Super El Niño Is Coming This Winter: Is Your Home Ready?

If you've been hearing the words "Super El Niño" lately, there's a good reason. NOAA's Climate Prediction Center says El Niño is strengthening, with better than a 90% chance of a very strong event this fall and winter. Even more striking, forecasters give a 75% chance that the October through December period will see a historic event, stronger than any El Niño on record going back to 1950.

So what does that mean for us here in California?

What the forecast says

Over 50% odds of a wetter than normal winter for coastal California

That's NOAA's outlook for both December to February and January to March. The biggest effects are expected from December 2026 through February 2027, with some changes possibly starting in late fall.

To be fair, a forecast isn't a promise. The last super El Niño, back in 2015-2016, actually turned out drier than expected in Southern California. And if the storm track shifts a couple hundred miles north, SoCal can stay dry even in a setup like this one.

But here's how I see it: if the storms come and you're ready, great. If they don't come and you're ready, you've lost nothing. The supplies keep, and you'll have them for the next power outage, earthquake, or whatever surprise comes our way.

What heavy storms can bring

Strong El Niño winters in California can mean flooding, mudslides, downed trees, power outages that last days, and roads that close without warning. The time to get ready is now, before stores run out and everyone is shopping at once.

The basic emergency kit

You don't need to spend a fortune. Start with the essentials:

Water

The usual rule is one gallon per person per day for at least three days. Cases of bottled water are the easiest start, and a few larger jugs or a water storage container cover cooking and washing.

Bottled water on Amazon Water storage containers

A water filter

If tap water becomes unsafe after flooding, a portable filter or filter pitcher is a cheap backup.

See water filters

Non-perishable food

Canned goods, energy bars, peanut butter, and ready-to-eat meals. Don't forget a manual can opener.

Emergency food kits Manual can opener

Flashlights and lanterns

LED lanterns are much safer than candles during an outage.

See LED lanterns

A hand-crank or battery weather radio

If the power and cell service go down, this is how you'll hear emergency alerts. Many models also charge your phone.

See weather radios

Power banks

Keep a couple charged and ready for phones.

See power banks

First aid kit

A good pre-packed kit plus any prescription medications you need.

See first aid kits

Rain gear and tarps

Ponchos, waterproof boots, and a heavy-duty tarp for quick roof or window fixes.

Ponchos and boots Heavy-duty tarps

Sandbags

If you live in a low area or near a creek, get them before the first big storm, not during it.

See sandbags

A waterproof document bag

Keep copies of IDs, insurance papers, and important records in one dry place you can grab and go.

See document bags

Or grab a ready-made kit

If you'd rather not build it piece by piece, a pre-packed 72-hour emergency kit is a solid starting point. You can add water and your personal items on top.

See 72-hour emergency kits

Don't forget your pets

Your pets need a plan too: food, water, medications, a leash or carrier, and their records in one place. My Prepared Pet Binder makes it easy to keep vet info, vaccination records, and emergency contacts organized so you can grab it and go.

Get the Pet Binder on Amazon

A few quick to-dos this month

Clear your gutters and storm drains. Check your sump pump if you have one. Trim dead tree branches near the house. Sign up for your county's emergency alerts. And talk with your family about where you'd meet if you had to leave in a hurry.

The bottom line

Nobody knows exactly how this winter will play out. But the forecasts are clear enough that getting a basic kit together now is just common sense. Do it once, check it every year, and you'll sleep better when the rain starts.

Stay safe and stay dry!

Forecast figures from NOAA's Climate Prediction Center, September 2026 updates. Forecasts change, so check NOAA and your local National Weather Service office for the latest.

Affiliate disclosure: This post contains Amazon affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases, at no extra cost to you.

September 21 Celebrations: International Day of Peace, World Gratitude Day, National Chai Day & National Pecan Cookie Day

September 21 is one of those days when the whole calendar seems to agree on a mood. The world pauses for peace and gratitude, and the rest of us pause for a warm cup of chai and a pecan cookie. Today's four celebrations are a gentle reminder to slow down, say thank you, and share something good with the people around you.

International Day of Peace

International Day of Peace, also known as World Peace Day, was established by the United Nations General Assembly in 1981 to strengthen the ideals of peace among all nations and peoples. Two decades later, in 2001, the Assembly unanimously voted to fix the date on September 21 and to make it a day of non-violence and ceasefire, a simple request for the world to hold its fire for 24 hours. It is one of the most widely recognized observances on the calendar, and it reminds us that peace starts in ordinary places, in homes, neighborhoods, and conversations.

😄 Fun fact: A peace bell donated by Japan in 1954 is rung at United Nations headquarters on this day, which makes it one of the few alarm clocks the whole world is happy to hear.

