Who Is Getting Ready for the Summer Vacation of 2025?– Written by Fatima, GiGi’s NYC Participant

Happy Father’s Day to all of the fathers at Gigi’s Playhouse!

There are a lot of special upcoming holidays to celebrate in June 2025, such as National Environment Day, National Fish and Chips Day, Eid al-Adha, National Chocolate Ice Cream Day, National Best Friends Day, National World Ocean Day, National Make Life Beautiful Day, National Loving Day, National Flag Day, Father’s Day, National Chocolate Eclair Day, National Typewriter Day, National Pink Day, and International Pineapple Day.

National Environment Day is celebrated on Thursday, June 5th this year, and there are a lot of ways to celebrate the occasion. You can focus on actions against plastic pollution and engage in activities that promote environmental awareness and action. You can also encourage participation in cleanups, educational campaigns, and waste reduction pledges. Consider organizing or participating in events like tree planting drives, beach cleanups, and local environmental initiatives focused on actions against plastic pollution and that promote environmental awareness and action. On this day I am planning on reusing a lot of things that we need to survive on by not using too many items such as bathroom items, paper towels, garbage bags, shampoo bottles, writing supplies, etc to save the environment from pollution. 

National Fish and Chips Day is celebrated on Friday, June 6th this year, and thousands of people celebrate the occasion in a lot of ways including supporting local fish and chips shops and restaurants by choosing them as your go-to destinations for your fish and chip cravings. Spread the word about your favorite spots and encourage others to support these cherished establishments. Another fun way to celebrate is by organizing your very own fish and chips feast by gathering friends, family, or colleagues.

Eid al-Adha is celebrated on Saturday, June 7th, and a lot of people celebrate it in a lot of different ways. Eid al-Adha, or the Feast of Sacrifice, is a major Islamic holiday celebrated worldwide for three to four days. It’s a time for prayer, visiting with family and friends, and for some, sacrificing an animal to share with the community. Muslims gather at mosques for special prayers on Eid al-Adha morning. Many Muslims sacrifice an animal (like a sheep, goat, or cow) to commemorate Ibrahim’s willingness to sacrifice his son. The meat is then shared among family, friends, neighbors, and the poor. Eid al-Adha is a time for visiting family and friends, exchanging gifts, and enjoying feasts together. Muslims often give to charity, ensuring that those less fortunate can also participate in the celebrations. People greet each other with “Eid Mubarak” or “Happy/Blessed Eid,” wishing each other good fortune. It’s customary to wear new or best clothes for the occasion. Some mosques or groups organize communal meals to share with the community. In some areas, Eid al-Adha celebrations might include visits to fun fairs or festivals. My dad is Muslim, and this is a big day for him.

National Chocolate Ice Cream Day is also celebrated on Saturday, June 7th this year, and a lot of people celebrate the day by enjoying chocolate ice cream in various forms, such as scoops, cones, sundaes, or milkshakes. Many also visit ice cream parlors, take advantage of special deals or promotions at ice cream stores, or even make their own ice cream creations at home. A simple way to celebrate is to buy a scoop or cone of chocolate ice cream from a local shop or ice cream truck. People can elevate their experience by making a chocolate sundae or a milkshake using chocolate ice cream and various toppings or ingredients. Some enjoy the day by creating their own chocolate ice cream desserts, like brownies, cupcakes, or ice cream bars. Many people enjoy the nostalgia of visiting a traditional ice cream parlor. Some people organize ice cream socials with friends and family, often featuring different flavors and toppings. Chocolate ice cream is also my other favorite ice cream flavor besides vanilla ice cream. I like to have my ice cream with whipped cream, rainbow sprinkles, chocolate syrup, crunched Oreos, and cherries. I also like banana splits.

National Best Friends Day is celebrated on Sunday, June 8th this year, and a lot of people celebrate this special occasion by spending quality time with their best friends, whether in person or online, and expressing their appreciation for them. This could involve having a shared activity like a picnic, going for a walk, visiting a local attraction, or watching a movie together. You could also send a thoughtful message or gift or share a special memory to show how much you care. If you can’t be together in person, schedule a video call or a virtual game night to catch up and share memories. My best friends are Laura Mangino and Connie from Dancing Dreams. I love them so much. My mom Denise is best friends with Angela Paniccia who is also a good friend of mine.

