8 Offbeat December Holidays

If you're a little burned out on Christmas already, there are eight other December holidays you can shift your focus to for a bit of a break.

1. Today, December 15th is  National Cat Herder's Day.  This isn't a day for people who literally herds cats.  It's for anyone who feels like they deal with chaotic situations at work- it's like herding cats. That's right- it's a metaphor.

2. Today, December 15th is Bill of Rights Day. On December 15th, 1791, the Bill of Rights was ratified by three-quarters of the States, giving us the first 10 amendments of the U.S. Constitution. This is a day to honor those certain inalienable rights like freedom of press and a speedy trial by jury.

3. Tomorrow, December 16th:  National "Cover Anything With Chocolate" Day. No explanation necessary.

4. December 17th:  Underdog Day.  A day to honor the unsung heroes.

5. December 18th: National Wear a Plunger on Your Head Day. Allegedly there once was a Hallmark card for National Wear a Plunger on Your Head Day, therefore it must be a real holiday. If you're thinking of celebrating, for the love of humanity, please use a new plunger.

6. December 20th:  Louisiana Purchase Day.  In 1803, France gave the U.S. more than 800,000 square miles of new territory including Arkansas, Missouri, Iowa, Oklahoma, Kansas, Nebraska, and parts of nine other states as well.

7. December 22nd:  The Shortest Day of the Year.  The winter solstice:  the day the Earth's axis is tilting the farthest away from the sun, for the northern hemisphere anyway.

8. December 23rd:  Festivus.  Inspired by "Seinfeld", this is the holiday where you gather around an aluminum pole and air your grievances to your friends and family.