Ways to celebrate:

• Take a quiet minute at midday to reflect on what peace means to you
• Reach out to someone you have not spoken to in a while and start with something kind
• Learn about a peace tradition from another culture

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World Gratitude Day

World Gratitude Day traces back to 1965, when a Thanksgiving dinner at the East-West Center in Hawaii inspired the idea of a holiday the whole world could share. Everyone at the table pledged to hold their own gratitude gathering on September 21 once they returned to their home countries, and the tradition has been spreading ever since. There is no required way to celebrate. The point is simply to notice the people, blessings, and small good things in your life and say thank you out loud.

😄 Fun fact: It all started at a Thanksgiving dinner in Hawaii, proof that great ideas can begin around a dinner table.

Ways to celebrate:

• Write down three things you are thankful for today
• Thank someone in person, by phone, or with a handwritten note
• Fill a gratitude jar with slips of paper and read them together at the end of the week

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National Chai Day

National Chai Day was founded in 2018 and is observed every September 21 in honor of masala chai, the spiced milk tea that originated in India. Masala simply means a mix of spices, and the blend usually includes cardamom and ginger, often joined by cinnamon, cloves, and black pepper. There is no single official recipe, which is part of the charm, since every household and tea stall puts its own spin on the cup.

😄 Fun fact: Since chai already means tea, ordering a chai tea latte is technically ordering a tea tea latte.

Ways to celebrate:

• Simmer black tea with milk, fresh ginger, cardamom, and a cinnamon stick
• Order a chai at your favorite local cafe or tea shop
• Brew a pot to share with a neighbor or coworker

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National Pecan Cookie Day

National Pecan Cookie Day celebrates the buttery, nutty cookie that turns up in bakeries and home kitchens across the country. The origins of the day itself are a bit murky, but pecans are deeply American, growing wild across the Mississippi River valley and feeding Native communities long before they ever landed in a cookie jar. Whether the dough is chewy, crumbly, or finished with a drizzle of caramel, the pecan is always the star.

😄 Fun fact: The word pecan comes from an Algonquian word for a nut that needs a stone to crack, so the original nutcracker was a rock.

Ways to celebrate:

• Toast your pecans before folding them into the dough for a deeper, nuttier flavor
• Try brown butter or a splash of maple syrup for a bakery style twist
• Pair a warm cookie with a cup of chai and make it a two holiday snack

💬 Your turn: Which celebration are you starting with today, a moment of peace, a thank you, a cup of chai, or a pecan cookie? Let us know in the comments.

Whether you spend it with a journal, a teapot, or a plate of warm cookies, September 21 is a good day to slow down, say thanks, and share something sweet with someone you care about.

Whether you are celebrating at home or abroad, ApostilleHelp keeps your international paperwork simple. Fast, reliable apostille and translation services when you need them.

Visit CaliforniaApostille.US to get started.

Frequently Asked Questions About September 21 Celebrations

What is International Day of Peace?

International Day of Peace is a United Nations observance held every September 21. The General Assembly established it in 1981 to strengthen the ideals of peace, and in 2001 it fixed the date and designated it a day of non-violence and ceasefire.

Where did World Gratitude Day begin?

It began in 1965 at a Thanksgiving gathering at the East-West Center in Hawaii. Attendees pledged to hold their own gratitude gatherings on September 21 when they returned to their home countries.

Does chai tea really mean tea tea?

Yes, in a way. In Hindi and many other languages, chai simply means tea. Masala chai is the spiced milk tea most people picture, made with spices like cardamom, ginger, cinnamon, and cloves.

How do I make a pecan cookie taste even better?

Toast the pecans before adding them to the dough to bring out their nutty flavor. Brown butter or a little maple syrup can also take a basic recipe up a notch.

How can I celebrate all four in one day?

Start the morning by writing down what you are thankful for, share a pot of chai with a pecan cookie or two in the afternoon, and end the day with a quiet moment to think about peace.

What if today is my birthday?

If you're celebrating a birthday on September 21, check out our Birthday Gift Finder for your zodiac sign, birthstone, birth flower, and gift ideas specific to your day.

Some of the links in this post lead to books, tools, or products that can help you learn more about today's celebrations or put together your own version of them at home.

Affiliate link. I may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

September 21 Other Celebrations

Miniature Golf Day celebrates one of the most accessible sports around, no experience or fancy clubs required. The modern game took off in 1927 when Garnet Carter patented his Tom Thumb Golf design, based on the whimsical course he built on Lookout Mountain where he owned a hotel. Within a few years, thousands of courses had popped up across the United States, and the spinning windmill has been blocking hole in one dreams ever since.

Earth, Wind & Fire Day is a musical holiday built on a single famous line. The band's hit song "September" was released in November 1978, yet its opening line about a certain night in September turned this date into a yearly dance party. Co-writer Allee Willis long said the date was chosen simply because it sounded best when sung, though the widow of bandleader Maurice White later shared that September 21 had been the due date of their son.

