Last Friday was National Donut Day. Aren’t there like, five of those every year? Nation, what the fuck are you doing? As a New Yorker, I feel less and less in touch with the rest of “the nation.” I mean, y’all made Trump a thing. Thanks, Nation! I think it’s time for New York to celebrate our own Unique New Yorkness.
STATISTIC: there are over 8 million practicing New Yorkers, and many more who would identify as “cultural” New Yorkers. Isn’t it really about time we instituted city-wide holidays? I took it upon myself (you’re welcome) to populate your calendar with these days you can observe, whether you’re a dyed-in-the-wool New Yorker, an aspiring Manhattanite, or even a New Jersey-dwelling NY expat:
January 13th: Sadie Hawkins Catcall Day
This is the day when the script is flipped. For one day of the year, women feel what it’s like to stroll down the street, shouting your feelings at every man who passes by. “Smile! Where you going? Damn, gorgeous! Answer me! Come back here!” What does it taste like when the tables are turned? Sweet, sweet justice.
March 14th: Train Dispatcher Day
We don’t always understand you, but when you tell us to stand clear of the closing doors (please! So politely!) we know it’s because you have our best interests at heart. You tell us when there’s a route change, where to transfer, and without you we might sometimes be literally LOST. We love you. Now hold us – momentarily.
April 6th: Headphone Wearers’ Day of Silence
No, we DON’T want to talk. That’s why we’re wearing the headphones! I would have thought that would be obvious after the THIRD time I had to remove them with exaggerated flourish to ask, “whaaaaaaaaat?” So for one day, just, sssssh. Silence. Stop talking.
Summer Weekends: L-ent
L-ent is a floating holiday of abstention – like Passover or lent or Ramadan – which occurs whenever the L train stops running. It usually begins on a Friday night at 10pm (“hipster sundown”) and lasts until 5am Monday (Gay sundown). This holiday repeats many times throughout the year, and is a time to stay in, rest, and reflect while you abstain from taking the L into Manhattan. Leaves you with more appreciation for the one who controls your fate in life: the L train.
August 30th: Lobby Air Conditioning Day
Whether it’s a hotel, a classy apartment lobby, or your everyday run-of-the-mill Duane Reade, on this day, we appreciate that rush of cool, stale air that hits the hot, muggy sidewalk when the doors open on a hot day. Thank you, wealthy New Yorkers, for paying the obscene energy bills that enable us to enjoy your sub-frigid air conditioning as we walk past. You are the real heroes.
September 24th: Run Into Your Ex On The Train Platform Day
November 18th: Graffiti Artist Recognition Day
December 20th: Stomp A Tourist Accidentally On Purpose Day
It’s the holiday season all over the world, but this one is just for us! Look, tourists, it’s bad enough we have to go to Times Square to get the “I [heart] NY” shirts for everybody, but do you have to spread those “New Yorkers Are Rude” rumors? We’re rude because you’re treating our town like Main Street Disneyland USA, taking pictures and lollygagging on the sidewalk. YOU are the worst thing about New York. Sorry/not sorry I stepped on your foot. NOT SORRY.
