Who is starting to get ready for the 2025 and 2026 work and school year?– Written by Fatima, GiGi’s NYC Participant

Happy Fall Gigi’s Playhouse NYC! There are so many fun holidays to celebrate in September 2025, including Labor Day, Grandparents Day, National Cooking Day, National Chocolate Milkshake Day, Patriot Day, Rosh Hashana, National Guacamole Day, National Chocolate Milk Day, National Double Cheeseburger Day, and a lot more holidays to celebrate in September of 2025.

Labor Day is celebrated on Monday, September 1st, 2025 and a lot of people celebrate the holiday in different ways, including attending parades, enjoying picnics or barbecues, taking advantage of sales, or simply relaxing and enjoying the long weekend. Many people also use the time for travel, outdoor activities, or attending local and traditional celebrations, such as attending a parade. Many cities and towns organize Labor Day parades with marching bands, local organizations, and community members. Some people host or attend a barbecue or picnic such and like firing up the grill for hot dogs, hamburgers, and other favorites. And some pack a picnic basket and enjoy the outdoors, or go swimming to take advantage of the last warm days of summer at a pool or beach. Other outdoor activities people do is go for a hike, bike ride, or simply relax in a park or backyard. 
Unique Celebrations include taking a road trip, exploring a new city or town, or revisiting a favorite spot for a weekend getaway. Attending a festival or concert. Many communities host outdoor festivals and concerts over the Labor Day weekend.

You can also shop the sales: Labor Day is known for its sales, so take advantage of the discounts on clothing, home goods, and more. Volunteer at a local organization: Use the time to give back to the community by volunteering at a local charity or non-profit. Support a work-related cause: Show your support for workers by donating to a union or labor organization, or attending a rally or event. Planning a party: Consider a “beach bash”, “red, white, and blue” party, or an “end of summer” theme.

You can also shop the sales: Labor Day is known for its sales, so take advantage of the discounts on clothing, home goods, and more. Volunteer at a local organization: Use the time to give back to the community by volunteering at a local charity or non-profit. Support a work-related cause: Show your support for workers by donating to a union or labor organization, or attending a rally or event. Planning a party: Consider a “beach bash”, “red, white, and blue” party, or an “end of summer” theme.

And  I am planning on spending a lot of time with my new helper who is working with me. Her name is Misha. She is a friend of my Mother’s friend Marilena that she used to work with at PS 7. Once she gets approved, she will start working with me in September. Please wish her a lot of good luck.

Grandparents Day is celebrated on Sunday, September 7, 2025 and most people celebrate the holiday by spending quality time with them, like creating handmade cards or gifts, sharing a meal or baking together, and taking a trip down memory lane by looking at old photos. You can also honor them by learning a new skill from them, interviewing them about their lives, or even adopting a grandparent for the day.  Visit or call: If they live nearby, visit them in person. If not, a phone call or video chat can be a meaningful way to connect. 
Share a meal: Cook their favorite meal together or take them out to their favorite restaurant. You can also enjoy a hobby by engaging in an activity they enjoy, like gardening, playing games, or watching a movie. Maybe go for a walk or outing, like taking a stroll in nature, visit a park, or explore a place they love. Attend an event together: If they enjoy theater, sports, or other events, plan a special outing.  Make a handmade card: A homemade card with a heartfelt message is a cherished keepsake. Create a scrapbook or photo album filling it with photos and memories of time spent together. Bake treats: Make their favorite cookies, cake, or other treats. Write a letter or poem expressing your love and appreciation in a handwritten note. Give a personalized gift: Consider a custom mug, t-shirt, or other item with their name or a special message. On this day I am planning on visiting my grandparents house for a few hours after the buddy walk.

National Cooking Day is celebrated on Thursday, September 25th and most people celebrate the occasion in a lot of different ways. This includes cooking your favorite meal, trying a new recipe, hosting a potluck, or even taking a cooking class. This holiday is a great opportunity to embrace the joys and benefits of home cooking. Cook your favorite meal by choosing a dish you love and put your own twist on it. Share your creation on social media. Try a new recipe and experiment with new flavors and techniques. Consider a recipe from another culture to make it a learning experience. Host a potluck by inviting friends and family to each bring a dish they’ve cooked. Share recipes and cooking tips. Cook with friends by spending time in the kitchen with a friend and enjoy the process together. 
Explore International Cuisine: Pick a country and cook a traditional dish. Research the culture and language to make it a fun learning experience. Math-in-the-Kitchen Challenge: By giving your child a pretend budget and a shopping list. Visit the grocery store or browse online to compare prices. Host a Mini Cooking Class: Choose a simple recipe like homemade pizza. Involve your child in measuring, mixing, and plating. Use the opportunity to teach fractions, following directions, and kitchen safety.  I am planning on cooking a lot of healthier meals to eat with my family with my new helper, Misha.