Escapology Day marks the anniversary of Harry Houdini's first public performance of his Water Torture Cell escape, staged at the Circus Busch in Berlin on September 21, 1912. The day celebrates escape artists, magicians, and performers who wriggle free of restraints, straitjackets, and locked boxes. If you would rather escape on your own terms, a trip to an escape room with friends makes a fun modern tribute.

🎂 If Your Birthday Is Today

Born on September 21? In numerology, the number 21 reduces to 3, the number of creativity, self expression, and social charm, so you likely have a way with words and a knack for making people feel at ease. Paired with Virgo's practical, detail-oriented streak, you get someone who is both expressive and dependable, a friend who remembers the little things and knows exactly how to say them.

Your birthstone is sapphire, long associated with wisdom, loyalty, and clear communication. Your birth flowers are the aster, a star shaped bloom symbolizing wisdom and purity, and the morning glory, which stands for affection and a fresh start each morning it opens.

Looking for a gift that fits all three symbols at once? Sapphire blue jewelry or decor nods to the birthstone, the zodiac sign, and the deep blue purple tones asters and morning glories share in the garden. If you're drawn to crystal healing traditions, Virgo is also associated with a different set of stones, citrine, lapis lazuli, tiger's eye, garnet, green aventurine, and carnelian, each believed to support different aspects of the sign's energy. You can also get the 6 stones Virgo Crystals Gift Set.

September 20 Celebrations: National Gibberish Day & National Neighborhood Day

September 20 is all about bringing people together: a goofy language everyone can speak, and a day for getting to know the people next door.

National Gibberish Day

National Gibberish Day is observed every September 20 and invites everyone to speak nonsense on purpose. Nobody knows who started the holiday, but the word itself dates to the early 1500s and is thought to imitate the sound of unintelligible speech. One popular theory links it to the 8th-century alchemist Jabir ibn Hayyan, whose technical writing sounded like nonsense to outsiders, though many linguists consider that explanation uncertain. Beyond the laughs, gibberish is a creative tool: when words do not have to make sense, people relax, stop worrying about speaking correctly, and let imagination lead, which is why it works so well in classrooms and group activities.

😄 Fun fact: Gibberish has a formal cousin called gobbledygook, which describes technical writing so convoluted that nobody can understand it, a problem anyone who has read the fine print will recognize.

Ways to celebrate:

• Hold a conversation in gibberish with a friend or family member and see how much you understand from tone and gestures alone
• Invent your own made-up language, complete with a few silly words and a secret greeting
• Play a group game where one person tells a story in gibberish while everyone else guesses what happened

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National Neighborhood Day

National Neighborhood Day is observed on the third Sunday of September, which falls on September 20 in 2026. The tradition began in Providence, Rhode Island, has been marked every year since 2004, and was recognized in a 2008 U.S. Senate resolution. The idea is refreshingly simple: gather for food, fellowship, and fun, welcome new neighbors, and get to know the people who live near you, because communities are stronger when neighbors know one another.

😄 Fun fact: The word neighbor comes from Old English words meaning near and dweller, so a neighbor is literally a near-dweller.

Ways to celebrate:

• Host a simple gathering, like a block barbecue, a potluck, or coffee on the front steps
• Welcome a new neighbor with a friendly note, a homemade treat, or an introduction
• Learn the first names of the neighbors on your street, and offer a hand to someone nearby

💬 Tell us in the comments: what is the best thing about your neighborhood, and can you say it in gibberish?

Whether you are talking nonsense with a friend or introducing yourself to the family next door, September 20 shows how easily people come together, and it helps to have someone in your corner when your international paperwork needs to make perfect sense.

Whether you are celebrating at home or abroad, ApostilleHelp keeps your international paperwork simple. Fast, reliable apostille and translation services when you need them.

Visit CaliforniaApostille.US to get started.

FAQ

What is National Gibberish Day?

It is a lighthearted holiday observed every September 20 that celebrates nonsensical speech and invites people to play with language, creativity, and imagination.

Where does the word gibberish come from?

The word first appeared in the early 1500s and may imitate the sound of unintelligible speech. Some point to the alchemist Jabir ibn Hayyan as the source, but that theory is debated.

What is National Neighborhood Day?

It is an observance held on the third Sunday of September, September 20 in 2026, that encourages neighbors to gather, welcome newcomers, and build stronger communities.

How can I celebrate National Neighborhood Day?

Host a block barbecue or potluck, welcome a new neighbor with a note or a treat, learn the names of the people on your street, or offer help to someone nearby.

What are other ways to celebrate today?

September 20 also includes National Care for Kids Day, National Pepperoni Pizza Day, National Fried Rice Day, and National String Cheese Day, see the Other Celebrations section below.

What if today is my birthday?

If you are celebrating a birthday on September 20, check out our Birthday Gift Finder for your zodiac sign, birthstone, birth flower, and gift ideas specific to your day.

Some of the links in this post lead to books, tools, or products that can help you learn more about today's celebrations or put together your own version of them at home.

