Introduction
In the English-speaking world, abbreviations are commonly used to streamline communication and save time. When it comes to monthly holidays, these abbreviations can be particularly helpful for quick reference. This article provides a comprehensive list of abbreviations for various holidays that occur throughout the year, categorized by month. Whether you’re a student, a working professional, or simply someone who wants to stay organized, this guide will help you unlock the calendar and easily recognize the holidays by their abbreviated forms.
January
1. New Year’s Day
- Abbreviation: NYD
- Date: January 1st
- Description: Celebrates the beginning of the new year.
2. Martin Luther King Jr. Day
- Abbreviation: MLK Day
- Date: Third Monday in January
- Description: Honors the achievements of Martin Luther King Jr., a prominent leader in the American civil rights movement.
3. Birthday of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
- Abbreviation: MLK Birthday
- Date: January 15th
- Description: Celebrates the birthday of Martin Luther King Jr.
February
4. Valentine’s Day
- Abbreviation: VD or Valentine’s
- Date: February 14th
- Description: Celebrates love and romance.
5. President’s Day
- Abbreviation: PDay or Pres Day
- Date: Third Monday in February
- Description: Honors the birthdays of George Washington and Abraham Lincoln.
6. Washington’s Birthday
- Abbreviation: WDay or Wash Birthday
- Date: February 22nd
- Description: Celebrates the birthday of George Washington.
March
7. Women’s History Month
- Abbreviation: WHM
- Date: March
- Description: Celebrates the achievements of women throughout history.
8. St. Patrick’s Day
- Abbreviation: St. Pats or St. Paddy’s Day
- Date: March 17th
- Description: Celebrates Irish heritage and culture.
9. Easter
- Abbreviation: Easter
- Date: Variable (based on the full moon and equinox)
- Description: Celebrates the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
April
10. Tax Day
- Abbreviation: Tax Day
- Date: April 15th
- Description: Deadline for filing income taxes in the United States.
11. Earth Day
- Abbreviation: Earth Day
- Date: April 22nd
- Description: Raises awareness about environmental issues and encourages sustainability.
12. Good Friday
- Abbreviation: Good Friday
- Date: Variable (based on the full moon and equinox)
- Description: Celebrates the crucifixion of Jesus Christ.
May
13. Mother’s Day
- Abbreviation: Mother’s Day
- Date: Second Sunday in May
- Description: Honors mothers and their contributions to their families.
14. Memorial Day
- Abbreviation: Memorial Day
- Date: Last Monday in May
- Description: Honors those who died while serving in the military.
15. Cinco de Mayo
- Abbreviation: Cinco de Mayo
- Date: May 5th
- Description: Celebrates the Mexican victory over French forces at the Battle of Puebla.
June
16. Father’s Day
- Abbreviation: Father’s Day
- Date: Third Sunday in June
- Description: Honors fathers and their contributions to their families.
17. Flag Day
- Abbreviation: Flag Day
- Date: June 14th
- Description: Celebrates the adoption of the United States flag.
18. Independence Day
- Abbreviation: Independence Day or 4th of July
- Date: July 4th
- Description: Celebrates the adoption of the Declaration of Independence in 1776.
July
19. Independence Day (Canada)
- Abbreviation: Canada Day
- Date: July 1st
- Description: Celebrates the founding of Canada as a nation.
20. National Day (United Arab Emirates)
- Abbreviation: UAE National Day
- Date: December 2nd
- Description: Celebrates the formation of the United Arab Emirates.
August
21. National Night Out
- Abbreviation: NNO
- Date: First Tuesday in August
- Description: Encourages communities to come together and celebrate safety and neighborhood unity.
September
22. Labor Day
- Abbreviation: Labor Day
- Date: First Monday in September
- Description: Celebrates the contributions of workers to the strength, prosperity, and well-being of the country.
23. Hispanic Heritage Month
- Abbreviation: HHM
- Date: September 15th - October 15th
- Description: Celebrates the culture and heritage of Americans whose ancestors come from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central and South America.
24. Rosh Hashanah
- Abbreviation: Rosh Hashanah
- Date: Variable (based on the Hebrew lunar calendar)
- Description: Begins the Jewish New Year and is a time of reflection and prayer.
October
25. Columbus Day
- Abbreviation: Columbus Day
- Date: October 12th
- Description: Celebrates the landing of Christopher Columbus in the Americas.
26. Indigenous People’s Day
- Abbreviation: Indigenous People’s Day
- Date: October 12th
- Description: Celebrates the history, cultures, and contributions of Native Americans.
27. Halloween
- Abbreviation: Halloween
- Date: October 31st
- Description: A celebration of the supernatural, especially ghosts, witches, and goblins.
28. Yom Kippur
- Abbreviation: Yom Kippur
- Date: Variable (based on the Hebrew lunar calendar)
- Description: The Day of Atonement, one of the most sacred days in the Jewish faith.
November
29. Thanksgiving
- Abbreviation: Thanksgiving
- Date: Fourth Thursday in November
- Description: Celebrates the harvest and gives thanks for the blessings of the past year.
30. Veterans Day
- Abbreviation: Veterans Day
- Date: November 11th
- Description: Honors military veterans for their service, sacrifice, and dedication.
31. Thanksgiving (Canada)
- Abbreviation: Thanksgiving
- Date: October 12th
- Description: Celebrates the harvest and gives thanks for the blessings of the past year.
December
32. Christmas
- Abbreviation: Christmas
- Date: December 25th
- Description: Celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ.
33. Kwanzaa
- Abbreviation: Kwanzaa
- Date: December 26th - January 1st
- Description: A week-long celebration of African-American culture and heritage.
34. Hanukkah
- Abbreviation: Hanukkah
- Date: December 22nd - December 30th (or 31st)
- Description: Celebrates the rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem and the miracle of oil that lasted eight days.
By using these abbreviations, you can quickly recognize and remember the monthly holidays throughout the year. Whether you’re planning your schedule or simply want to stay informed, these abbreviations will help you unlock the calendar and make the most of each month’s festivities.