JAN 21, 26.. HUGS HUMAN and PUPPY.. SQUIRRELS..PENGUINS.. GULLIBLE..

Yes! Another NATIONAL TODAY Holiday “no brainer” for Patti and me!

January 21 is National Hugging Day!

IF Patti and I do one thing, we Hug one another quite often during the day.

Did you know that “holding hands” is a form of a Hug?

– – – – – – – –

The word “hug” is believed to come from the word “hugga” meaning “to comfort” in the Old Norse language, first appearing approximately 450 years ago.

According to one of the top Detroit PR Firms, National Hugging Day was first celebrated on January 21, 1986 in Clio, Michigan.

12 — the number of hugs required by humans every day to be healthy.

32% — the percentage of stress that is dispelled with a hug.

20 seconds — the average time of a hug.

Studies show a 20 second hug relieves and reduces the harmful physical effects of stress and releases oxytocin.

4 — the number of hugs needed for survival.

8 — the number of hugs needed by humans every day for maintenance.

10 seconds — the hug time that leads to biochemical reactions in the body that boost health.

Hug yourself.

Getting a hug is a great feeling. It can instantly lift your mood, making you feel safe and appreciated. Sometimes, however, there isn’t anybody around to give you that hug you need.

When you need it the most, wrap your hands around yourself and hug yourself tightly. You might think that’s weird, but hear us out.

Friends are great, but you’re the star of your own life. And you should love yourself like a star! That means making lots of time for self-care and self-love. So self-hug away.

The below NATIONAL TODAY website link will provide much more information about Hugs.

https://nationaltoday.com/national-hugging-day/

– – – – – – – –

How about the below type of Hugging!

Hug Your Puppy Day is also celebrated on January 21 to appreciate our pups by hugging them!!

It is a great idea to pick your pup up and give them a big hug today!

The below NATIONAL TODAY website link will provide much more information about Hugging Your Puppy!

https://nationaltoday.com/national-hug-your-puppy-day/

– – – – – – – –

And now?

SQUIRRELS..

No! No Hugging Squirrels!

Squirrel Appreciation Day is held on January 21

One summer, some many years ago, at the home in Royal Oak, Michigan, where I grew up, Patti and I managed to “tame” a number of the wild squirrels out in our back yard. They would readily come up into our Sun Porch and quite politely take nuts from our hands. We also loved watching them busy, busy, busy in the backyard doing their natural “gathering duties.”

This is a day to learn about and celebrate the world’s cutest rodents. Here’s the thing about squirrels: some people hate them and say that they’re an “invasive species.” 

Their existence is actually beneficial to the environment, and in urban areas, assists in park beautification. Albeit by accident, squirrels plant seeds (initially meaning to store away nuts to come back to when they’re hungry) which eventually grow into trees, thus assisting with forest renewal. They’re natures gardeners!

Here you go if you want to read a lot more about Squirrels.

https://nationaltoday.com/squirrel-appreciation-day/

More?

– – – – – – – –

Yesterday’s News.

Penguins.

No! Do NOT try to Hug a Penguin!

Gullible added a very interesting and very complete comment to our January 20th Post about Penguins.

So we have published her comment in the below second Post (Part 2 of our January 20th Part 1).

https://babakaps.net/?p=75929

– – – – – – – –

GULLIBLE .. BOTSWANA JOURNALS..

To see Chapter Sixteen of Gullible’s Botswana Journals please click onto the below link..

http://gullible-gulliblestravels.blogspot.com/2026/01/the-2025-botswana-journals-ch-16-we.html

Another Lifer! A yellow Mongoose! Then another.. a Northern Korhaan … Keep them coming Gullible! Keep them coming!

– – – – – – – –

Cap and Patti

• ← JAN 20, 26 (1 / 2).. PENGUINS and GULLIBLE FOR SURE..
• JAN 22, 26.. BALLOON FESTIVAL 2026.. HOT / SPICY.. →