Affiliate link. I may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

September 20 Other Celebrations

National Care for Kids Day was founded in 2021 by the Designetics Cares Foundation and asks people to support the children in their communities by reading, tutoring, mentoring, volunteering, or donating to children's charities. Small acts of care add up, and the best gift is often simply your time.

National Pepperoni Pizza Day honors what is widely considered America's favorite pizza topping. Pepperoni is an Italian-American creation developed by Italian immigrants in the early 1900s, and in Italy the word peperoni means bell peppers, so ordering one there can lead to a very different pizza.

National Fried Rice Day celebrates a dish traced back to China's Sui dynasty and the city of Yangzhou, where cooks stir-fried leftover rice so nothing went to waste. The holiday was created in 2018 by the restaurant chain Benihana, and day-old rice is still the secret to a good bowl.

National String Cheese Day was founded in 2017 by Galbani Cheese and honors the peelable mozzarella snack that fills lunchboxes and fridges across the country. American string cheese is generally traced to Baker Cheese, a Wisconsin family company, in the mid-1970s, and it is not really string cheese until you peel it.

🎂 If Your Birthday Is Today

Born on September 20? In numerology, 20 reduces to 2, the number tied to cooperation, diplomacy, and harmony. Paired with Virgo's practical, detail-oriented streak, you get someone who quietly brings people together and keeps everything running smoothly.

Your birthstone is sapphire, long associated with wisdom, loyalty, and clear communication. Your birth flowers are the aster, a star shaped bloom symbolizing wisdom and purity, and the morning glory, which stands for affection and a fresh start each morning it opens.

Looking for a gift that fits all three symbols at once? Sapphire blue jewelry or decor nods to the birthstone, the zodiac sign, and the deep blue purple tones asters and morning glories share in the garden. If you're drawn to crystal healing traditions, Virgo is also associated with a different set of stones, citrine, lapis lazuli, tiger's eye, garnet, green aventurine, and carnelian, each believed to support different aspects of the sign's energy. You can also get the 6 stones Virgo Crystals Gift Set.

September 19 Celebrations: International Talk Like a Pirate Day & International Red Panda Day

September 19 pairs a whole day of playful pirate talk with a day devoted to one of the world's cutest and most endangered animals. Break out your best "Ahoy!" and your softest spot for fuzzy tree-dwellers.

International Talk Like a Pirate Day

International Talk Like a Pirate Day began in 1995, when friends John Baur and Mark Summers were playing racquetball in Albany, Oregon, and started teasing each other in pirate slang. They celebrated it among friends for years under the pirate names Ol' Chumbucket and Cap'n Slappy, until a 2002 letter to humor columnist Dave Barry, who wrote about it in his column, took the holiday worldwide.

😄 Fun fact: Real pirate crews came from all over the world and had no single accent, so the famous "Arrr" owes more to actor Robert Newton's 1950 turn as Long John Silver than to any actual pirate.

Ways to celebrate:

• Swap your usual hello and goodbye for "Ahoy, matey" and pirate lingo all day
• Pick your own pirate name, like the founders' Ol' Chumbucket and Cap'n Slappy
• Host a treasure hunt or a pirate-themed meal for family and friends

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International Red Panda Day

International Red Panda Day is observed on the third Saturday of September to raise awareness for the red panda, a small tree-dwelling mammal native to the eastern Himalayas and southwestern China. It is listed as endangered by the IUCN, with habitat loss, poaching, and trafficking among the threats. The Red Panda Network, the conservation group behind the day, first held it in 2010 and has marked it every September since 2011.

😄 Fun fact: Despite the name, the red panda is not related to the giant panda at all, is about the size of a house cat, and also goes by nicknames like firefox and Himalayan raccoon.

Ways to celebrate:

• Watch red panda videos or visit a zoo that cares for them
• Donate to or adopt a red panda through a conservation group such as the Red Panda Network
• Share a red panda fact with a friend and help spread the word

💬 Tell us in the comments: what would your pirate name be, and would a red panda make a good first mate?

Whether you are shouting "Arrr!" at the breakfast table or cheering on a rusty-furred tree climber, September 19 is about having fun and caring for the world, and it helps to have someone in your corner for your international paperwork too.

Whether you are celebrating at home or abroad, ApostilleHelp keeps your international paperwork simple. Fast, reliable apostille and translation services when you need them.

Visit CaliforniaApostille.US to get started.

FAQ

What is International Talk Like a Pirate Day?

It is a lighthearted holiday observed every September 19 that invites everyone to talk, and sometimes dress, like a pirate for the day.

Who started Talk Like a Pirate Day?

Friends John Baur and Mark Summers created it in 1995 during a racquetball game in Albany, Oregon, and it spread worldwide after humor columnist Dave Barry wrote about it in 2002.

What is International Red Panda Day?

It is an awareness day observed on the third Saturday of September, which falls on September 19 in 2026, to help protect the endangered red panda and its Himalayan forest habitat.

Are red pandas related to giant pandas?

