Happy Bonza Bottler Day!

Summer vacation has just begun, and many parents are already seeking fun things to do with their children (“eating” spaghetti play dough and watching Wall-E are only so much fun for the first dozen times!). One fun thing to do is to stay on top of daily observances and celebrations and create themes around them. And today is none other than: Bonza Bottler Day!

This holiday is actually celebrated once every month, when the number of the month matches the number of the day (hence, June 6).  Elaine Fremont created Bonza Bottler Day in 1985 when a whole month went by without a major celebration. She wanted a reason to throw a party—and she wanted that reason monthly!

The holiday gets its name from the word “Bonza!” which is what Australians cry out to mean “super” or “awesome.” Bottler is also an Australian term, slang for something incredible.

Fremont, who died in a car accident in 1995 at the age of 43, wanted this day to be a special time for family and friends to get together and celebrate for no real reason—just to celebrate.

You can celebrate Bonza Bottler Day any way you wish. The customary way is to simply throw an impromptu party, but there are many other things you can do:

Tie some balloons around your child’s bed while he or she sleeps, leaving a bright morning surprise! Alternatively, blow up a bunch of balloons with helium and create a colorful canopy.

Make up some yummy treats to share, or buy some from the store.

Have a dance party! If you have young ones, try having them do an “animal dance” by selecting a favorite animal and dancing how he or she thinks that animal may dance. For older kids, put on some mixes and have at it. Try some oldies, seventies, rock, anything you wish—and dress up for the part.

Do anything out of the ordinary! Go for ice cream in your pajamas. Make a fort in your front yard or in the living room. Decorate like you’re having a huge birthday party—complete with cake—and then just party—or randomly select someone to celebrate for each Bonza Bottler Day (a family member who has been working very hard, a pet, even a hero). Exchange small gifts between family members if you like.

For a more subdued celebration, try eating out at a favorite restaurant or catching a movie together as a family.

Be sure to celebrate “Bodacious Bonza Bottler Day” in September, when the month, date and year will all match!