Whew. Halloween sure takes a lot out of a costume fan. I’m exhausted. Luckily for us, November is filled with relaxing days to recoup before the Holiday Season strikes. You can relax with a warm Monte Cristo on Sandwich Day, November 3rd. On the 15th you can get into the green spirit with America Recycles Day. Perhaps the most intriguing one is November 20…Absurdity Day. I’m not sure how you’re supposed to celebrate but I bet anything goes.

November 4: King Tut Day. This day recognizes when young King Tutankhamen’s tomb was discovered. Host a small Egyptian themed party. Have guests dress as pharaohs and mummies. Modify party games with a Nile-style and have puzzles for the kids. It’s a great opportunity for teachers to start a new history unit.

November 5: Guy Fawkes Day. “Remember, remember, the fifth of November.” This is an English holiday commemorating the foiled Gunpowder Plot. Halloween is not as big in the UK as it is in America and very often you’ll see British children more excited about the 5th. There may be bonfires, masks, fireworks, and toffee apples.

November 11: Veteran’s Day. Most cities across the US hold a parade on this day to honor military veterans and the fallen. Try to make it to an event near you and take note how the uniforms have changed over the years. Colors and styles are very different today than even 20 years ago.

November 13: Sadie Hawkins Day. Andy Capp created Sadie Hawkins day so Dogpatch’s most famous spinster could catch a husband. The idea may be a bit crude these days, but we can still have fun with it. Some schools host ladies’ choice dances. Ladies, you should take a more active role and do some of the asking. It can be a lot of fun.

November 27: Thanksgiving Day. Here’s a chance to gather with your friends and family and express your gratitude for the love you have in your life. It reminds us all that we don’t need big successes to be happy. Have the family over, let the kids be silly and dress up, and eat lost of yummy food, like stuffed prunes, sweet potato pie, and fried turkey.

November 28: Make Your Own Head Day AND Red Planet Day. Both of these sound like a blast to me. On Make Your Own Head Day, make masks and paper mache heads. Use permanent markers to create funny faces on squash and pumpkins. If you’re really brave, get out the face paint and makeup and let the kids go at. Teachers can take this time to explore the senses and brain functions.

Red Planet Day rocks. I’m a big fan of space and the “final frontier.” Wear alien antenna, make alien masks, and watch silly movies like Spaced Invaders. You can learn about Mars, our closet neighbor and best candidate for a colony. Have an alien party with Mars Cake (shake a little cocoa powder over uneven and lumpy icing).

Here are just a few of the many holidays this month. Hopefully, you’ve found a few that get your creative costume juices flowing. Enjoy Autumn while you can.

It’s time for October holidays. I skipped September holidays since I was on location. I think we all survived National Beheading Day and the move into Autumn. There is one seasonal event I failed to mention but it’s not too late to sill celebrate: Oktoberfest.

Oct 1: World Vegetarian Day. You can velcro green styrofoam balls to your chest and be a pea pod. If you’re not in the mood for a carrot blazer, try a dinner of tempura battered veggies. Mmmmmm.

Oct 3: Techie Day. This day seems to be held on the 5th of October, but it’s a weekend this year. I hope this date is right. Cnet thought of this idea in 1999 to celebrate technology jobs and promote the tech industry. If you want to let your techie side out wear jeans and a wrinkled shirt and keep your thumbdrive on your key chain with your fob.

Oct 5: Last day of Oktoberfest. Have your friends and family over for brats and beer. Have everyone bring their own stein and have a little costume and mug contest.

Oct 6: Mad Hatter Day. Wear your wackiest hats to work today. It’s all about the fun and the absurd. If you don’t have a mad hat, you can modify an existing hat. Add ribbons, baubles, flowers, stuffed animals, or anything else you have on your coffee table to a cheap hat.

Oct 9 and Oct 13: Leif Erikson Day and Columbus Day. Since Columbus didn’t really discover the New World (he told Europe where it was), many people now refer to it as Discoverer’s Day. You can have a viking party. That sounds like a lot of fun. Get the kids interested in explorers with fun globe activities.

Oct 17: Wear Something Gaudy Day. Rumor is Larry Dallas came up with this one. This is a day made for thrift stores. Once you’re dressed in bright and bold designs you should head on down to the Regal Beagle.

Oct 23: Talk Show Host Day. This day was picked in honor of Mr. Johnny Carson’s birthday. Carry a mic with you and ask people questions all day. You could wear a red pompadour wig and be Conan. If you want to be Ellen you can wear skinny jeans with a vest and dance.

Oct 24: United Nation’s Day. This is a fun one for the kids. Have everyone dress in traditional garb from one of the 192 member nations. It’s a great opportunity for an international food party…mousse, strudel, baklava, and etc.

Oct 31: The Greatest Holiday Ever. In the United States, Halloween, aka All Hallow’s Eve, is celebrated by children and adults by wearing costumes, sharing treats, and having parties. I’m giddy thinking about it!

October is a great time of year. The weather’s perfect for cookouts and afternoon get-togethers. Pick a holiday and have fun with it.

It’s that time again: Celebration and costume ideas.

May is a great time of year. Spring is in full swing in the Northern Hemisphere, which means temperatures are warming for most of my readers. Children and adults of all ages are winding down their school year and grass skirts make a come back.

1. May 1: May Day. I know it seems like late notice, but most of us would prefer to celebrate this colorful rite on the weekend. Wear colorful dress or maybe adorn the children in Fairy costumes. It is also Lei Day. What an great reason for a Luau! Wear you best grass skirt or, heck, Magnum PI outfit.

2. May 5: Cinco de Mayo. Depending on your region may depend on how popular this cultural celebration is. Go to your favorite Mexican restaurant for a real treat. Fun and colorful, you’re sure to find specialties that night.

3. May 9: Lost Sock Day. Have you lost a beloved sock to the dryer sprites? Sad. Don’t let those mismatched toes get you down. Turn it into Crazy Sock day by wearing you best mismatched socks. Who says you have to match?

4. May 11: Mother’s Day. Make sure your mom knows you care.

5. May 14: Dance Like a Chicken Day. Does this mean we only have to hear the ‘Chicken Dance’ one time a year? Wear a chicken suit, a mask, or hat. Get creative and dress as Gonzo. He loves chickens, but only has eyes for Camilla.

6. May 17 (third Sat): Armed Forces Day. Check your community for parades or park picnics. If you’re near a base, see if there’s any activities for the kids. Some museums have special exhibitions and free admittance. Talk to your family that’s served and find out what they did and how long they served.

7. May 26: Sally Ride Day. This one is close to my heart. As a girl, I wanted to be an astronaut when I grew up. Still do actually, heh. Have a space party for the kids and serve solar system cupcakes decorated like Mars, Venus, Jupiter….you get the idea. Play party games with a space flavor added to them like Pin the Tail on the Comet. And of course, dress like astronauts.

Have fun. Be creative. Hit the party stores for cheap table wear and decorations. Mostly, look great!