No. Despite the shared name, red pandas are much smaller, spend much of their time in trees, and are not closely related to giant pandas.

What are other ways to celebrate today?

September 19 also includes International Coastal Cleanup Day, National Dance Day, and National Butterscotch Pudding Day, see the Other Celebrations section below.

What if today is my birthday?

If you are celebrating a birthday on September 19, check out our Birthday Gift Finder for your zodiac sign, birthstone, birth flower, and gift ideas specific to your day.

Some of the links in this post lead to books, tools, or products that can help you learn more about today's celebrations or put together your own version of them at home.

Affiliate link. I may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

September 19 Other Celebrations

International Coastal Cleanup Day is observed on the third Saturday of September and is coordinated by Ocean Conservancy, with volunteers in more than 100 countries picking up plastic and debris from beaches and waterways, an estimated 20 million pounds of trash each year. All you need to join is a pair of gloves, a bag, and a stretch of shoreline, which makes it a rare holiday where you leave the place better than you found it.

National Dance Day, observed on the third Saturday in September, was established by the TV series So You Think You Can Dance in partnership with the Dizzy Feet Foundation to promote dance as a way to stay fit and creative. No training is required, so turn up a favorite song and let your living room become the dance floor.

National Butterscotch Pudding Day serves up a creamy, comforting dessert on September 19. Butterscotch is made from brown sugar and butter and, despite the name, has no Scotch whisky in it, which makes it a perfectly safe treat for any pirate crew.

🎂 If Your Birthday Is Today

Born on September 19? In numerology, 19 blends the energies of 1 and 9, pairing independence and leadership with compassion and a wish to make a positive difference. Paired with Virgo's practical, detail-oriented streak, you get someone who leads by example, quietly and reliably.

Your birthstone is sapphire, long associated with wisdom, loyalty, and clear communication. Your birth flowers are the aster, a star shaped bloom symbolizing wisdom and purity, and the morning glory, which stands for affection and a fresh start each morning it opens.

Looking for a gift that fits all three symbols at once? Sapphire blue jewelry or decor nods to the birthstone, the zodiac sign, and the deep blue purple tones asters and morning glories share in the garden. If you're drawn to crystal healing traditions, Virgo is also associated with a different set of stones, citrine, lapis lazuli, tiger's eye, garnet, green aventurine, and carnelian, each believed to support different aspects of the sign's energy. You can also get the 6 stones Virgo Crystals Gift Set.

September 22 Celebrations: National Ice Cream Cone Day & Hobbit Day

Tuesday, September 22 is all about small pleasures and a change of scene. A cone piled high with ice cream, the last summery treat of the season, meets a holiday that celebrates cozy meals and good company, and the autumn equinox arrives this evening. Think of it as a gentle handoff between seasons, best enjoyed slowly.

National Ice Cream Cone Day

Long before the drive-through, ice cream needed something to hold it. Rolled waffles shaped like cones turn up in French cookbooks around 1825, and in the United States cones gained fans in the late 1800s, when confectioners rolled them by hand. They made a famous debut at the 1904 World's Fair in St. Louis, an Oregon inventor patented a cone making machine in 1912, and he sold his company to Nabisco in 1928. Who truly invented the cone is still debated, but nobody argues about the result.

😄 Fun fact: Before cones took over, Victorian street vendors served ice cream in a small glass called a penny lick, and customers licked it clean and handed it right back, which makes an edible cone look like a genius upgrade.

Ways to celebrate:

• Grab a cone with a friend, and let a coin flip decide the flavor if you cannot choose.
• Try a cone style you usually skip, like a cake cone, a pretzel cone, or a chocolate dipped cone.
• Turn a friendly bet into a sweet payoff by making the loser buy the cones.

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Hobbit Day

Hobbit Day lands on September 22 because that is the birthday of both Bilbo and Frodo Baggins, the hobbit heroes of J.R.R. Tolkien's Middle-earth stories. It also follows September 21, 1937, the day The Hobbit first reached readers, and the American Tolkien Society first proclaimed Hobbit Day and Tolkien Week in 1978. Fans mark the occasion by reading, rewatching the movies, and hosting gatherings full of food, tea, and friends.

😄 Fun fact: Hobbits are famous for their second breakfast, which makes Hobbit Day one of the few holidays where seconds are completely in character.

Ways to celebrate:

• Read a chapter of The Hobbit aloud, or settle in for a movie night.
• Host a Shire style get together with cakes, tea, and a crowd of friends, since hobbits love a big gathering.
• Dress in something cozy and storybook inspired, then share a photo with #HobbitDay.

💬 Your turn: Would you rather spend today with a cone in the sunshine or a second breakfast in the Shire? Tell us in the comments.

Whether you are licking a cone or planning a feast fit for a hobbit, today is a reminder to enjoy the simple things as the season changes.

Whether you are celebrating at home or abroad, ApostilleHelp keeps your international paperwork simple. Fast, reliable apostille and translation services when you need them.

