MONTH: The National Day Calendar website tells us there’s a lot to celebrate in December, other than the obvious. Here are some.

International Sharps Injury Prevention Awareness Month: A reminder to follow safety protocols where needles and other medical sharps are involved.

Learn a Foreign Language Month: It improves understanding of other cultures and job opportunities.

National Pear Month: The month recognizes the flavor and versatility of this delicious fruit. In the United States, there are ten varieties of pears.

Bingo’s Birthday Month: the game began in Italy in 1530 and is still played there nearly every Saturday.

National Human Rights Month: everyone in the United States is encouraged to come together and stand up for equality, justice, and the dignity of all humans

National Tie Month: The month honors the most required yet maligned strip of cloth that’s an essential part of business attire — behold, the tie.

Operation Santa Paws (1-24): Encourages animal lovers to share the gift of giving at shelters everywhere from December 1st to December 24th.

Safe Toys and Gifts Month: Keep safety in mind as you’re shopping for the little ones in your life.

Spiritual Literacy Month: Challenges us to read at least one book on spirituality. This December, we can broaden our minds or deepen our faith by reading a book about spirituality, faith, or religion.

Universal Human Rights Month: People all across the globe are encouraged to come together and stand up for equality, justice, and the dignity of all humans. Honor the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, an international document stating the basic rights and fundamental freedoms to which all human beings are entitled — freedom from discrimination, the right to equality, and the right to be considered innocent until proven guilty.