With National Whiners Day, Thank-You Note Day and Kwanzaa, Holidays Aren't Over Yet

“Dang it. I didn’t get that convertible again this year. I’ve been good. My stomach hurts from too much stuffing, my head hurts from too much vino and I think I have gout. Waaa! Waaa! Waaa!”

Notice a trend?

It’s National Whiners Day. Actually, the day was set aside for the opposite purpose, to encourage people to be grateful for what they have, according to the Christian Broadcasting Network, which explained the following:

“In 1986 Rev. Kevin Zaborney designated December 26 as National Whiner’s Day. Zaborney founded the holiday in hopes of encouraging people to be thankful for what they have rather than unhappy about what they don’t have. Suggestions for celebrating National Whiner’s Day include visiting a mall or store to watch people whine as they return or exchange unwanted gifts, inviting friends over for a ‘Whine and Geeze’ party, and holding a whining contest with family and friends."

A National Whiner is named every year. Past winners include Lindsay Lohan. Enough said.

Thank-You Note Day

While you’re being grateful, send a thank-you note to folks who gave you gifts this year. It’s also Thank-You Note Day.

According to Oprah’s website, "Experts say not to underestimate the power of a thank you. ... People really appreciate getting mail that's not a bill, for one thing, and just taking that extra bit of time to write a thank you note really means everything."

If you have children, there's no better time than now to get them into the habit of writing thank you notes to send out for the gifts they received for the holidays. It's a great way for them to express their thankfulness in a gracious manner.

Microsoft has some easy templates that children can use to create their own holiday thank you cards – they simply fill in the gift and their name.

Want the low-down on thank you note etiquette? Check out the Dempsey and Carroll website. Here, you'll read about when you should send a thank you note and the components of a good note.

Kwanzaa Begins Today

Also starting today is Kwanzaa, which lasts through Jan. 1. The theme of the 2012 observance is “Kwanzaa, Us and the Well-Being of the World: A Courageous Questioning.”

The celebration of Kwanzaa is a special time of remembrance, reflection and recommitment throughout the world African community, according to  Dr. Maulana Karenga, who established the official Kwanzaa web site.

He wrote –

“As an African American and Pan-African holiday celebrated by millions throughout the world African community, Kwanzaa brings a cultural message which speaks to the best of what it means to be African and human in the fullest sense. Given the profound significance Kwanzaa has for African Americans and indeed, the world African community, it is imperative that an authoritative source and site be made available to give an accurate and expansive account of its origins, concepts, values, symbols and practice.”