Visit CaliforniaApostille.US to get started.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is National Ice Cream Cone Day?

National Ice Cream Cone Day is observed every year on September 22, right around the start of fall, proving that ice cream season never really ends.

Who invented the ice cream cone?

Nobody knows for sure, and the credit is still debated. Rolled waffles shaped like cones appear in French cookbooks around 1825, and cones became popular in the United States in the late 1800s before their famous debut at the 1904 World's Fair in St. Louis.

Why is Hobbit Day on September 22?

It is the birthday of both Bilbo and Frodo Baggins in J.R.R. Tolkien's stories. The American Tolkien Society first proclaimed Hobbit Day and Tolkien Week in 1978.

When was The Hobbit published?

J.R.R. Tolkien's The Hobbit was published on September 21, 1937, one day before Hobbit Day falls each year.

How can I celebrate both holidays today?

Start with a Shire style second breakfast, read a chapter of The Hobbit, and finish the day with an ice cream cone. It is a cozy way to send off summer.

What if today is my birthday?

If you're celebrating a birthday on September 22, check out our Birthday Gift Finder for your zodiac sign, birthstone, birth flower, and gift ideas specific to your day.

Some of the links in this post lead to books, tools, or products that can help you learn more about today's celebrations or put together your own version of them at home.

Affiliate link. I may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

September 22 Other Celebrations

First Day of Fall: This evening the Sun crosses the celestial equator heading south, and in the United States the moment arrives at 5:05 p.m. Pacific and 8:05 p.m. Eastern, making today the astronomical first day of fall. The word equinox comes from Latin words for equal and night, but day and night are not perfectly equal, because the atmosphere bends sunlight and stretches daylight just a little longer. Pumpkin spice fans may now begin, judgment free.

National White Chocolate Day: White chocolate is a bit of a rule bender. It is made from cocoa butter, sugar, and milk solids, and it contains no cocoa solids, one of the main ingredients in traditional chocolate. That has fueled plenty of friendly debate about whether it counts as chocolate at all, though U.S. rules say true white chocolate must contain at least 20 percent cocoa butter, so it takes its recipe seriously.

National Elephant Appreciation Day: Elephants can live 60 to 70 years, and their herds are led by a matriarch and made up of sisters, daughters, and their young. Studies suggest they have excellent memories, remembering important locations across huge stretches of land and recognizing faces and fellow elephants after long stretches apart, so it is safest not to forget their day.

World Rhino Day: First announced by WWF South Africa in 2010, World Rhino Day celebrates all five rhino species: the black, white, greater one-horned, Sumatran, and Javan rhinos. Zoos, sanctuaries, and animal lovers around the world use the day to share their stories and raise support for these gentle giants.

World Car Free Day: Cities have been experimenting with car free days for decades, and Europe's "In town, without my car!" campaign launched in 1998 to encourage cities to limit traffic on September 22. Today Bogotá, Colombia is known for running one of the largest car free days in the world, so lace up your sneakers, hop on a bike, or ride the bus and see your neighborhood at a different pace.

🎂 If Your Birthday Is Today

Born on September 22? In numerology, 22 is a master number, often nicknamed the Master Builder, linked to big visions backed by disciplined, practical effort. Paired with Virgo's careful, detail-oriented streak, you get someone who can dream large and still handle the small details that make it all work.

Your birthstone is sapphire, long associated with wisdom, loyalty, and clear communication. Your birth flowers are the aster, a star shaped bloom symbolizing wisdom and purity, and the morning glory, which stands for affection and a fresh start each morning it opens.

Looking for a gift that fits all three symbols at once? Sapphire blue jewelry or decor nods to the birthstone, the zodiac sign, and the deep blue purple tones asters and morning glories share in the garden. If you're drawn to crystal healing traditions, Virgo is also associated with a different set of stones, citrine, lapis lazuli, tiger's eye, garnet, green aventurine, and carnelian, each believed to support different aspects of the sign's energy. You can also get the 6 stones Virgo Crystals Gift Set.

September 18 Celebrations: National Tradesmen Day, Hug a Greeting Card Writer Day, World Bamboo Day & World Water Monitoring Day

September 18 is a day for appreciating the people and things that quietly hold up our world: skilled hands, thoughtful words, a very fast-growing grass, and clean water.

National Tradesmen Day

National Tradesmen Day, observed on the third Friday of September, honors the electricians, plumbers, carpenters, masons, mechanics, and other skilled workers who build and maintain the roads, homes, water systems, and power grids everyone relies on. It was created in 2011 by Irwin Tools, with the first observance held on September 16 of that year, as a way to recognize trade careers and the people who work in them.

😄 Fun fact: Harrison Ford was working as a carpenter before Star Wars made him famous, so somewhere out there is some very well-built furniture with a Hollywood backstory.

