Many folks are approaching the holidays this year with a certain amount of trepidation. The next few months could be a bit odd — Thanksgiving for two, anyone? — but perhaps the best thing to do is to simply embrace the weirdness. While we may forego some beloved traditions, we can find joy in other, far stranger observances.
To help you in this quest, The Columbian has assembled the following holidays you’ve probably never heard of, plus ways to celebrate each of them in Clark County fashion. This list highlights only holidays occurring in the next nine weeks, but there are many more unusual days worth celebrating (see accompanying list).
Black cats are a common Halloween motif, but did you know that Oct. 27 is Black Cat Day? Look for black cat holiday decor at The Humane Society for Southwest Washington’s Retails Thrift Store at 5000 E. Fourth Plain Blvd. — or go a step further and adopt a black cat from local animal rescue organizations Furry Friends, West Columbia Gorge Humane Society or Second Chance Companions.
All Hallows Eve isn’t the only holiday celebrated on Oct. 31. It’s also Increase Your Psychic Powers Day. If you have psychic powers, you already know what to do to increase them. If you’re starting from scratch, try a deck of tarot cards from Love Potion Magickal Perfumerie. Visit the crystal-bedecked store at 1104 Main St., Suite 100, in downtown Vancouver, or order online at lovepotionstore.indiemade.com; click on the “Divination Tools” tab and you’ll be treated to an array of decks. (If, after reading the cards, you get bad news about the future, remember that Nov. 2 is Plan Your Epitaph Day.)