National Chocolate Milkshake Day is celebrated on Friday, September 12th and most people celebrate the occasion in a lot of different ways, including hosting a milkshake-making party, embarking on a milkshake crawl, or simply enjoying a delicious chocolate milkshake at your favorite diner or ice cream shop. Host a Milkshake Party: Invite friends and family over for a fun get-together centered around making and enjoying chocolate milkshakes. Set up a “milkshake bar” with various ice creams, chocolate syrups, toppings, and mix-ins like cookies or brownies. Milkshake Crawl: If you’re in a city with many milkshake options, plan a “milkshake crawl” to sample different varieties and styles at various locations. Visit a Local Diner or Ice Cream Shop: Many diners and ice cream shops will likely be offering special deals or promotions on chocolate milkshakes for the occasion. Take the opportunity to try a classic chocolate shake or a unique flavor combination. Try a New Recipe: Experiment with different chocolate milkshake recipes at home. You could try a classic recipe, a healthier version with added ingredients, or even a boozy shake for a fun twist. Learn about Milkshake History: Take some time to delve into the history of milkshakes and learn how they evolved from simple drinks to the decadent treats we know today. Share on Social Media: Post pictures and videos of your milkshake celebrations using the hashtag #ChocolateMilkshakeDay.

Patriot Day is celebrated on Thursday, Sep 11, 2025 this year and a lot of people celebrate the occasion in a lot of different ways. Some include participating in memorial events, observing a moment of silence, volunteering, or educating yourself and others about the events of 9/11. Observe a Moment of Silence: A national moment of silence is observed at 8:46 AM EDT, the time the first plane struck the World Trade Center. Attend Memorial Services: Many communities hold memorial services, candlelight vigils, or other events to honor the victims and first responders. Fly the Flag at Half-Staff: As a sign of respect, the American flag is flown at half-staff on Patriot Day. Volunteer or Donate: Consider volunteering your time or donating to organizations that support first responders, veterans, or families affected by the attacks. On this day I am planning on doing a lot of prayers for those who are going through difficult times.

Rosh Hashanah is celebrated on September 22-24, 2025 this year and many people celebrate the occasion in a lot of different ways such as a combination of religious observances, festive meals, and symbolic traditions. Observances include attending synagogue services, hearing the sounding of the shofar (ram’s horn), and enjoying special meals featuring apples dipped in honey and other symbolic foods.  Synagogue Services: Attending services in a synagogue is a central part of the holiday, where special prayers and readings from the Machzor (prayer book) are recited. 
Shofar Blowing: The sounding of the shofar is a key mitzvah (commandment) of the holiday, with the distinct blasts serving as a “wake-up call” for introspection and repentance. Festive Meals: Meals on both nights of Rosh Hashanah are a time for family and friends to gather and enjoy traditional dishes, often including apples and honey, pomegranates, dates, and other symbolic foods. 
Tashlich: Many Jewish communities perform the Tashlich ceremony, where sins are symbolically cast into a body of water by throwing bread crumbs.  Symbolic Foods: Eating apples dipped in honey, round challah bread, and other symbolic foods like pomegranates and dates is a common practice to symbolize hope for a sweet new year.  New Fruit: On the second night, it is customary to eat a new fruit, symbolizing the start of something new. 
Reflection and Repentance: Rosh Hashanah marks the beginning of the “Days of Awe,” a 10-day period of introspection and reflection on the past year, culminating in Yom Kippur. Observance Length: While Reform Jews typically observe Rosh Hashanah for one day, Conservative and Orthodox Jews observe it for two days. 

National Double Cheeseburger Day is celebrated on Monday, September 15th, 2025. Many people celebrate the occasion in different ways including enjoying one at a restaurant, grilling your own, or even hosting a cheeseburger party. Don’t forget to share your celebrations on social media using hashtags #NationalDoubleCheeseburgerDay or #DoubleCheeseburgerDay Enjoying a Double Cheeseburger At a Restaurant: Visit your favorite burger joint, whether it’s a fast-food chain or a local spot, and order a delicious double cheeseburger. Grilling at Home: Fire up the grill and make it your own double cheeseburger. You can customize it with your favorite toppings and cheese. Hosting a Cheeseburger Party: Invite friends and family over for a cheeseburger feast. You can set up a toppings bar with various cheeses, lettuce, tomatoes, pickles, and sauces.  Sharing the Celebration on Social Media: Share photos of your double cheeseburger creations or your restaurant experience using the hashtags #NationalDoubleCheeseburgerDay or #DoubleCheeseburgerDay. Sharing your cheeseburger with friends and family makes the celebration even better.  Exploring Beyond the Basics: Participate in a Cheeseburger Challenge. Some restaurants may have cheeseburger challenges or eating contests on this day. Check with your local spots to see if they’re participating. Host burger trivia by organizing a fun game of burger trivia with friends and family Or play such a lighthearted game like “pin the patty on the bun”.