National World Ocean Day is also celebrated on Sunday, June 8th this year, and a lot of people celebrate the occasion in different ways including attend events, organizing beach cleanups, learning about ocean conservation, watching documentaries, engaging in educational activities. You can also celebrate this day by reducing your plastic consumption. Some ways of doing this include avoiding single-use plastics, using a reusable water bottle and bag, and saying no to straws. Choose seafood from reputable sources that prioritize sustainable fishing practices. Share the information about ocean conservation on social media, write to your elected officials, or donate to ocean conservation organizations. You can also create art projects using recycled materials to bring awareness about marine life and the condition of our oceans.

National Make Life Beautiful Day is celebrated on Wednesday, June 11th, and many people celebrate the holiday in different ways. You can recognize someone who makes life beautiful by giving them a shout-out on social media. Another idea for honoring the holiday and making life more beautiful is by helping someone achieve a personal goal. You can also donate time to a worthy cause, support organizations that enhance lives, help someone less fortunate than you are, or just do something nice for someone. Recognize those who make life beautiful, and share ways to create beauty in their own lives. On this day I am planning on going out for a late dinner to celebrate my brother Harris’s birthday which is on Tuesday, June 11th. My life is always beautiful in many ways because of my family, fiancé, and friends. I also love to make other people’s lives more beautiful in any way I can. This applies to people I know and don’t know.

National Loving Day is celebrated on Thursday, June 12th this year, and a lot of people celebrate the occasion in different ways. This day commemorates the Loving v. Virginia case, a 1967 landmark civil rights decision of the U.S. Supreme Court that ruled that the laws banning interracial marriage violate the Equal Protection and Due Process Clauses of the Fourteenth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. The case involved Richard Loving, a white man, and his wife Mildred Loving, a woman of color. In 1959, the Lovings were convicted of violating Virginia’s Racial Integrity Act of 1924, which criminalized interracial marriage.  One way to celebrate this beautiful day includes holding gatherings with family and friends in which the case and its modern-day legacy are discussed, in smaller settings such as living rooms, backyards, etc., as well as in larger gatherings. You can also attend community events or festivals and watch movies or documentaries about the Loving case. Some communities organize larger celebrations with music, food, and other activities to mark the day. These are a popular way for multi-racial and interracial couples and families to come together and share food, stories, and experiences. The film Loving, which tells the story of the Lovings, is a popular way to learn about their journey and the significance of the Loving v. Virginia decision. Many people use this day to learn more about the history of interracial marriage and the impact of the Loving case. Sharing personal stories about being in interracial relationships or the experience of being multiracial is a way to foster community and understanding. Some people use their creative talents to create art, write stories, or engage in other forms of artistic expression that reflect the themes of love, diversity, and inclusion. Some individuals and organizations have worked to get Loving Day officially recognized by local governments. Using the hashtag #lovingday and sharing photos, stories, and reflections online are a common way to participate in the celebration on social media. On this occasion I am planning on spreading the love that I have for everyone in my life. 

National Flag Day is celebrated on Saturday, June 14th this year, and a lot of people celebrate the holiday in a lot of different ways. Many towns and cities hold parades, ceremonies, and events to celebrate the flag and its symbolism, and the colors are flown at all government buildings. Many Americans display the American flag at their homes and businesses on Flag Day. Take the opportunity to learn about the history of the American flag, its design, and its significance. Flag Day is a good opportunity to reflect on your patriotism and the values of the nation. You can hold a flag-themed BBQ with friends and family, incorporating flag-themed decorations and red, white, and blue attire. Many communities hold flag-raising ceremonies on Flag Day, which can be a way to participate in and celebrate this holiday. Organize a parade or picnic where children and adults can show their flag-themed crafts, wear patriotic costumes, and participate in games and activities. In New York City, The Sons of the Revolution in the State of New York (SRNY) hosts the Flag Day Parade, a long-standing event in the city. The parade route distributes small American flags to spectators. The parade ends at the Grandstand at the corner of Broad and Pearl Streets, near Fraunces Tavern.

Father’s Day is celebrated on Sunday, June 15th this year, and a lot of people celebrate the holiday to honor their dads and other father figures. Celebrating typically involve gift-giving, spending quality time together, and expressing gratitude. Many families enjoy special meals, often prepared together, or go out to a restaurant. Other common activities include attending sporting events, going to the movies, barbecuing, and writing handwritten messages in cards. Many families prepare a special breakfast, lunch, or dinner to celebrate. Spending time with dad, whether it’s through activities like hiking, playing games, or watching movies, is a cherished part of the day. Many families plan outings to parks, beaches, or museums to create lasting memories. Some families create unique experiences, such as cooking a meal together, going fishing, or enjoying a spa day for dad. On this occasion I am planning on picking up dinner for my father after work at Citi Field. Then we’ll all eat as a family. 

