who doesn’t love to test their knowledge in a challenging round of trivia? Pick up a deck of questions, get everyone to join in on a family-friendly app, or head out to a local venue that’s hosting an in-person match. Everyone in the family is sure to love a bit of friendly competition.

January 5: National Bird Day
Regardless of if you know, love, and own birds already, or your knowledge of the creatures is limited, use January 5 as an excuse to discover the small critters in an entirely new light. Create a homemade bird feeder, watch them outside, or pick up a new book to gather more information.

January 6: National Cuddle Up Day
January 6 marks National Cuddle Up Day! Any reason to cozy up to your loved ones is excuse enough, right? Grab your favorite blanket, wrap your kiddos in a big bear hug in your arms, and spend the day snuggling. This holiday comes at the perfect time, too, as the temperatures are sure to continue to drop in early January.

January 8: National Bubble Bath Day
Speaking of things to make you warm in January, why not celebrate National Bubble Bath Day this year? Make today’s bath extra special by adding in bubbles, bombs, and special scented soaps. Kids are able to get squeaky clean from the day, and parents don’t have to talk their children into actually taking a bath. Win-win!

January 11: National Step In A Puddle and Splash Your Friends Day
This one might seem a bit strange depending on where you live, but if you can find a puddle on January 11, be sure to jump in it and splash your friends! This national holiday insists you do.

January 13: National Sticker Day
Who doesn’t love a sparkly, shiny sticker? Let your kiddos use January 13 as an opportunity to pass stickers out to their friends, or head to a craft store to pick out a special sheet together. Take it one step further by allowing your littles to adorn their notebook with stickers from their favorite stories, shows, and movies!

January 14: National Dress Up Your Pet Day
For all you pet lovers out there, today is the day to dress them up, no matter how cooky and crazy! Because who said dressing up your pets is reserved strictly for Halloween? Whether you have a cat, dog, or even a ferret, mark your calendars and get your iPhones ready for all the adorable photos to come January 14.

January 18: National Winnie The Pooh Day
Winnie The Pooh has been a beloved Walt Disney character for years and years. If your kids don’t already know and love this honey-obsessed bear, use January 18 as a day to break out all things Pooh Bear—story books, movies, and TV show included!

January 19: National Popcorn Day
Grab the butter and the salt, and get ready to pop the popcorn! Whether you make it at home, head to the movies to indulge in the theater butter, or grab it from your favorite spot in town, just be sure to pick yourself up a bag. Pro popcorn-eating tip: add your favorite candy like Raisinets or Hot Tamales for added flavor and punch.

January 20: National Cheese Lover’s Day
Cheese just might be a universal love language, for non-vegans that is! If you eat dairy, be sure to put together an extra special charcuterie tray come January 20 because this holiday is for you.

January 21: National Hugging Day
Show someone you care this January 21 by giving out extra doses of hugs. Whether you hug your spouse, your kids, or your grocery store clerk (maybe don’t do that), everyone will be feeling the love.

January 23: National Pie Day
Pie, distant cousin to the cake and tart, is a sweet treat definitely deserving of a celebration. Apparently we’re not the only individuals to think so, either. This January 23, bake a homemade pie from scratch as a family or pick one up from your favorite, local bakery. Just don’t forget the ice cream or whipped cream to go on top!

January 24: National Compliment Day
Compliments are not only instant mood-boosters for the person on the receiving end, they’re also free and incredibly easy to dole out. Try passing out a few extra toward the end of January and see how people react. You never know, you may just brighten someone’s entire week. Use this day as another opportunity to teach your kids about spreading kindness to all.

January 25: National Opposite Day
Remember when you were a kid and promptly after calling you a mean name, your friends would so matter-of-factly proclaim, “But, it’s opposite day!” While annoying, those friends were on the right track. Opposite day exists, and it comes every January 25. Use it as a quirky opportunity to play harmless tricks around the house. Your kids will think you’re hilarious—trust us.

January 28: National Blueberry Pancake Day
What is it about adding blueberries to pancakes that makes them so delicious? We’re not quite sure of the answer, but encourage you to find out for yourself this January 28. Surprise your family by serving them all breakfast in bed, but just be sure that blueberry pancakes are included! You could even switch it up and have breakfast for dinner.

January 29: National Puzzle Day
Puzzles are challenging and sometimes take quite a bit of time, but that’s all part of the fun. Head to your local toy store or Target with the kiddos and pick out a puzzle to do together.

January 31: National Backward Day
Whether you choose to put your clothes on backwards, put a silly spin on your routine, or try your hand at walking backward, January 31 is all about rewinding and going the opposite direction. Your kids are sure to think you’re a bit silly, but also fun celebrating this slightly cooky national holiday.

February 2: National Bubble Gum Day
Do you prefer Double Bubble or Hubba Bubba? Perhaps Big League is more your speed. No matter what gum you choose to chew, make sure you pick up a couple of extra packs come February 2 because it’s National Bubble Gum Day! To make this holiday extra fun, host a family bubble blowing competition. Winner gets to keep an extra pack.

February 4: National Homemade Soup Day
What is it about a homemade soup in the wintertime that makes it so inviting? Come February 4 break out your favorite recipe—be it chicken noodle, tomato, or one that’s been a family secret for generations—and spend the day enjoying the process of making a delicious, warm broth at home.

