% B% e,% Y. Martin Smithen

Special days in June. Will you be hugging your cat?

There are special days almost every day. It’s a growing trend that if we don’t have something to celebrate we feel we’re missing out. Now I know I am a grumpy middle aged man, but I do think we need to focus more. We don't want to get to "special day exhaustion", so for special days in June, I've decided highlight some key ones. One a week should cover it.

Hug Your Cat Day, 4th June

Yes it’s real. It’s called an “unofficial” day which means we’re probably not allowed street parties or clapping. However in a social distancing world, when we can’t hug other people, hugging cats might be a good alternative, which is why it makes my shortlist.

This relies on two things. One is that you have a cat. If you need to borrow one, be careful about touching it. If Amazon parcels can spread Coronavirus, I reckon cats can too.

The second thing is, you also have to catch a cat that wants to be hugged. Cats are notoriously fickle. I still bear scars – physical and mental – from being rejected by a cat. Perhaps it’s just me.

Buy a cat mould to help celebrate Hug Your Cat Day

Obviously I wouldn't be doing my job if I didn't suggest a silicone baking mould could help make the day be like the cat's whiskers. Have a look at our chocolate mould above, if could make you look like the cat the got the cream, even if your cat declines the hug.

Cupcake Day, 13th June

Don’t be confused. Yes I know Sewing Machine Day is on exactly the same day as Cupcake Day, but let’s be honest, if you had a choice which would you celebrate?

What’s more, Cupcake Day is a seriously good thing, and has been introduced as a fundraiser for the Alzheimer’s society

National Cupcake Day is a special day in June — Alzheimer’s National Cupcake Day

This is your chance not only to bake, but do it for a good cause. Begs the question, why wouldn't you?

In Canada they celebrate Cupcake Day on 24th February, and it focuses on animal welfare. Just shows the importance of cakes to the good of society.

Father’s Day, 21st June

Yes, I may be a bit biased, but sorry World Humanist Day and World Music Day, Father’s Day has some special meaning.

There are some suggestions that the idea of Father’s Day may originate from pagan sun worship. Some branches of paganism see the Sun as the father of the universe. Since the summer solstice occurs around the same time of year as Father’s Day, you can see why they might be tied together.

Much as a I like that idea, the actual Father’s Day celebrations started in the US in the early 1900s. Possibly the burst of sexual equality at the time had some impact in order to level the playing field with Mother’s Day. It was a woman who came up with the idea, which is remarkably generous. I'm not sure who came up with the idea of Mother's Day, but I'm betting not a man.

Father’s Day is celebrated worldwide, although some like Australia (September), Thailand (December 5th) and Brazil (August) celebrate at different times of the year.

If you’re wondering what to do for your Father’s Day celebrations, an unusual cake could be the answer. I've described my love of Carrot Cake (if only my kids read this!). If we’re still distancing this could be a good doorstep drop for older children, or entertainment at home for younger ones. Hopefully by then we’ll be at least sat together sharing the delights of tea and cake.

Making chocolate Porsche’s might be the closest you get to the real thing

The other thing you could do is make some car shaped ice cubes to drop into your father's favourite drink, or better still something made out of chocolate. See our chocolate moulds for more.

National Writing Day, 26th June

Wallace & Gromit’s Wrong Trousers Day is the 28th June, but given I’m sat here writing a blog I thought I ought to highlight National Writing Day.

National Writing Day is an annual celebration of writing designed to inspire people across the UK to get writing. Focused mainly on young people, but open to all, the idea behind National Writing Day is that we all have a story to tell. Mine might be one of middle age decline, but it’s a story nonetheless. So if you enjoy splurging your thoughts out as no one will listen to your ramblings, be inspired. Contribute to a blog.

It’s actually good for your mental health if nothing else.

Notable other special days in June

I have to apologise to all the other special days in June that didn’t make my final shortlist. However notable runners up include:

5th June: National Doughnut Day: Sugar covered jam delights, enough said. Get a mould here.

6th June: National Gardening Exercise Day: Gardening burns more calories than you think. Get those Marigolds planted and the weeding done.

14th June: National Bourbon Day: Yes I know it’s supposed to celebrate the American alcoholic version, but why can’t we also celebrate the Bourbon biscuit? If you’re of a mind to, you can also bake a giant bourbon biscuit in a cake form.

Special days in June. Will you be hugging your cat? 3 — Bourbons are more than just a drink

18th June: National Picnic Day and National Panic Day: Maybe someone with a wasp aversion made these two come together on the same day

20th June: National Hike With A Geek Day: Relatively new, but even so I would have thought someone would have asked me. Geek for hire anyone?

Special Days in June. And the winner is?

So there you have it. A guide to some special days in June. You may not be able to celebrate every day, but this selection may give you the chance to celebrate your special day with a cake as well as a hug for example. And that has to be a whole lot better.

However, the winner has to be Fathers Day Cupcake Day. A combination of two things. Make a cupcake for charity and delight a father somewhere. What could be better?

Visit Moldyfun.com for all your baking needs to make this June something special.