National Cheese Lovers Day Isn’t Alone—and That’s the Point

Today is National Cheese Lovers Day, which I’ve already given its own op-ed because cheese deserves the spotlight. Frankly, it still does 24/7/365. But January 20 is nothing if not ambitious, and it turns out cheese isn’t alone on this very American day of delightfully unnecessary celebration.

Alongside cheese, we’re also honoring National Penguin Day and National Disc Jockey Day. And if that combination doesn’t perfectly capture the chaos and charm of the U.S. holiday calendar, nothing will.

Let’s Start With Cheese—Because Obviously

National Cheese Lovers Day is not a suggestion. It is a declaration. It exists solely to validate the choice to eat cheese without apology, justification, or pairing it with words like “moderation.” This is the holiday that looks at your fridge late at night and says, “Yes. Again.”

I already wrote the op-ed. I meant every word. Cheese earned it. End of discussion.

But January 20 wasn’t finished yet.

Penguins: The Internet’s Favorite Overachievers

Enter National Penguin Day, a holiday dedicated to the only animals that look permanently dressed for a formal event they did not RSVP for. Penguins don’t fly. They waddle. They slide. They huddle for warmth and stare into the distance like tiny philosophers questioning their life choices.

And we adore them for it.

National Penguin Day doesn’t require donations, declarations, or deep reflection. It requires acknowledgment. Possibly a smile. And almost certainly falling into a rabbit hole of penguin videos you did not plan to watch but absolutely needed.

Penguins remind us that grace is optional and persistence counts. Also, that looking ridiculous doesn’t disqualify you from being wildly beloved.

Disc Jockeys: The Original Influencers

Then, just to keep things interesting, January 20 also celebrates National Disc Jockey Day. This one sneaks up on you in the best way.

Disc jockeys are the voices that have guided us through traffic, heartbreak, weather alerts, late-night drives, and songs that arrived exactly when we needed them. They were influencers before social media, minus the sponsorship disclosures and ring lights.

They sit alone in studios, talking to millions, shaping moods and memories, and somehow making it all feel personal. National Disc Jockey Day simply tips its hat to that quiet magic—no spotlight required.

Why These Holidays Work

None of these holidays ask us to fix anything. They don’t come with a movement, a mission statement, or a crisis attached. They exist purely to be enjoyed.

In a culture that thrives on urgency and outrage, silly holidays are a soft rebellion. They remind us that joy doesn’t need permission and celebration doesn’t require productivity.

January 20 isn’t trying to change the world. It’s reminding us to enjoy it.

So tomorrow, honor cheese. Smile at penguins. Appreciate the DJ who once made your commute tolerable.

And bless your headlines for finally understanding the assignment.