National Chocolate Eclair Day is celebrated on Sunday, June 22nd, and a lot of people celebrate the occasion in different ways including enjoying a chocolate eclair or two! You can visit local bakeries, make them at home, or share the occasion on social media. To support your community, visit local bakeries known for their chocolate eclairs. Many bakeries offer special flavors or designs for the day. If you’re feeling ambitious, try making your own chocolate eclairs using a recipe you find online. Share your eclair creations or photos of your celebration using #NationalChocolateEclairDay on social media. Invite friends or family to join you in enjoying chocolate eclairs. While National Chocolate Eclair Day is specific to the pastry, you can also celebrate National Chocolate Day on October 28th with a wider variety of chocolate treats. Exploring other chocolate pastries like croissants or truffles for a wider selection of treats. Consider indulging in a rich chocolate cake for a more substantial dessert.

National Typewriter Day is celebrated on Monday, June 23rd this year and a lot of people celebrate the day by pulling out and dusting off their typewriter to write a letter, create a piece of art, or type out a list. You could also explore the history of the typewriter, share your own typewriter stories on social media, or even organize a local typewriter event. Write a poem or short story using your typewriter to craft a piece of writing, whether it’s a personal poem or a more elaborate short story. Write a letter to a friend, family member, or even yourself. The act of physically typing a letter can be a rewarding and nostalgic experience. 
Keep a journal of your thoughts and feelings, or use it to track your day-to-day life. Whether it’s a shopping list, a to-do list, or a list of things you’re grateful for, the typewriter can be a useful tool for organizing your thoughts. View the documentary California Typewriter to learn more about the history and culture of typewriters. If you are passionate about typewriters, consider organizing a local event where people can gather and share their love for these machines. On this day I am planning on using a typewriter to write a lot of notes on a writing machine since I enjoy writing a lot of lists of important things such as groceries, my blog posts, college essays, and speeches.

National Pink Day is also celebrated on Monday, June 23rd this year. Wearing pink clothes, accessories, or even pink makeup is common on this day. Some may choose to plant pink flowers, have a pink-themed party, or use the day to show support for causes like breast cancer awareness or LGBTQ+ equality. Social media can also be used to share photos and messages using relevant hashtags. Many people choose to wear pink from head to toe, from clothing to accessories like shoes, hats, or even pink hair dye. A simple pink ribbon or a pink-themed accessory can also show support and celebrate the day. National Pink Day can be a reminder to support breast cancer awareness and research, potentially donating to related charities or raising awareness among friends. Pink is also a symbol of LGBTQ+ pride and equality, and the day can be used to show support for LGBTQ+ rights and organizations. Consider planting or buying pink flowers like roses, tulips, or peonies to add to the celebration. Having a party with pink decorations, food, and clothes can make it a fun and memorable celebration. On this occasion I am wearing pink clothes by going out to get errands done if I am not working at Citi Field. 

International Pineapple Day is celebrated on Friday, June 27th this year, and a lot of families celebrate the occasion in a lot of different ways including enjoying pineapple in various forms, from fresh fruit and juice to recipes like pineapple upside-down cake or grilled pineapple. You can enjoy pineapple on its own or enjoy it in a fruit salad, piña colada, wine, and even on pizza. Recipes featuring pineapple are popular, including the classic pineapple upside-down cake and grilled pineapple. On this day I am planning on making a pineapple upside down cake and pineapple ice cream for dessert after working at Citi Field.

Before I start the July blog post I recommend a Pakistani restaurant called Shirazi Cafe and Kabob House which is located at 184-02 Horace Harding Expy. Fresh Meadows, NY 11365. My favorite meals to order when I go there are spinach and potatoes, goat, chicken, haleem, babaganosh, fried calamari, lamb chops combo with 5 pieces served with rice, salad and bread, chicken curry with spinach served with rice, salad, and bread on the side, and kabobs with naan. The food is amazing and delicious. Even my dad approves of it, and he is from Pakistan. I recommend this Pakistani restaurant to everyone at Gigi’s Playhouse.

I also recommend an ice cream shop in Queens called Carvel located at 75-65 31st Ave, Jackson Heights, NY 11370. My favorite thing to get is vanilla and chocolate twist in a chocolate bowl with rainbow sprinkles, pineapples, cherries, and whipped cream on top. It’s the perfect snack or dessert on a hot summer day.

Sending you a lot of summer love and joy. 

Love,

Fatima