Ways to celebrate:

• Thank the plumber, electrician, or mechanic who has helped you, in person or with a handwritten note
• Leave a positive review for a local tradesperson or trade business you trust
• Encourage a young person to look into an apprenticeship or a skilled trade career

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Hug a Greeting Card Writer Day

Hug a Greeting Card Writer Day shows appreciation to the people who craft the messages we send to the ones we love, the birthday wishes, thank-yous, and get-wells that say what we could not quite put into words. Sending greetings is an old habit: paper greeting cards were being made in Europe by around 1400, the first Christmas card was designed in England in 1843, and commercial card production took off in the 1860s.

😄 Fun fact: Hallmark took its name from the goldsmith term for a mark of quality, which is a fitting name for a company that helps people put feelings into words.

Ways to celebrate:

• Write a card by hand to someone you have not talked to in a while, in your own words
• Share a favorite card verse with a friend
• Thank a writer you know, or anyone who always finds the right words

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World Bamboo Day

World Bamboo Day was established in 2009 at the 8th World Bamboo Congress in Bangkok, Thailand, and promotes bamboo as a sustainable resource for building, crafts, food, and more. Bamboo is a giant grass and the fastest-growing land plant in the world, with some species shooting up about 36 inches in a single day. It is also the giant panda's favorite meal, making up about 99 percent of its diet.

😄 Fun fact: The first successful lightbulb used a carbonized bamboo filament, so bamboo has literally helped light up the world.

Ways to celebrate:

• Swap one everyday item for a bamboo version, like a cutting board, toothbrush, or set of utensils
• Plant a clumping bamboo in your garden or a large pot
• Look up the many ways bamboo is used in furniture, crafts, and cooking

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World Water Monitoring Day

World Water Monitoring Day invites everyday people to test the health of their local streams, rivers, and lakes, checking things like temperature, pH, turbidity, and dissolved oxygen. First held in 2003, it originally fell on October 18 to mark the anniversary of the U.S. Clean Water Act, then moved to September 18 in 2007 so more countries could take part before their waters freeze. Since 2015 the program has been managed by EarthEcho International.

😄 Fun fact: The testing kits are designed for ordinary people, so you can be a citizen scientist without owning a single lab coat.

Ways to celebrate:

• Pick up a water testing kit and check a nearby stream, pond, or pool
• Join a local cleanup at a creek, lake, or beach
• Find out where your tap water comes from

💬 Tell us in the comments: which of today's four celebrations will you actually mark, and how?

Whether you are thanking a tradesperson, a card writer, or a very tall grass, September 18 is about appreciating what keeps everyday life running, and it helps to have someone in your corner for your international paperwork too.

Whether you are celebrating at home or abroad, ApostilleHelp keeps your international paperwork simple. Fast, reliable apostille and translation services when you need them.

Visit CaliforniaApostille.US to get started.

FAQ

What is National Tradesmen Day?

It is an annual observance on the third Friday of September that thanks the skilled workers who build and maintain homes, roads, water systems, and power grids.

What is Hug a Greeting Card Writer Day?

It is a September 18 observance that appreciates the writers who craft the messages inside birthday, thank-you, and holiday cards.

What is World Bamboo Day?

It is a global awareness day, observed every September 18 since 2009, that highlights bamboo as a sustainable resource with environmental, economic, and cultural value.

What is World Water Monitoring Day?

It is a September 18 observance that encourages people to test the quality of their local waterways and learn how to protect them.

What are other ways to celebrate today?

September 18 also includes National Cheeseburger Day, Chile Independence Day, and Rice Krispies Treats Day, see the Other Celebrations section below.

What if today is my birthday?

If you are celebrating a birthday on September 18, check out our Birthday Gift Finder for your zodiac sign, birthstone, birth flower, and gift ideas specific to your day.

Some of the links in this post lead to books, tools, or products that can help you learn more about today's celebrations or put together your own version of them at home.

Affiliate link. I may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

September 18 Other Celebrations

National Cheeseburger Day celebrates the simple upgrade that turned a plain hamburger into an American classic. The most popular origin story credits Lionel Sternberger, a teenager at his father's sandwich shop, The Rite Spot, in Pasadena, California, who is said to have dropped a slice of American cheese on a sizzling patty in the 1920s, though O'Dell's in Los Angeles and Kaelin's in Louisville have their own claims. A Denver drive-in owner even trademarked the word cheeseburger in 1935, proving a slice of cheese can get serious in a hurry.

Chile Independence Day, known as Fiestas Patrias, marks the day in 1810 when Chile's First National Government Junta was established, the first big step toward independence from Spain. Chileans celebrate with fondas, asados, empanadas de pino, kite flying, and the cueca, the national dance said to mimic a rooster courting a hen. A second public holiday, the Day of the Glories of the Army, follows on September 19.

Rice Krispies Treats Day celebrates the marshmallow cereal bar that Kellogg's employees Mildred Day and Malitta Jensen are usually credited with inventing around 1939. The first squares were called marshmallow squares, and they soon became a Camp Fire Girls fundraiser near Kansas City. Three ingredients, one pot, and a lot of stirring have kept them a lunchbox and bake sale favorite ever since.

