A swath of holidays are a-comin’. We’re entering that segment of the year when many of the major holidays come fast and furious. Holidays can be a great time to spread love and spend time with those who are important to us. They are also a great way to commemorate important dates and memorable beings. Unfortunately, some groups are not recognized for all they’ve done for the planet.

Animals fall squarely into that category. Although animals are slowly but surely starting to become recognized as beings and not objects, a lot of work is yet to be done. However, we can assure you, it will get done! As humans become aware of veganism and its benefits to our planet’s survival, the movement will grow by leaps and bounds. 

There’s World Vegetarian Day. There’s World Vegan Day. We can celebrate a month or try a 30-day plant-based challenge. However, we need more ways to honor all species of animals and the world we share. One of the ways we think to do it is by having our non-human friends partake in celebrations for them and for us, making the world a better place

For this week’s Top 10, we came up with some ideas of vegan and animal-friendly holidays that everyone should mark on their calendars. Some are inspired by existing ones, but hey, we need to make these OFFICIAL!

The Top 10 Vegan Holidays That Should Exist But Don’t.

1. ThanksLiving. Okay, it actually does exist at some farm sanctuaries like Woodstock Farm Animal Sanctuary. Friends and families may also come around the table for a cruelty-free meal at home. Turkeys and friends should be guests of honor, not the centerpiece. 

 

2. Animal Appreciation Day. If insects didn’t pollinate plants, it would prove disastrous. If animals didn’t fertilize the soil, we would be reliant on even more artificial means of fertilization. These are just two examples of how animals keep the world’s ecosystems in balance. They do a lot of the heavy lifting for our world, and it’s about time with thank them. 

 

3. Donald Watson Day. The animal rights activist who who coined the word vegan, was a visionary and gentle person. Donald Watson (1910-2005) started The Vegan Society in 1944 with his wife Dorothy. The Vegan Society began in the United Kingdom and is one of the oldest vegan organizations in the world. He has certainly left his mark on the world for many generations to come.

4. Surprise! It’s Vegan Week! This is the week you cook or bring vegan goods to your coworkers, friends and or family members. Just don’t tell them what you’re bringing, and if possible, don’t say it’s vegan. It’s probably best to offer them more accessible, convenient foods (e.g. burgers, pasta or dessert).  That way, they’re more apt to try more “exotic” dishes down the road.

5. Nooch Year’s Eve. What better way to ring in the new year than with something made with nutritional yeast, the holy grail of vegan pantries! 

6. Mac Friday.  Black Friday? Pshaw! Would you rather sleep out overnight in the freezing cold, for the remote chance of getting some video game system 50% off,  or  would you rather enjoy a yummy vegan Macaroni & Cheese in the comfort of your own home? We opt for the latter. Here’s a simple baked macaroni & cheese recipe to celebrate this most cherished of all comfort foods. 

 

7. Adoption Day. Although not everyone can or wants to adopt/rescue a pet, many can celebrate this day by helping adoption/rescue organizations.  You can do this by donating your money, free time, food or goods! Our kiddos are rescued kitties who have changed our lives!

8. Take Your Pet to Work Day. There is a Take Your Dog to Work Day, but let’s show love to all animal companions! Let them chill out at the office, or take over the helm of your desk for a few hours! Who knows, if they do a good job, they may even score a job! 

9. Start a Garden Week. Whether it’s in your backyard, in a public lot or at a school, starting a garden is beneficial in countless ways. From the environment to personal health, gardens can help improve air quality and provide fresh foods to you and your community. For those living in big cities, urban farming is becoming increasing popular and doable. Why not give it a try?

10. Volunteer Day. We need more than the National Day of Service. We can see this being a monthly holiday. It can be team-building for work colleagues. It can confidence-building for individuals. We all can leave our mark just by spending time with our fellow humans and non-humans. So why not volunteer at a homeless shelter, an animal sanctuary, a veterans hospital or any place that needs love? How about bringing pets to a convalescence home and see how everyone perks up? A simple act of kindness can mean so much.

Personally, we’re all about love, peace and compassion. If we can spread just a little bit to friends, family, strangers of any species, we truly believe a lot more good can come to all of us on Planet Earth.