Monday: National Microwave Oven Day

It’s officially the week before finals and now’s the time to break out all the late-night snacks. Monday is National Microwave Oven Day, the perfect opportunity to cook up some popcorn, ramen or instant mac and cheese. Invented in 1945, Percy Spencer discovered the transformative power of microwave radiation when working with active radar, causing his candy bar to melt in his pocket. Spencer then patented his microwave oven invention and brought it to life in 1947. Monday is also Walt Disney Day, National Gazpacho Day and National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women. 

Tuesday: National Letter Writing Day

Perhaps an art lost during the internet age, letter writing is a wonderful way to show someone you care. Especially with the end of the fall semester quickly approaching, celebrate National Letter Writing Day by picking a few people who mean the most to you and draft up a handwritten note to slip into their desk or send in the mail. Tuesday is also National Pearl Harbor Day of Remembrance, World Trick Shot Day, National Illinois Day and National Cotton Candy Day. 

Wednesday: Pretend To Be A Time Traveler Day

Do you ever wish you lived in a different era? Now is the perfect time to daydream. Inspired by pop culture icons such as “Back to the Future” and “Dr. Who,” Pretend to Be A Time Traveler Day embraces the exploratory nature of science fiction to discover where we’ve been or where we’ll go as a part of the human race. To celebrate this holiday, open to a blank page and brainstorm some of your most character-defining moments in the past and set goals for one, five and ten years in the future. Wednesday is also National Brownie Day. 

Thursday: National Pastry Day

One of the most indulgent holidays this week, National Pastry Day gives us an opportunity to treat ourselves before the impending doom of finals week. To celebrate this holiday, visit your local bakery such as Bagel Central or Frank’s Bakery in Bangor to purchase and enjoy your favorite desserts with friends. Alternatively, seek out a favorite pastry recipe and warm up by baking at home. Thursday is also Techno Day, National Llama Day and International Day of Veterinary Medicine. 

Friday: Nobel Prize Day

Nobel Prize Day concludes the week in celebration of Alfred Bernhard Nobel, a Swedish engineer, chemist, entrepreneur and philanthropist. An incredibly prestigious award to receive, there are several categories of nomination: physics, chemistry, medicine, literature, peace and economic sciences. To celebrate this holiday, familiarize yourself with recent winners and their achievements here. Friday is also Human Rights Day, International Animal Rights Day and National Lager Day. 

All holidays were found on nationaltoday.com. Be sure to keep up to date with our regularly featured holidays featured both on our Instagram @themainecampus and our website.

Monday: Go For A Ride Day

Monday is a fitting holiday for your safe travels home for Thanksgiving on Thursday, as it is Go For A Ride Day. Do you have any plans for our short break this week? Today encourages you to get up and get moving, even if it’s a short ride around town. To celebrate this day, prepare by tidying up your car and curating a playlist to match the length of your trip. Pack some drinks and snacks and maybe even a car blanket so you can have a picnic, even if it’s only in your car. If you’re staying local during Thanksgiving break, pick a destination for a short road trip like downtown Belfast or Portland, Acadia National Park or Rockland. Monday is also National Cranberry Relish Day and Love Your Freckles Day. 

Tuesday: National Espresso Day

If you’re leaving on Tuesday for break, prepare for the drive with an espresso drink to celebrate National Espresso Day. Some popular espresso drinks you can try are lattes and cappuccinos, which are both made with milk, espresso and varying amounts of foam. You could also try an americano, which is made with espresso and water as a fuller-bodied coffee drink. If you’re looking for some more intensity, check out the red eye, black eye or deadeye drinks made with one, two and three shots accordingly of espresso and coffee. Check out some local coffee shops in Orono like Nest, The Store Ampersand, Aroma Joe’s and Dunkin. Tuesday is also National Cashew Day and National Eat A Cranberry Day. 

Wednesday: National Jukebox Day

It’s time to get your groove on with National Jukebox Day. Originally invented in 1889 by Louis Glass and William S. Arnold of the Pacific Phonograph Co., the jukebox gained popularity in the 1950s when it began to take its notable shape after many iterations. Even though they’re not as common today, celebrate National Jukebox Day by playing your favorite tracks across the loudspeaker and getting up to dance! Wednesday is also National Sardines Day and Celebrate Your Unique Talent Day. 

