And today is .......

[tiger_one]

December 16


National Chocolate Covered Anything Day is about indulging in chocolate-covered treats. It’s a playful unofficial holiday to celebrate the essence of indulging in "chocolate covered anything," to embrace culinary creativity, experimenting with unique flavour combinations (both sweet and savory), and enjoying the simple, mood-boosting pleasure of chocolate.is celebrated each year on 16 December. This day is al

And who doesn’t love chocolate? And who doesn’t like to smother their favourite delicious fruit, or ice creams, or desserts with that oozy, deep rich chocolate topping, be it saucy or choccy bits – YUMM!

The core of the idea is trying unique pairings, blending sweet, salty, and even savory tastes to discover new delights.

We can maybe dip any foods we like into melted chocolate, pushing the boundaries of traditional treats; or maybe today’s a chance to experiment with unconventional combinations, such as the popular sweet and salty mix of chocolate-covered pretzels or potato chips, or more adventurous options like bacon or even pickles (I did say “maybe!”)

Remember, chocolate contains compounds like phenylalanine, which have been shown to have a similar effect on the brain as falling in love, contributing to a feeling of well-being and making the indulgence a mood-boosting experience

Chocolate's ability to melt just below body temperature creates a "melting in your mouth" sensation that stimulates the senses and boosts mood through the release of chemicals like serotonin and dopamine.

While anything (within reason!) can be covered in chocolate, our possibilities are pretty much whatever we may want, like fruits - strawberries, bananas, pears, apple slices, and cherries; or pretzels, marshmallows, OREOs, caramels, and ice cream; or potato chips, nuts (almonds, macadamia, hazel nuts, peanuts), and even cooked bacon. And don’t forget pancakes and crepes – more YUMM!

Ultimately, the day is a "green light" for chocoholics to have fun, appreciate the artistry of chocolate, and share memorable experiences with friends and family. Today is surely time for us to have a fun excuse to think outside the box in the kitchen, making everyday items feel special and festive. The day offers a playful opportunity to savour treats without overthinking the health aspects, often framed as a simple joy and a break from routine.

Yes, today highlights that almost everything is better coated in chocolate, offering a delightful twist to the familiar.



"If you're not chocolate coated, you're missing out on life".

“Chocolate sauce: it makes everything a little less vanilla.”

"Don't worry, chocolate is always a good idea".

“I've got 99 problems, but chocolate keeps them all away.”

“Ganache? Fondant? Oozy chocolate anyways is the right way.”

 

[tiger_one]

December 17



National Maple Syrup Day is celebrated on December 17. Yes, that sweet, thick, amber-coloured liquid that's pure magic on your pancakes, waffles, crepes, French toast and oodles more. Beyond the basic pancakes, Aussies are discovering its use in marinades, glazes, cocktails, and even maple hollandaise.

Its distinct flavour profile is like nothing else on Earth. Canada’s delicious gift to all of us.

Maple syrup is a natural, sweet, sticky liquid made by boiling the sugary sap collected from maple trees, primarily sugar and red maples, during early spring when warm days and cool nights cause the sap to flow. This simple process of tapping trees, collecting sap, and evaporating water concentrates its sugars, creating the distinctive caramel flavour and amber colour, with lighter grades having delicate tastes and darker ones having bolder notes.

Maple syrup is widely available in Australia and can be purchased from major supermarkets, general food retailers, and online specialty stores.

Any pure maple syrup consumed in Australia is imported, as local production is not feasible due to our warm climate.

Pure maple syrup is good for us – it provides several essential nutrients. It's considered a source of calcium, a good source of copper, and an excellent source of riboflavin and manganese.

Maple syrup actually offers a few different nutrients to the body, such as zinc, calcium, potassium and magnesium, as well as antioxidants. As sweet as it is, and as long as it is used in small quantities, maple syrup can be a smart way to provide a bit of sweetness to a healthy diet. However, it should still be consumed in moderation due to its natural high sugar content.

Maple syrup is generally considered slightly healthier than honey because it has fewer calories, lower sugar content, and a lower glycemic index (slower blood sugar rise), while offering more essential minerals like calcium, potassium, and zinc, though honey provides more vitamins and unique antioxidants. Both are natural sweeteners best used in moderation, but maple syrup's mineral profile and lower glycemic impact often give it a nutritional edge for general use.

