How to Celebrate Lumpy Rug Day (May 3)

Out with the old, in with the new?

Lumpy Rug Day is celebrated May 3.
While some people think the day is all about carpet, its original tongue-in-cheek intent is more global than homey. Its purpose, according to "Chase's Calendar of Annual Events," is to tease "bigots and trigots for shoving unwelcome facts under the rug." After stowing too many cans of worms under the rug, the description of the holiday says, "defenders of the status quo obtain a new rug high enough to cover the unwanted facts."
Whether you celebrate with a new rug or new views, it's a holiday anyone can embrace.

Things You'll Need

• An old lumpy rug.
• A brand new smooth rug.

Instructions

1. Peek under the metaphorical rug. Can of worms No. 1: How's your year going? May 3 is close enough to the midway mark to re-evaluate your New Year's resolutions. Have they become good habits by now? If not, are they ideas worth saving, or should you toss them?

2. Examine your beliefs. Can of worms No. 2: Confront the idea of intolerance. Talk to your children about tolerance, empathy and good citizenship, and how these ideas affect their friendships. Expose them to a new food, type of music or words in another language.

3. Shake things up. Can of worms No 3: Maybe it is all about the rug. If it's been a while since you've swept under it, lift it up, shake it out and see what lies beneath it. Maybe you'll find a silver lining if those lumps are caused by spare change.

4. Spruce things up. Can of worms No. 4: Maybe you're happy with the status quo in your life, but your rug has lumps in it. If it's just an old, beat-up rug, Lumpy Rug Day is the perfect excuse to throw it out and shop for a beautiful replacement.

5. Improvise. Can of worms No 5: These days, not everyone has a rug to sweep things under. If you have wall-to-wall carpet, you can shake the sofa cushions instead. Loose change is always something to celebrate.

Tips & Warnings

• From time to time, smooth out the lumps in your rug.

• Avoid keeping a lumpy rug for more than 5 years.

References

• Chase's Calendar of Annual Events; Lumpy Rug Day; 2011
• Scholastic Parents: 4 Ways to Promote Tolerance and Respect in Your Child