Every month there is plenty to celebrate – official holiday or not, they provide great inspiration for creative activities you can do with your family. January, according to various sources, is National Hobby Month, Hot Tea Month, National Soup Month, and more

The great thing about “month” celebrations is they are not tied to a specific day, which allows for activities that can spread out throughout the month and celebrated whenever you like. It gives you the chance to celebrate and make everyday special. Here are some creative ways to celebrate in January.

National Hobby Month:

Celebrate National Hobby Month by exploring a wide variety of hobbies this month. Create a list of hobbies to try out as a family. Get your kids’ input. Decide on some hobbies to try both as a family and on your own.

January is a great time to explore winter recreation (if it snows where you live). Many organizations offer introductory snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, winter survival, and other classes, any of which would be a great introduction to the winter outdoor.

It is also a great month to explore some indoor hobbies that may have been neglected during the summer. You can build time into your family schedule for the enjoyment of both family and personal hobbies, a great habit to get into any month of the year. Try out hobbies as a family you may have not considered before or hobbies you thought you might not like. You may be surprised! Even if you don’t like it, you are doing it to celebrate national Hobby Month and it doesn’t require long term commitment. A few ideas from previous posts: Creative Kids – Cameras, Lego and Creative Kids, and Creative Kids Food – Peanut Butter and Jam is a great introduction to cooking as a hobby.

Hot Tea Month:

In many countries tea is not only a daily staple, it is a sign of warmth, friendship, and hospitality. It’s used in sacred ceremonies of many cultures. It’s even played a role in the history and politics in many countries – America’s Boston Tea Party comes to mind.

Is tea a part of your family’s or country’s heritage? Why not celebrate Hot Tea month by learning about it? Do you have any handed-down china tea cups? Pull them out and have an old-fashioned tea party with a few of your family’s favorite recipes.

If you have the opportunity, seek out those in your community who are from cultures that place special value on tea. To start, you can seek out cultural centers and organizations. Attend a Japanese tea Ceremony or an English High Tea, or learn how to make authentic Indian Chai, Turkish Tea, or Moroccan mint tea. If you don’t have access to a culturally diverse community, you can use the internet to learn about different teas throughout the world; take what interests you to create your own tea traditions.You can also explore the world of herbal teas and even create your own signature blend!

One of the things I have noticed about tea is it really makes you slow down and savor life – especially if you are  invited for tea in Turkey. It is not a quick cup and on with daily life – it is good company and conversation, delicious nibbles, and small tulip shaped glass after glass of hot black tea with lump sugar on the side.  Tea is about tradition, ceremony, hospitality, and friendship. Why not explore tea this chilly January?

National Soup Month:

It is rather fitting that national Soup Month is in January. It is the perfect time to gather in the kitchen and try out some new soups. If you want to gather with friends and family why not host a Stone Soup Party? It would be a great idea for school or community clubs or even just a family get-together.

Don’t know what to make for dinner? Tired of making the same old thing? Plan a few International Soup nights! The great thing about soup is it can be made healthy and inexpensive – that is why it is a staple all over the world. A great website for all things soup is SoupSong. They have an extensive International section as well as a blog. If you prefer cook books, the author of Soupsong has also published: An Exaltation of Soups: The Soul-Satisfying Story of Soup, As Told in More Than 100 Recipes

Here are a few ideas to bring a little creativity and fun to your January. How will you celebrate?