The use of this delicious syrup among Australian chefs is steadily rising, moving beyond just pancakes to become a versatile, natural sweetener and flavour enhancer in both sweet and savoury dishes, used in glazes for meats (pork, poultry, bacon), marinades, sauces, cocktails, and even chocolates, appreciated for its unique caramel notes and as a healthier alternative to refined sugars. Its growing presence in major supermarkets reflects increased demand from both home cooks and culinary professionals.

From chefs and bakers to brewers and ice cream makers, specialists across the Aussie culinary landscape are using maple with passion, reinventing family favourites, traditional recipes and iconic dishes. A natural substitute to refined sugars that can be used in equal quantities, maple sugar is great for mixing into classic bakes like cakes, cookies and meringues. Maple can also be enjoyed in the form of maple spread, ideal for smearing over French toast or mixing into a glaze.

So don’t delay – today really is the day to reacquaint yourself with one of nature’s absolute winners: maple syrup will enhance just about anything being dished up. And don’t we all deserve more sweetness in this wicked world?



"Pure liquid gold."

“The best things in life are sweet and sticky."

“Syrup: Because everything's better with it."

“Life's too short for fake syrup.”

 

[Suzie-Q]

December 16


National Chocolate Covered Anything Day is about indulging in chocolate-covered treats. It’s a playful unofficial holiday to celebrate the essence of indulging in "chocolate covered anything," to embrace culinary creativity, experimenting with unique flavour combinations (both sweet and savory), and enjoying the simple, mood-boosting pleasure of chocolate.is celebrated each year on 16 December. This day is al

And who doesn’t love chocolate? And who doesn’t like to smother their favourite delicious fruit, or ice creams, or desserts with that oozy, deep rich chocolate topping, be it saucy or choccy bits – YUMM!

The core of the idea is trying unique pairings, blending sweet, salty, and even savory tastes to discover new delights.

We can maybe dip any foods we like into melted chocolate, pushing the boundaries of traditional treats; or maybe today’s a chance to experiment with unconventional combinations, such as the popular sweet and salty mix of chocolate-covered pretzels or potato chips, or more adventurous options like bacon or even pickles (I did say “maybe!”)

Remember, chocolate contains compounds like phenylalanine, which have been shown to have a similar effect on the brain as falling in love, contributing to a feeling of well-being and making the indulgence a mood-boosting experience

Chocolate's ability to melt just below body temperature creates a "melting in your mouth" sensation that stimulates the senses and boosts mood through the release of chemicals like serotonin and dopamine.

While anything (within reason!) can be covered in chocolate, our possibilities are pretty much whatever we may want, like fruits - strawberries, bananas, pears, apple slices, and cherries; or pretzels, marshmallows, OREOs, caramels, and ice cream; or potato chips, nuts (almonds, macadamia, hazel nuts, peanuts), and even cooked bacon. And don’t forget pancakes and crepes – more YUMM!

Ultimately, the day is a "green light" for chocoholics to have fun, appreciate the artistry of chocolate, and share memorable experiences with friends and family. Today is surely time for us to have a fun excuse to think outside the box in the kitchen, making everyday items feel special and festive. The day offers a playful opportunity to savour treats without overthinking the health aspects, often framed as a simple joy and a break from routine.

Yes, today highlights that almost everything is better coated in chocolate, offering a delightful twist to the familiar.



"If you're not chocolate coated, you're missing out on life".

“Chocolate sauce: it makes everything a little less vanilla.”

"Don't worry, chocolate is always a good idea".

“I've got 99 problems, but chocolate keeps them all away.”

“Ganache? Fondant? Oozy chocolate anyways is the right way.”



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😔 I wish there hadn't been so many threads where people couldn't be reasonable yesterday, then I might have seen this. Luckily, I had some caramel slice and some cookie dough slice, so I didn't miss it entirely! 😂

 

[krissy]

😔 I wish there hadn't been so many threads where people couldn't be reasonable yesterday, then I might have seen this. Luckily, I had some caramel slice and some cookie dough slice, so I didn't miss it entirely! 😂

This was a day I could get behind, what diet?
Hard pass on maple syrup day.

