December 6th on the National Day Calendar®

Mitten Tree Day: A Story of Secret Kindness   National Mitten Tree Did you know that a simple children's book helped launch a national tradition of secret, anonymous giving? December 6th is celebrated as Mitten Tree Day, an unofficial, heartwarming holiday dedicated to spreading warmth by collecting and donating mittens, hats, and scarves to those in need. While many national days celebrate food or fun, Mitten Tree Day is unique because it's a powerful, tangible reminder of community compassion during the coldest time of the year.   History and Founding  While the tradition of using a "mitten tree" has appeared in community drives since at least the 1940s, the modern inspiration for Mitten Tree Day is widely credited to a beautiful children's book, The Mitten Tree, by Candace Christiansen. Published in 1997, the story focuses on an elderly woman named Sarah who is lonely after her own children have moved away. She watches the neighborhood children waiting for the school bus and notices a little boy who cannot join the snow play because he lacks mittens.   Inspired by simple kindness, Sarah secretly knits a pair of blue mittens and hangs them on a nearby blue spruce tree for the boy to find. This single act of anonymous generosity starts a "game" where Sarah knits new mittens every night for any child she sees without them, replenishing the tree's warm "decorations" each morning.   The core subject of the day—the mitten—is ancient. The word "mitten" itself is believed to come from the Old French word mitaine, which was a nickname for a cat, as early mittens were often made of animal fur. The oldest known mittens date back over a thousand years to around 1000 A.D. in Latvia, where they held deep cultural significance. In Latvian tradition, women were expected to have a hope chest filled with knitted mittens, each pattern carrying specific blessings for their homes and families. Even in the American Civil War, women organized drives to knit and supply the necessary hand coverings for soldiers. The mitten has always been more than just a piece of clothing; it's a symbol of care and protection.   The Journey to "National Day" Inspired by Christiansen's book, schools, churches, and libraries across the United States began formalizing the Mitten Tree activity. They would designate a Christmas tree or even a coat rack to serve as the "Mitten Tree," asking the community to donate new or gently used winter wear. These items would then be distributed to local shelters, hospitals, and resource centers. The practice quickly solidified around December 6th, marking a simple, actionable way to begin the season of giving. Unlike days founded by large corporations, Mitten Tree Day grew organically from an ethical idea: the quiet, selfless joy of helping a stranger.   Success Because of You! Mitten Tree Day is hugely successful precisely because it promotes a public good and requires active community participation. It transforms a festive, decorative tradition (the Christmas tree) into a functional symbol of charity. In cold climates, it addresses a genuine necessity—protection from frostbite and harsh winter elements—while also teaching children and adults the value of empathy and the power of anonymous giving, just like Sarah in the story.   Local and Global While the Mitten Tree tradition is most common in North America and colder regions, the concept of decorating a tree with items for the less fortunate appears globally. It reinforces a universal seasonal theme of looking out for neighbors during winter. For classrooms, Mitten Tree drives are a hands-on lesson in civic duty and kindness, directly connecting the simple act of bringing in a pair of mittens to the immediate need in their local community.   The Joy of Anonymity  The most powerful element of Mitten Tree Day remains the secret nature of the gift. The children in Sarah's story never knew who left the mittens, and Sarah never knew who left the mysterious basket of yarn on her porch. This reciprocity and quiet understanding of shared humanity is what makes the tradition so moving and easy to replicate: you can leave warmth for a stranger, and feel the joy of giving, without ever seeking credit.   Go Out and Celebrate! The Mitten Tree Day story reminds us that kindness doesn't need a grand stage or a public announcement—it often works best in the quiet corners of the world. It's a perfect way to shift focus from receiving gifts to giving them as the holiday season begins.   Go out and celebrate National Mitten Tree Day by hosting a Mitten Tree drive at your office, school, or church! If you don't have time for a full drive, just pick up an extra pack of mittens or gloves during your next shopping trip and drop them off at a local donation center. Share photos of your Mitten Tree (before it's stripped for donation!) with us using #CelebrateEveryDay and #MittenTreeDay!   