Thursday: Thanksgiving

Happy Thanksgiving! Celebrated on the fourth Thursday of November each year, Thanksgiving is a time to come together and celebrate family and friends over a warm meal. Today is a day where you can recognize and reflect upon everything you’re grateful for, so take today as an opportunity to identify your personal bright spots in the last year. If you’re hunting for some recipe help, check out the UMaine Cooperative Extension recommended appetizers, main dishes, desserts and drinks. Thursday is also International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, National White Ribbon Day and National Parfait Day. 

Friday: Native American Heritage Day

Designated on Nov. 28 in 1990 by former President George H. W. Bush, Native American Heritage Day aims to pay respect and recognize the many injustices the Native American people have faced in the United States. As explained by their land acknowledgment statement, the University of Maine resides on the homeland of the Penobscot Nation, which is connected to other Wabanaki Tribal Nations including the Passamaquoddy, Maliseet and Micmac. Celebrate this holiday by learning about the Penobscot homeland and their peoples by visiting UMaine’s Wabinaki Center page or by attending the upcoming talk, “Raising Our Voices on Race and Racism” featuring Native American topics on Nov. 30 from 4 to 5 p.m. Friday is also National Day of Listening, Flossing Day, Fur-Free Friday, National Cake Day and Black Friday.

All holidays were found on nationaltoday.com. Be sure to keep up to date with our regularly featured holidays featured both on our Instagram @themainecampus and our website.

Monday: National Recycling Day

Established in 1997, National Recycling Day aims to promote green, earth-conscious habits and spread awareness about the benefits of recycling as opposed to throwing out used items straight into the trash. Are you aware of what you can and can’t recycle? In Orono, recycling is picked up every other week on trash day, allowing materials such as paper, some plastics, aluminum cans and cardboard to be processed by Casella, sparing these items from ending up in a landfill. To celebrate National Recycling Day, get familiar with your town’s rules and routine by visiting its website (such as Orono’s here). Additionally, instead of waiting for the next day to recycle, take bottles and cans over to your local redemption center to stay green and grab some quick cash. Today is also National Philanthropy Day, I Love to Write Day, Odd Socks Day and National Clean Out Your Fridge Day. 

Tuesday: International Day for Tolerance

Although tolerance should be practiced every day, the United Nations (UN) established the International Day for Tolerance in 1995 to spread peace and promote non-violence across cultures and legislative bodies. As a commemorative day for the passing of The Declaration of Principles on Tolerance, the UN uses this day to promote understanding and empathy beyond borders. To celebrate this holiday, you can visit UMaine’s Multicultural Student Center page to learn about resources and events going on. You can also learn about cultures other than your own to broaden your horizons by picking up a book about a country you aren’t familiar with. Today is also National Button Day, National Fast Food Day and National Entreprenuer’s Day. 

Wednesday: National Unfriend Day

Based on Jimmy Kimmel’s designated National Unfriend Day, Nov. 17 is the perfect day to curate a healthier social media feed. Originally slated to help users avoid mundane posts, celebrate National Unfriend Day by muting or unfriending unnecessarily toxic people on your timeline. Take charge and set some boundaries to figure out what qualifies as a healthy social media experience for you. Cut some negativity from your life today. Today is also National Take A Hike Day, National Homemade Bread Day and National Baklava Day. 

Thursday: National Apple Cider Day

Although winter may be fast approaching, we’re not out of the woods yet with fall. Dating back to 3000 B.C. when the Celts used crabapples for a bitter drink, apple cider has evolved to be a sweeter, mass-produced fall-favorite beverage. To celebrate National Apple Cider Day, visit your grocery store and pick up a jug of apple cider sourced from your local community. If you have apples at home and want a homemade beverage, follow this Pioneer Woman recipe for mulled apple cider. You’ll have the whole house smelling fragrant with fall scents and will be able to cozy up with a nice, hot beverage at the end of the day. Today is also World Philanthropy Day, Minnie Mouse’s Birthday, Use Less Stuff Day and Married to a Scorpio Support Day. 