 

[tiger_one]

December 18



National Twin Day is celebrated globally on December 18th, a day to honour the unique bond between twins and multiple births, recognizing their shared experiences and special connection, whether they're identical or fraternal.

It's a time for twins, families, and friends to share stories, celebrate their distinctive bond, and appreciate the lifelong support they often provide each other, sometimes with intuitive understanding. It’s all about these rare siblings so they enjoy the unique connection of a really special shared birthday.

Remarkably, twins share many all-too-similar connections, way beyond their birth dates:

Some twins have developed their own language or way of communicating with each other that is not understood by others. This is called twin language or idioglossia. While it’s not common for twins to develop their own language, it has been observed in some cases and is a very interesting phenomenon.

Contrary to popular belief, twins rarely have identical personalities. While identical twins share the same DNA, they will still have different personalities due to environmental factors and life experiences. Fraternal twins, who do not share the same DNA, are even more likely to have different personalities.

Twins can be born with different skin colours, even if they are identical. This is because skin colour is determined by multiple genes, and different combinations of these genes can result in different skin colours. In rare cases, twins can also be born with different hair colours and eye colours.

Twins have a unique bond that allows them to sense each other’s emotions and feelings. They can often feel each other’s pain, joy, and sadness, even when they are not in the same room. This is called twin telepathy and is a subject of much fascination and research.

While their personalities may be different, they often know what the other is going to say before the words are spoken. Distance isn’t an issue either. Twins manage to stay connected across the country or around the world.

All these above only scratch the surface of what makes twins so unique. National Twins Day is a great opportunity to celebrate the bond between twins and learn more about their fascinating world.

In Australia, ongoing research continues to raise awareness about challenges like identity and health faced by twins and their families, supported by organizations like Twins Research Australia. There’s always more to know.

In Australia, twins happen in 1 in every 70 births. This means that 1 in 35 Australians is a twin. The chance of having fraternal twins is higher. Around one third of twins are identical and two-thirds are fraternal.

Over the past decade, multiple birth numbers have remained relatively consistent in Australia. In 2023, 4,118 sets of multiples were born, representing 1.5% of all births (286,998) in Australia. Of these, 4,073 were twins and 45 were triplets or higher order multiples (or 99% were twins and 1% triplets or HOMs).

In 2023, the Australian Capital Territory had the highest proportion of multiple births than any other state or territory (1.6%). The Northern Territory had the lowest proportion of multiple births (1.3%).

The population of Australia is around 25.4 million, so we can estimate there are around 750,000 multiples (based on estimate of 3% of the population is a multiple).

Twins, eh!? Today is not a day for just one feeling or one thought or one anything.

Today is for every twin, and every parent of a twin, to have their moment to be recognized for all their strengths and fun, as well as everything a twin brings to our world – take a bow both of you, everyone of you, all of you!



“Twins: another of life’s hilarious curve balls.”

"Genes so nice, they made them twice."

"Not sure who is who, either."

“Twins are more than just friends. They are more like a very small gang.”

 

[tiger_one]

December 19



National Underdog Day in 2025 falls on Friday, December 19th, recognizing those expected to lose but who triumph against the odds and (Oh Boy!!) doesn’t that ring a few bells here at the Wests Tigers …..

Today celebrates resilience, perseverance, and the inspiring stories of anyone, or any team, who overcome expectations and create history against all expectations – a day to cheer on the teams and individuals who are statistically expected to lose in competition.

Australians have always embraced the concept of the underdog and appreciate a "fair go" right down to the final whistle (although might rightfully question the “soft whistle”).

All of us know of someone who works very hard but never gets recognized for their hard work. In addition, they are usually expected to fail in their efforts. Maybe, you have been in a situation like that?

Celebrate all such underdogs and unsung heroes on Underdog Day. These heroes/individuals have overcome overwhelming odds to achieve their moment in the sun, their lasting claim to fame. Their journeys inspire us to believe in perseverance, grit, and self-transformation. From scientists and poets to athletes and writers, the world is full of underdogs who defied their humble beginnings and adversities to leave an indelible mark on humanity.

