Jan. 4: National Spaghetti Day

Historians aren’t exactly sure about pasta’s origins: it may have originated in Italy, but also perhaps China. The first pasta dish is thought to date back to 1154, but it was a bit different from our modern pastas. The word ‘spaghetti’ is derived from the word ‘spago,’ meaning string or twine.

Jan. 5: National Bird Day

National Bird Day was founded in 2002 by the Avian Welfare Coalition to raise awareness of the precarious state our feathered friends are in. Most birds are endangered or protected thanks to habitat loss and the illegal pet trade. They are also the most closely related creatures to the dinosaurs.

Jan. 6: Epiphany

Also called “Little Christmas” and “Three Kings Day,” Epiphany marks the arrival of the Three Wise Men in Bethlehem, who followed an angel to find the baby Jesus. The Eastern Roman Empire once celebrated Christmas on this day; today Epiphany is marked with a feast concluding the 12 days of Christmas and the traditional end of the season.

Jan. 7: The Golden Globe Awards

First held in 1944, the Golden Globe Awards were the brainchild of a group of foreign journalists working out of Los Angeles. The purpose of the awards was to honor American and foreign films and help their distribution to non-U.S. markets. That first year, scrolls were distributed to winners; since then, the golden statuette has become coveted.

Jan. 8: National Clean Your Desk Day

If you haven’t been cleaning your work desk regularly, it could be 400 times less hygienic than the average toilet seat. Yikes! This is the day to wipe off those germs, get rid of the clutter, and organize your materials. You’ll feel better and more productive as a result.

Jan. 9: Law Enforcement Appreciation Day

Created in 2015, Law Enforcement Appreciation Day provides an opportunity to express gratitude for police and sheriff’s deputies, who have taken on a difficult career to help keep us safe. Prior to the 20th century, the U.S. didn’t have centralized law enforcement; volunteers helped patrol, much like our ideas of the Wild West.

Jan. 10: National Houseplant Appreciation Day

If you’re feeling down now that the holiday decorations have been put away, consider bringing greenery and life back into your space with a houseplant. Back in 500 BC, houseplants were only for the wealthy; today, everyone can tend a plant, whether it be cactus or orchid. They have health benefits indoors as well; they improve air quality and humidify the air.