Welcome to December 21, 2021 on the National Day Calendar. Today we celebrate vacation sweet spots and turning your holiday frown upside down. 

If you want to catch the sunrise before anyone else in the United States, pack your bags and head to Maine. Specifically the West Quoddy Head Lighthouse. This building was constructed in 1858 and is at the easternmost point of the country. That means it sees the first rays of the sun each day. And it’s hard to miss, even though Maine is home to more than 60 lighthouses. The West Quoddy Head lighthouse is white with big red stripes, looking like a gigantic candy cane that guides ships into port. It’s a pretty sweet spot to check out if you ever visit the state they call Vacationland USA. On National Maine Day, celebrate the people and culture of the Pine Tree State.

The word humbug dates back to the 1750s when it was used to describe anything false or deceptive. Charles Dickens assigned this phrase to Ebenezer Scrooge, who scoffed at anyone who would find good cheer in a world full of poverty and misery. While it took some ghostly visitations to turn Scrooge around, perhaps it’s wise to take stock of our own frustrations. It’s okay to admit that the holiday season is stressful. If the hustle and bustle is filling you with humbug it’s probably best to make time for yourself. And if that’s not enough, try ditching all the stuff that makes you crabby and focus on what brings you joy! On Humbug Day, celebrate your own transformation into all things bright and beautiful. 

I’m Anna Devere and I’m Marlo Anderson. Thanks for joining us as we Celebrate Every Day.

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