Though, today is not just about celebrating success—it’s about acknowledging the journey. These inspiring figures teach us that life’s greatest victories often come from the most unlikely heroes. Their stories remind us to never underestimate the power of resilience, hard work, and the human spirit. So, this December 16, let’s celebrate the underdogs who continue to inspire us to dream big and rise above adversity.

Famous Australian underdogs often come from sports, including Steven Bradbury, who won gold by being the last skater left in his race; Lionel Rose, the Indigenous boxer who became world champion; and Cliff Young, the elderly marathon runner who famously won the Sydney to Melbourne race, embodying Australia's love for the battler.

Or the Western Sydney Wanderers football club's rapid rise and athletes like Peter Bol and Samantha Stosur, who defied expectations in major events. Or Australia 11 winning the America’s Cup all those years ago; or Kieren Perkins winning Gold in the Men’s 1500m Freestyle at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics.

Or the Socceroos finally qualifying for a football World Cup after famously beating Uruguay in a 2005 penalty shootout; or when 19-year-old Indigenous fighter Lionel Rose travelled to Japan to beat local legend Fighting Harada in 1968. Rose became the first Indigenous Australian to be crowned world champion by claiming the bantamweight title, as well as earning the adoration of a nation.



Or Leicester City’s “Unbelievables," given odds of 5000-1 at the start of the season, stunning rivals and pundits alike to claim their first ever top-flight title during the 2015-2016 Premier League – the first in the club's 132-year history!

Oh, did someone say Wests Tigers in 2005??! Like what were the odds our boys would win the comp that year?

And this is just the tip of the underdog iceberg. The list is endless and all so wonderful.

Life, and sport, brings dreams true every day.

It is true – every dog does have their day.



“To come from behind and win – there’s nothing better!”

“Fear is optional – never.”

“To have a comeback, you have to have a setback.”

“It’s not over till you WIN.”

 

[tiger_one]

20 December



National Sangria Day is celebrated world-wide on 20 December, a day to enjoy the Spanish and Portuguese punch made with wine and sweeteners and flavoured with fruits like berries, oranges and mangos.

What could be better than a day dedicated to wine plus your favourite fruit! National Sangria Day is the perfect excuse to meet with friends and sample the delicious, fruity drink that is one of treasured Spain’s claims to fame across the globe.

Make sure that this National Sangria Day really packs more punch this year than a Tim Tszyu left hook – and heaps more fun.

Not sure how to get the party started – it’s all in the recipe. Just combine your favourite red wine with chopped seasonal fruits, fruit juice, a spirit like brandy, and an optional mixer such as sparkling water or lemonade; then the best part: let the mixture chill for a few hours to allow the flavours infuse and VOILA! It’s ready. The drink is chilled and so too will you!

Sangria is highly adaptable; feel free to experiment with different fruits and wines based on what is in season locally here in Australia. Maybe try:

White Sangria: Substitute the red wine for a crisp white wine like a Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio. Use white fruits such as peaches, nectarines, or green grapes, and consider adding a white spirit like white rum or apple schnapps.

Or

Rosé Sangria: A refreshing option for warmer weather, use a bottle of chilled rosé wine with raspberries and watermelon balls.

Or

Non-Alcoholic Sangria: Combine fruit juices (like cranberry-grape and orange juice) with fresh fruit and top with a lemon-lime carbonated drink for a family-friendly version.

Or

Spiced Sangria: Add a cinnamon stick or star anise to the chilling mixture for a subtle, aromatic flavour.

So much to enjoy, anyway you like …….

If you’re out and about, Sangria is the easy go-to refreshing drink during our warm Aussie summer. It's widely available in bars and restaurants, and its popularity is evidenced by the numerous recipes, bottled versions, and local twists found across the country. In essence, sangria has been adopted and adapted by Australians, moving beyond a simple Spanish import to become a well-loved part of the local drinking culture.

As they say, raise your Sangria glass …..



“Save water – drink sangria!”

“Sangria – the perfect fruit salad!”

“Sangria: the fruitiest way to wine down.”

“A man's got to believe in something. I believe I'll have another sangria.”