July 9th: Chase the Horizon, Then Go Full Retro Arcade

 

 Quick answer: July 9 celebrates National Sugar Cookie Day and National Dimples Day, and this year it also happens to be one of the biggest days of the FIFA World Cup, with France facing Morocco in the quarterfinals.

Two sweet, simple reasons to celebrate today, plus a World Cup rematch worth watching.

Here is your guide to everything worth celebrating this Thursday.

The Heavy Hitter: Call of the Horizon Day

Call of the Horizon Day is exactly what it sounds like. It is an invitation to stop putting off the big stuff and actually look toward it. Find a spot with a clear view out toward the sky or the sea, and let yourself think seriously about the goal you keep pushing to next year.

This is a perfect day for travelers, remote workers, and anyone plotting their next move abroad. Book the flight you have been sitting on. Draft the itinerary. Send the one email that gets the plan moving. The horizon has always stood for possibility, today is just the day that gives you permission to chase it.

The Nostalgia Hook: Donkey Kong Turns 45

On July 9, 1981, Nintendo released Donkey Kong in arcades, and video games have never been the same since. It introduced the world to a mustachioed carpenter named Jumpman, later renamed Mario, and set the template for nearly every platformer that followed.

Forty-five years later, the barrel-jumping, ladder-climbing classic still holds up as one of gaming's most important releases. If you love a nostalgia hook, today is a great excuse to fire up an old cabinet, stream a speedrun, or just appreciate how far the technology has come since a giant ape started throwing barrels at a plumber.

Fun Fact: Donkey Kong was Nintendo's first major international hit, and it introduced both Mario and Pauline to the world years before either character had their own dedicated game.

Also on the Calendar Today

International Emergency Kit Day: A timely reminder to check your go-bag, whether that means bottled water and a flashlight at home, or backups, a power bank, and cloud storage if you are working and traveling on the go.

National Sugar Cookie Day

The sugar cookie traces back to the mid 1700s in Nazareth, Pennsylvania, where German Protestant settlers baked a round, buttery cookie that became known as the Nazareth cookie. Simple ingredients, soft texture, and endless room for decorating turned it into a year round favorite instead of just a holiday treat.

Fun fact: the largest sugar cookie ever made measured over 100 feet across and weighed more than 40,000 pounds, proof that everything is better when it is technically also a cookie.

Ways to celebrate:

• Bake a batch from scratch and let everyone decorate their own
• Pick up a dozen from a local bakery instead of the grocery aisle
• Pair one with coffee or tea for an afternoon reset

Fashion Day: A nod to personal style in all its forms, from a sharp travel outfit to the everyday uniform that gets you through a workday.

Nunavut Day: Canada's northernmost territory celebrates the anniversary of the Nunavut Act, honoring Inuit culture and history in one of the most remote regions in the world.

Día de la Independencia de Argentina: Argentina marks its declaration of independence from Spain in 1816, celebrated with parades, food, and family gatherings across the country.

Frequently Asked Questions About July 9

What holidays are celebrated on July 9?
July 9 includes Call of the Horizon Day, the 45th anniversary of Donkey Kong's arcade release, International Emergency Kit Day, National Sugar Cookie Day, Fashion Day, Nunavut Day, and Argentina's Independence Day.

What is Call of the Horizon Day?
It is an informal observance that encourages people to look outward, set bold goals, and take a real step toward a dream or adventure they have been putting off.

When did Donkey Kong come out?
Donkey Kong was released in Japanese arcades on July 9, 1981, making 2026 its 45th anniversary. It marked the debut of both Mario and Pauline.

Is July 9 National No Bra Day?
No. National No Bra Day was originally observed on July 9 starting in 2011, but it moved permanently to October 13 by 2015 to align with Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

World Cup watch: France vs Morocco

Today also kicks off the 2026 FIFA World Cup quarterfinals, with France facing Morocco in Boston. It is a rematch of the 2022 semifinal, when France won 2 to 0 and ended Morocco's historic run. This year marks France's latest push toward another title, led by Kylian Mbappe, while Morocco arrives as one of the tournament's biggest surprise teams. Kickoff is 4 p.m. ET.

Over to You

Are you spending today looking toward your own horizon, or dusting off an old arcade cabinet in honor of Donkey Kong's 45th? Either way, it is a good day to think a little bigger than usual.

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