Conversation 34

May you be surrounded by love and joy and laughter. And may you have in your heart the true spirit of Christmas today and every day ❤

NATIONAL ALAN DAY

Today is November 28 on the National Day Calendar and we are celebrating the name Alan and the remarkable meaning behind the name. Get ready as we cover some interesting history about the name Alan, discover some new facts, and talk about the possible origin of National Alan Day.

NATIONAL FLOSSING DAY

After enjoying a grand meal, National Flossing Day reminds us to take care of our teeth and gums. This health observance takes place each year on the day after Thanksgiving!

NATIONAL DAY OF LISTENING

On the day after Thanksgiving, National Day of Listening encourages you to gather your family and friends and record family history and stories for preservation. The program, created by StoryCorps, reminds us of the value our stories hold.

BUY NOTHING DAY

Buy Nothing Day is observed annually on the day after Thanksgiving. This day is part of a movement against consumerism, urging the world to change their purchasing habits, to consume and produce less.

MAIZE DAY

Maize Day, on the day after Thanksgiving, recognizes the importance of a plant common across the Americas. The day is set aside for all Americans, regardless of heritage, to celebrate corn’s traditional role on the North American continent.

While other plant life was transplanted and imported, corn was common across the Americas. It was a central food source used by all the nations and an essential part of their everyday diet. The day also celebrates the traditional crops and foods of Native Americans.

There are many varieties of maize. Depending on the kind of maize, it may make delicious corn tortillas. Others are best roasted and eaten on the cob. And of course, some kinds of maize make perfect popping corn.

NATIONAL NATIVE AMERICAN HERITAGE DAY

National Native American Heritage Day on the day after Thanksgiving honors American Indians across the nation. The day celebrates the vibrant cultures, traditions, and heritages while recognizing Native Americans’ many contributions.

BLACK FRIDAY

In the United States, the day after Thanksgiving has become known as Black Friday and is considered the official kick-off for holiday shopping. Retailers across the country slash prices, offer doorbuster deals on popular big-ticket items, and often open in the wee hours of the morning to extend early bird specials. Dedicated and thrifty shoppers line up outside the stores to be the first to grab that special deal or this season’s popular and hard-to-find gift.

Despite being the traditional kick-off to holiday shopping, Black Friday isn’t the only day retailers slash prices. These days, many retailers begin deals and specials right after Halloween. Many also offer special, exclusive deals to their online or app-using shoppers.

YOU’RE WELCOMEGIVING DAY

You’re Welcomegiving Day is observed annually on the day after Thanksgiving. Conventionally when someone thanks us for a kindness or service, we respond by saying, “You’re Welcome.” So, it was inevitable that someone would suggest the day after Thanksgiving we should remember to say, “You’re welcome.”

NATIONAL FRENCH TOAST DAY

Each year on November 28th, people across the United States enjoy National French Toast Day. Also known as eggy bread or omelet bread, it makes a great breakfast for guests or part of a brunch.

Home cooks and professionals alike whip up a few personal favorites when it comes to french toast recipes. The base consists of eggs and milk whisked together. Bread is dipped into the mixture and fried until golden. Many people also add some sugar, vanilla, and cinnamon to the base.

The flavor of French toast can be brightened with a squeeze of fresh orange or stuffed with sauteed apples and cinnamon. Make French toast kid-friendly by cutting it into sticks. Then dip the sticks into syrup. Substitute sugary syrup with a fruit puree and fresh fruit pieces. Nuts and seeds add crunch to this delicious breakfast fare, and don’t forget the whipped cream! Just a dollop goes a long way.