National Guacamole Day is celebrated on Tuesday, September 16th, 2025 and a lot of people celebrate the occasion in a lot of different ways including making your own guacamole, trying new recipes, hosting a guacamole party, or even using guacamole in unexpected ways like on pizza or as a sandwich spread. You can also visit a Mexican restaurant and order some fresh guacamole, or even have a “guacamole and spa day” by making beauty products with avocados.  Make Your Own Guacamole Classic Recipes: Start with ripe avocados, lime juice, onion, cilantro, and salt. Get creative experimenting with different additions like jalapenos, tomatoes, corn, or mango.  You can aLeo explore variations by considering sweet guacamole with milk and sugar (like in Sri Lanka) or savory options with unique spices. Try hosting a guacamole party by having a guacamole bar. Set up a station with different ingredients and let guests create their own versions.  Have a Guacamole Contest by having a friendly competition to see who makes the best guacamole.  Theme it by decorating with a Central American theme and serve other Mexican-inspired dishes alongside the guacamole. Think “outside the dip” by spreading guacamole on a sandwich or using it as a burger topping, or even on pizza. Stuff it by stuffing mushrooms with guacamole and topping them with Buffalo sauce. Make a salad by combining guacamole with other ingredients like watermelon, peaches, or feta for a unique salad. Make guacamole deviled eggs by adding guacamole to your deviled eggs for a delicious twist. 
Get Pampered: DIY Beauty like using avocados in homemade face masks, hair treatments, or hand creams. Relax and Unwind: Enjoying a spa day at home or with friends, incorporating avocado-based beauty treatments and, of course, guacamole. Support Local Restaurants: Enjoy fresh guac by visiting your favorite Mexican restaurant and order some guacamole. Shout Them Out by giving a shout-out to the restaurant with the best guacamole. On this day, I plan on making guacamole with chips for dinner, after the first day of Most 2 at Molloy University in Rockville Center.

National Chocolate Milk Day is celebrated on Saturday, September 27th and a lot of people celebrate the occasion in different ways including enjoy a glass of chocolate milk, experimenting with homemade recipes, or incorporating it into other treats. Consider pairing it with cookies, using it in baking, or creating a chocolate milk-based dip. You can also host a chocolate milk tasting or a movie night featuring chocolate-themed films. Start the day with a comforting glass of classic chocolate milk, whether store-bought or homemade. Pair with cookies: Enjoy childhood memories by pairing your chocolate milk with your favorite cookies. Create a milkshake: Blend chocolate milk with ice cream and toppings for a delicious milkshake.  Creative Celebrations: Try a homemade recipe by experimenting with different cocoa powders, milk alternatives (almond, oat, etc.), and flavored syrups to create your own unique chocolate milk recipe. 
Make chocolate milk dip by using chocolate milk, and pair it with fruits, pretzels, or marshmallows. 
Bake with chocolate milk: Incorporate chocolate milk into your pancake batter, oatmeal, or other baking recipes for a chocolatey twist.  Have a  chocolate milk tasting by hosting a tasting session, comparing different brands or types of chocolate milk. Have a choco-themed movie night by pairing your chocolate milk with a movie marathon featuring chocolate-themed films. Sharing the joy on social media: Use the hashtag #NationalChocolateMilkDay to share your celebrations and spread awareness. Gift chocolate milk by sharing your favorite chocolate milk with friends and family. Support organizations: Considering supporting organizations like Chocolate Milk Cafe, which celebrates the day and raises funds. On this day I am planning on drinking chocolate milk and baking brownies to have at home since I’m done working at Citi Field for the season until next year at the end of March.

Have a wonderful back to work and school year! Before I start the October 2025 blog post, I recommend Juniors Cheesecake, located in Manhattan. The address is 1515 Broadway, at 45th Street.  My favorite dish from Juniors Cheesecake is the Reuben! Here’s what’s in them:

• REUBEN: Corned Beef, Grilled Sauerkraut and Swiss on Rye bread.
• TURKEY REUBEN: Turkey, Creamy Cole Slaw and Grilled Swiss on Rye Bread
• PASTRAMI REUBEN: Pastrami, Grilled Sauerkraut and Swiss on Rye bread
• COMBO REUBEN: Corned Beef & Pastrami, Grilled Sauerkraut and Swiss on Rye bread Creamy Cole Slaw, Potato Salad  (Chopped Liver or Fries to any Sandwich $3.95)
• Lunch Combinations $19.95

Available Monday Through Friday 11am – 4pm Soup & Salad: Cup of Soup & Side Salad Soup & Sandwich or Cup of Soup & 1/2 Sandwich on a Plain Roll

Salad & Sandwich: 1/2 Sandwich on a Plain Roll & Side Salad (Soups: Split Pea Cup, Matzoh Ball Cup, Split Pea Bowl (Add $2.00)). Matzoh Ball Bowl (Add $2.00), Salads such as Garden Salad Caesar Salad, 1/2 Sandwiches on a Plain Roll, Corned Beef, Roasted Turkey, Roast Beef,  Egg Salad, Chicken Salad, Pastrami Brisket, Ham, or Tuna Salad.

If you love cheesecake go to Junior’s Cheesecake! They have strawberry cheesecake, New York plain original cheesecake, Fruit Cheesecake, Apple Crumb Cheesecake, Brownie explosion cheesecake, and Oreo cheesecake.

With a lot of love and happiness,

Fatima.