JRR Tolkien
Saturday, January 3, 2026
Tolkien's Birth. John Ronald Reuel Tolkien, known as JRR Tolkien, is born on January 3, 1892, in Bloemfontein, South Africa
History
JRR Tolkien's Birth. John Ronald Reuel Tolkien, known as JRR Tolkien, is born on January 3, 1892, in Bloemfontein, South Africa
How It's Celebrated
JRR Tolkien is observed by recognizing the importance of the day, learning about its background and significance, and sharing awareness with others through conversation and social media. Many people take time to reflect on the meaning of the observance and participate in relevant activities or community events.
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Christmas in New Caledonia is celebrated with a public holiday every 25 December, as it is in a majority of countries around the world. This Christian festivity commemorates the birth of Jesus, and is part of a 22-28 day season in the Christian calendar known as Advent. In 2026, Christmas falls on Friday 25 December. The holiday will be on Saturday 25 December in 2027. Christmas Day and the Christmas season are a busy time of year in New Caledonia. This is one of the main tourist seasons on the island with many from Australia, New Zealand, and France coming here while the kids are out of school. About half in New Caledonia are Catholic and often go to mass all night on the day before Christmas. They seek to welcome Christmas morning while joyfully remembering the day that Christ was born. Many Protestants and Evangelicals in New Caledonia go to church on Christmas Day or the Sunday nearest to Christmas to celebrate the birth of the Saviour. The capital city of Noumea is lit up like a Christmas tree for the holidays each year. The city centre is the brightest spot, including Coconut Palm Square, the capital complex, and the Noumea Museum. Both palm trees and buildings are decked out with multi-coloured lights for the occasion.
Christmas Holiday
Christmas in Samoa is celebrated with a public holiday every 25 December, as it is in a majority of countries around the world. This Christian festivity commemorates the birth of Jesus, and is part of a 22-28 day season in the Christian calendar known as Advent. In 2026, Christmas falls on Friday 25 December. The holiday will be on Saturday 25 December in 2027. Samoa is a predominantly Christian nation and one of the few in the world that calls itself a Christian Nation in its own constitution. Unsurprisingly, then, Christmas Day is a major holiday in this South Pacific island country. Attending church on Christmas Day or Christmas Eve is traditional in Samoa. There are a wide range of denominations present, including Congregationalist, Roman Catholic, Methodist, Charismatic, and others. But all of them celebrate the birth of the Messiah, Jesus, who came into the world to save sinners. At church, at home, or on the street, you will likely be told to have a “fiafia” Christmas, the Samoan word for “merry”. You may see some people dancing for Christmas too. Traditional dances like the “siva” and “sasa” are a part of the “fa’asamoa”, meaning the Samoan way of life. Christmas is deemed the perfect time to combine Christianity with a Samoan traditional culture that is over 3,000 years old.
Family Day
Family Day is a public holiday in the South Pacific island nation of Vanuatu. It is observed on 26 December, the day after Christmas and a day that coincides with Boxing Day in many countries around the world. In 2026, Family Day falls on Saturday 26 December. The holiday will be on Sunday 26 December in 2027. The purpose of Family Day is to spend extra time with one’s own family. This holiday emphasises the importance of family life for individuals and for society as a whole. Thus, most people in Vanuatu get a day off work and out of school, and many businesses and government offices shut down. Some people celebrate Family day in a very low-key way, just relaxing at home with family and friends and “recovering” from the hectic Christmas season. Others may go to church, go shopping, head to the beach to swim, go out to eat, or go on a short day trip. The people of Vanuatu traditionally put a high value on family and centre much of their lives around it. They also honour elders and parents and consider children a precious gift from God. Family Day is a time when they express the family-centred nature of their culture and faith by spending time together.
Freedom Day
In Malta, March 31st is “Freedom Day,” the day of the final withdrawal of British troops and naval units from the island. In 2027, Freedom Day falls on Wednesday 31 March. The holiday will be on Friday 31 March in 2028. Freedom Day is one of the many public holidays of Malta, which has more holidays than any other nation in the E.U. There is even debate among islanders over whether it is appropriate for Malta to have multiple national days, including not only Freedom Day but also Independence Day, Republic Day, Victory Day, and Sette Giugno. Nonetheless, Freedom Day is celebrated with great patriotism every single year, along with the other patriotic remembrances. The British first took control of Malta after wresting if from the French in 1814, during the Napoleonic Wars. Malta then became a key naval base on the route between Gibraltar and the Suez Canal and an important air base during World War II. In 1947, the UK promised to give Malta its long-desired independence, which officially came in 1964. However, the British army and navy remained. In 1971, Malta raised the rent on British forces in Malta after prolonged negotiations. The lease was then set to expire in seven more years. In 1979, on March 31st, the British left the island forever, and the long-time defence treaty between Malta and the U.K. came to an end. The Maltese only got $36 million in rent, whereas they had sought $72 million, but it was far more than they had ever been paid before. The exorbitant lease rate was a prime reason for the British finally abandoning the island. For the first time in 1,000 years, there were no foreign troops stationed in Malta. Four of the main activities for tourists and locals to take part in on Freedom Day are as follows: Malta is a small archipelago of seven islands, but it has a rich history that is extremely unique. It had long been passed back and forth by empire builders, but on March 31st, 1979, it became 100 percent independent in every respect. Those visiting Malta on Freedom Day will have chance to celebrate this fact with the locals and to learn about Maltese culture and history.