🎂 If Your Birthday Is Today

Born on September 18? In numerology, 18 reduces to 9, the number tied to compassion, generosity, and a wide view of the world. Paired with Virgo's practical, detail-oriented streak, you get someone who turns big-hearted ideas into careful action, quietly and reliably.

Your birthstone is sapphire, long associated with wisdom, loyalty, and clear communication. Your birth flowers are the aster, a star shaped bloom symbolizing wisdom and purity, and the morning glory, which stands for affection and a fresh start each morning it opens.

Looking for a gift that fits all three symbols at once? Sapphire blue jewelry or decor nods to the birthstone, the zodiac sign, and the deep blue purple tones asters and morning glories share in the garden. If you're drawn to crystal healing traditions, Virgo is also associated with a different set of stones, citrine, lapis lazuli, tiger's eye, garnet, green aventurine, and carnelian, each believed to support different aspects of the sign's energy. You can also get the 6 stones Virgo Crystals Gift Set.

September 17 Celebrations: National Monte Cristo Day & National Apple Dumpling Day

September 17 pairs a rich, fried sandwich with a warm, spiced dessert, one indulgent and diner-style, the other cozy and baked, plus the day carries real historical weight too.

National Monte Cristo Day celebrates the dressed-up cousin of the grilled ham and cheese, dipped in egg batter and fried until golden, often finished with a dusting of powdered sugar and a side of jam. It's diner comfort food with a French accent.

😄 Fun fact: The Monte Cristo traces back to the French croque-monsieur, but the American version took a sharp turn toward the sweet side, powdered sugar and jam included.

Ways to celebrate:

• Make a classic Monte Cristo with ham, turkey, and Swiss
• Try it the diner way, powdered sugar and raspberry jam on the side
• Order one from a local diner instead of cooking today

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National Apple Dumpling Day honors the baked dessert of spiced apple wrapped in a buttery pastry shell, a Colonial American favorite with roots in English and German immigrant baking traditions.

😄 Fun fact: Apple dumplings predate apple pie in American kitchens, they were faster to make and used the whole apple, core included.

Ways to celebrate:

• Bake a batch of apple dumplings with a cinnamon sugar glaze
• Pair one with vanilla ice cream for the classic combo
• Use a tart apple variety like Granny Smith for a sharper contrast to the pastry

💬 Fried and savory, or baked and sweet, which one wins your plate today?

Two very different comfort foods, one September afternoon worth savoring.

Whether you are celebrating at home or abroad, ApostilleHelp keeps your international paperwork simple. Fast, reliable apostille and translation services when you need them.

Visit CaliforniaApostille.US to get started.

September 17 FAQ

What's the difference between a Monte Cristo and a regular ham and cheese?

A Monte Cristo is dipped in egg batter and fried like French toast, giving it a crisp, golden exterior, often served with powdered sugar and jam rather than eaten plain.

Is National Apple Dumpling Day an official holiday?

No, it's an unofficial observance, but the dessert itself dates back to Colonial-era American kitchens.

What apples work best for apple dumplings?

Firm, tart apples like Granny Smith hold their shape well during baking and balance the sweetness of the pastry and glaze.

What if today is my birthday?

If you're celebrating a birthday on September 17, check out our Birthday Gift Finder for your zodiac sign, birthstone, birth flower, and gift ideas specific to your day.

Some of the links in this post lead to books, tools, or products that can help you learn more about today's celebrations or put together your own version of them at home.

Affiliate link. I may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

September 17 Other Celebrations

Constitution Day and Citizenship Day marks the 1787 signing of the US Constitution and opens Constitution Week, which runs through September 23.

National Pawpaw Day, falling on the third Thursday in September, celebrates the largest native North American fruit, custard-like and tropical in flavor.

Smithsonian Day marks the 1846 signing of the act that established the Smithsonian Institution, now the world's largest museum and research complex.

International Country Music Day celebrates the genre's roots in Appalachian folk, blues, and cowboy traditions.

🎂 If Your Birthday Is Today

Born on September 17? The numerology of the number 17 reduces to 8, a number associated with ambition, authority, and the drive to build something lasting. Paired with Virgo's practical, detail-oriented streak, you get someone who turns big goals into structured plans and sees them through.

Your birthstone is sapphire, long associated with wisdom, loyalty, and clear communication. Your birth flowers are the aster, a star shaped bloom symbolizing wisdom and purity, and the morning glory, which stands for affection and a fresh start each morning it opens.

Looking for a gift that fits all three symbols at once? Sapphire blue jewelry or decor nods to the birthstone, the zodiac sign, and the deep blue purple tones asters and morning glories share in the garden. Virgo is also associated with citrine, lapis lazuli, tiger's eye, garnet, green aventurine, and carnelian.