Feel free to share the National Mitten Tree story with your family and friends! DECEMBER 6, 2025 | MITTEN TREE DAY | NATIONAL GAZPACHO DAY | SAINT NICHOLAS DAY | NATIONAL MINER'S DAY | NATIONAL PLAY OUTSIDE DAY | NATIONAL PAWNBROKERS DAY | SKYWARN® RECOGNITION DAY | NATIONAL MICROWAVE OVEN DAY MITTEN TREE DAY On December 6th, Mitten Tree Day celebrates the gift of warmth. It's a day to collect mittens, hang them on a Christmas tree, and then hand them out to those in need. #MittenTreeDay   NATIONAL GAZPACHO DAY National Gazpacho Day, on December 6th, recognizes a flavorful soup that cooks serve cold. This typically tomato-based vegetable soup originated in the southern Spanish region of Andalucia. Gazpacho is widely consumed in Spanish cuisine, usually during the summer months. #NationalGazpachoDay   SAINT NICHOLAS DAY On December 6th, Saint Nicholas Day recognizes the third-century saint who became an inspiration for the modern-day Santa Claus. #StNicholasDay   NATIONAL MINER'S DAY National Miner's Day honors the contributions of miners across the country. Additionally, the day reflects on their sacrifices and offers time to show appreciation to the mining country's hard-working individuals. #NationalMinersDay   NATIONAL PLAY OUTSIDE DAY The first Saturday of every month is National Play Outside Day. This National Day presents opportunity to remind everyone to get outside and enjoy the fresh air through play. #PlayOutsideDay   NATIONAL PAWNBROKERS DAY Each year on December 6th, National Pawnbrokers Day pays tribute to a profession that provides a valuable service to their clientele. Those who are in need of cash funds and also those looking for a reasonably good deal seek the services of pawnbrokers. #NationalPawnbrokersDay   SKYWARN® RECOGNITION DAY SKYWARN® Recognition Day acknowledges the contributions of public service volunteers who provide essential weather information as it's happening. Each year on the first Saturday in December, the day honors those volunteers who pay attention when the wind picks up, or the sky turns dark. Their efforts keep their communities safer by communicating warnings to the National Weather Service. #SkywarnRecognitionDay   NATIONAL MICROWAVE OVEN DAY On December 6th, National Microwave Oven Day honors one appliance that changed how we use the kitchen. #MicrowaveOvenDay   Coming on December 7, 2025 National Days PEARL HARBOR REMEMBRANCE DAY NATIONAL SLIME DAY NATIONAL COTTON CANDY DAY NATIONAL ILLINOIS DAY   Notable Birthdays for December 6   Stephen Thomas (1809-1903) - Brigadier General for the Union Army.   John S. Mosby (1833-1916) - Confederate Colonel during the Civil War.   Charles Martin Hall (1863-1914) - Chemist who invented an inexpensive method for producing aluminum.   Ira Gershwin (1896-1983) - Songwriter and composer who helped his younger brother, George Gershwin, create some of the most memorable music pieces in the history of music.   Agnes Moorehead (1900-1974) - Successful actress remembered for her roles on screen and television, including Endora on the sitcom Bewitched.   Sherman Kent (1903-1986) - Considered the father of intelligence analysis.   Baby Face Nelson (1908-1934) - Gangster and bootlegger.   Frank Springer (1929-2009) - Comic book illustrator for Marvel Comics.   Steve Alaimo (1939-Still Living) - Pop singer best known for his song Mashed Potatoes.   Craig Newmark (1952-Still Living) - Founder of Craigslist.   Peter Buck (1956-Still Living) - Co-founder of the rock band R.E.M.   Randy Rhoads (1956-1982) - Guitarist for Ozzy Osbourne.   Deborah Estrin (1959-Still Living) - Computer scientist and co-founder of the non-profit Open mHealth.   Helen Greiner (1967-Still Living) - Engineer and co-founder of iRobot.   Ryan White (1971-1990) - Considered the poster child for HIV/AIDS after his school barred him from attending school after his AIDS.   Memorable Events for December 6   1732 - The first professional play is held in NY.   1790 - The U.S. Congress moves from NY City to Philadelphia.   1825 - President Adams recommends establishing a national observatory.   1849 - Harriet Tubman makes her final escape from slavery.   1862 - President Lincoln orders 39 Santee Sioux to be hanged.   1865 - Georgia ratifies the 13th Amendment and abolishes slavery.   1869 - The first black labor union (Colored National Labor Union) meets for the first time.    1876 - The first operational crematorium opens in the U.S.    1877 - Thomas Edison records voices for the first time at the offices of Scientific American.    1884 - The Washington Monument in D.C. is completed.   1917 - USS Jacob Jones is the first American destroyer to be sunk by a German submarine SM U-53.   1922 - Power is transmitted over the first electric power line in NY.   1923 - President Coolidge becomes the first Presidential to address the country on the radio.   1933 - Judge John M. Woolsey rules that James Joyce's novel Ulysses is not obscene (United States v. One Book Called Ulysses).   1944 - The 95th Infantry division reaches German defensive line Westwall.   1947 - The Everglades National Park (FL) is dedicated by President Truman.   1961 - Ernie Davis becomes the first Black to win the Heisman Trophy.   1964 - Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer airs on t.v. for the first time.   1973 - The House of Representatives confirms Gerald Ford as Vice President using the 25th Amendment.   1995 - The FDA approves the first protease inhibitor to treat HIV/AIDS (Saquinavir).   1999 - The Recording Industry Association of America sues Napster (A&M Records, Inc. v. Napster, Inc.) alleging copyright infringement.   2006 - NASA reveals photographs of liquid water on Mars. View email in your browser.  712 W Main Street ~ Mandan, ND 58554 Manage Subscriptions