Friday: National Play Monopoly Day

Potentially one of the longest board games to play known to man, Nov. 19 is National Play Monopoly Day. First conceptualized in 1903 by Lizzie Magie, what was then called “The Landlord’s Game” simulated investing in an unregulated real estate market. Now owned by Hasbro, Monopoly has withstood the test of time and remains one of the most beloved family board games. Settle in for a weekend affair with one of your favorite editions of Monopoly, whether it be the simple classic version, or a specialty design such as Harry Potter, Animal Crossing or Disney. Today is also International Men’s Day, Women’s Entrepreneurship Day and World Toilet Day. 

All holidays were found on nationaltoday.com. Be sure to keep up to date with our regularly featured holidays featured both on our Instagram @themainecampus and website.

Aries (March 21 – April 20)

Are there some things you’ve been putting off, Aries? On Friday, we have a double-whammy with Venus moving into Capricorn and Mercury moving into Scorpio. You’ll begin to shift your practical, paced energy toward your career goals and dig your heels into what you put into motion the day before. 

Taurus (April 21 – May 20)

Your definition of yourself within your relationships will become more authentic this week as the new moon and Mercury combine in Scorpio. Commit to putting energy into your personal growth and expansion to foster an aware, holistically incorporated version of you. 

Gemini (May 21 – June 22)

This week, take a new look at your sense of service to others. How do you light up a room? Dial it up to the max this week and step into your own. 

Cancer (June 23 – July 21)

It’s all happening in your area of creativity and romance this week, Cancer. Lean into your intuitive side as you confront new territory head-on. Use this week’s Capricorn motivation to carefully cultivate relationships into those that allow you to become your most authentic self. 

Leo (July 22 – Aug. 23)

Regardless of Noodle the Pug having bones at any point this week, organize some major time for reflection and self-care. The focus will shift to your home life and what makes you feel grounded, so pinpoint what makes you feel like you again after a long week. 

Virgo (Aug. 24 – Sept. 23)

You’ll begin to dig deeper into how you communicate with yourself, your environment and those around you this week. What rituals and beliefs do you hold the closest? They might be challenged. You can overcome your obstacles by reflecting on what inspires you and discovering what systems must change. 

Libra (Sept. 24 – Oct. 23)

Do you actually know what motivates you? This week you may learn about why you’re doing what you’re doing and express that clearly to others. You’ll be able to harness steady energy stemming from your roots to take charge.

Scorpio (Oct. 24 – Nov. 22)

It’s all about you this week, Scorpio. Both Mercury and a new moon fall into your sign this week, challenging an awakening within your more vulnerable and subconscious areas of communication and sense of self. Know your self-worth as you uncover the grittier aspects of your psyche.

Sagittarius (Nov. 23 – Dec. 21)

Set aside some designated R&R time now, because the end of the week will have some growing pains for you. The Scorpio new moon is giving you opportunities to look deep into your subconscious within your area of endings and undoings. You may experience a dramatic awakening to your own needs, pushing some chapters of your life to come to an end. Not all is lost, though. Persist with a steady rhythm and use the Capricorn Venus energy to develop a new routine to support your growth. 

Capricorn (Dec. 22 – Jan. 20)

The end of this week will be a wonderful time to develop your goals in order to support your desires and authentic self. Lean into your power as Venus falls in your sign, revitalizing your energy to become the best version of you. 

Aquarius (Jan. 21 – Feb.19)

This week gives you a great opportunity to make some money moves. As the new moon and Venus move into your career sector, rethink how to spend your energy and tap into your subconscious power. Take a practical approach to strategies that did not serve you well before as you work to transform your energy.

Pisces (Feb. 20 – March 20)

Look forward to getting cozy with your personal philosophies and your approach to others. Do you have any ungrounded beliefs? Now would be a good time to reassess and reevaluate why you think the way you do, and how it might affect others. Setting boundaries may be the theme for this week.