February 5: World Nutella Day
What’s not to love about Nutella? Put it in a crepe; enjoy it on a bagel; and, if you’re truly dedicated, eat it straight out of the jar. This February 5 marks World Nutella Day, so don’t forget to show everyone’s favorite hazelnut spread a little extra love.

February 7: National Send A Card To A Friend Day
It’s been said before: handwritten letters are becoming a lost art form. So, why not encourage the entire family to put pen to paper this year and send a handwritten card to a loved one. The recipient is sure to enjoy the random act of kindness, but let’s face it: the person sending the card is the one who will experience the most joy.

February 8: National Kite Flying Day
February 8 is all about flying kites. While it might be a bit chilly (depending on where you live), use this special holiday as an excuse to get outside, even if only for an hour or so. Your little ones are sure to love the experience of trying to get their kite, however big or small, to fly in the air with you. It’s truly a bonding activity that’s great for everyone in the family.

February 9: National Pizza Day
Peperoni, veggies, and cheese galore! February 9 is all about a fan-favorite food—pizza. For dinner, order pies from your favorite delivery or take-out restaurant, dine in at a local joint, or have a build-your-own-pizza night at home. Whatever route you take, it’s sure to be delicious and fun.

February 11: National Inventor’s Day
Foster an appreciation and curiosity for science and engineering on National Inventor’s Day! There are so many interactive and fun-filled ways to approach this holiday. Look into kids’ museums in your area that might have a special science or inventor’s exhibit, research experiments to do at home, or learn more about famous inventors and their accomplishments over the years.

February 16: National Do A Grouch A Favor Day
We all know someone who’s a bit grumpy, whether it’s the day or just their attitude overall. On February 16, be sure and encourage your family to show the grouch in your life a little extra love. No matter what way you decide to approach it, your little ones are sure to receive the message on kindness to all people loud and clear.

February 17: National Random Act Of Kindness Day
Speaking of kindness, why not spread it around like wildfire come February 17—National Random Act Of Kindness Day. Round up your kiddos and take a bit of time to think of a list of deserving recipients. Is it a teacher? A friend? Perhaps even you, mom? Then, think of all the ways you could spread kindness to those people. If you’re struggling for ideas, why not start with a compliment, thank you card, or even a bag of Hershey’s kisses?

February 22: National Chili Day
Fire up the stove (or crockpot) and get ready, because February 22 is National Chili Day. Chili is one of those dishes that’s extremely versatile, so whether you’re a carnivore, vegan, or something in between, this steaming hot and delicious dish is one that everyone in the family can enjoy!

February 26: National Tell A Fairy Tale Day
Fairy tales have been around for centuries. This February 26, retell and relive your kids’ favorites by reading them at bedtime or acting them out as a family. If your typical go-to fables have become a bit stale, try researching new books on modern fairytales beforehand. After all, who said a fairy tale has to be all damsels in distress and princesses riding off with their white knight?

February 28: National Floral Design Day
While the flowers might not be blooming quite yet, it’s never too early to learn a new craft. Check out local listings for flower workshops in your town, and bring your son or daughter with you for a day of design! If you can’t find one close by, look up a tutorial on YouTube and practice at home.

March 1: National Peanut Butter Lover’s Day
The first day of March is reserved strictly for PB lovers. Why not look up new and exciting recipes that call for peanut butter, and create them as a family? It’s sure to be a holiday that everyone will devour. If you’re allergic to peanuts, however, definitely steer clear of this nutty day.

March 6: National Oreo Cookie Day
It wouldn’t be a list of small holidays if we didn’t include a day dedicated entirely to Oreos. Celebrate this delightful day by, first and foremost, indulging on all things Oreo brand: the cookies themselves, ice cream, and even baked goods incorporating the black and white treat. To make this special day a bit more meaningful, take a moment to learn a few facts about the Oreo, and how it got to be the mega-brand it is today.

March 7: National Cereal Day
Everyone has a favorite cereal, so take a bit of time on March 7 to truly enjoy yours. If you want to really shake things up, indulge in a breakfast for dinner meal, equipped with a full cereal bar and plenty of yummy options.

March 10: National Pack Your Lunch Day
March 10 falls on a Saturday this year, so why not use this national holiday as an excuse to pack your lunch and go on a picnic? The kids will have a blast getting to select and prepare their meal, and you’ll have even more fun out-and-about as a family.

March 14: National Learn About Butterflies Day
Who doesn’t love the symbolism and colorful nature of the butterfly? On March 14, spend some extra time learning about these magical creatures and their epic transformation journey. And, if your local zoo offers the service, get out to a butterfly exhibit to see these winged critters take flight in person.

March 18: National Sloppy Joe Day
Do you remember the scene in It Takes Two, where the entire camp chows down on sloppy joes before getting in a food fight? It’s a classic, and likely sparked all of your 90s-kids’ obsession with the “big, gooey, messy burger”. So, be sure to enjoy a sloppy joe come March 18. Your inner child and actual children will thank you!

March 19: National Let’s Laugh Day
There’s really no better way to end the winter season than with some good, deep-in-your-belly laughs. Tell jokes, watch a funny movie, or reminisce on old times with home videos. No matter what way you choose to celebrate, it’s sure to be a blast.

For even more small ways to celebrate through the year, be sure to check out Small Summer Holidays and Small Fall Holidays to Celebrate as a Family.