NATIONAL DOUGHNUT DAY
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A Hole Lot of Fun and Sweet History!
On the first Friday of June, doughnut lovers around the country rejoice as they celebrate National Doughnut Day! This delicious holiday pays tribute to the beloved fried pastry that has become a staple treat for both children and adults. Beyond the tasty indulgence, National Doughnut Day also has a fascinating history that dates back to World War I. So, grab a glass of milk and join us as we explore the origins of this delightful day and share some doughnut-inspired ideas to make this year’s celebration unforgettable for children!
A Doughnut’s Journey
National Doughnut Day originated in the United States in 1938, thanks to The Salvation Army. During World War I, The Salvation Army’s “Doughnut Lassies” would provide freshly made doughnuts to American soldiers serving on the front lines. These sweet treats provided a comforting taste of home and became a symbol of goodwill and support.
In 1938, The Salvation Army established National Doughnut Day to honor these courageous women and their efforts to uplift the spirits of soldiers. Today, National Doughnut Day not only commemorates the Donut Lassies’ contributions but also celebrates the joy and delight that doughnuts bring to people of all ages.
You can learn more in this post: Who Were the Doughnut Lassies?
Doughnut Day Ideas for Children
Doughnut Decorating Extravaganza
Set up a doughnut decorating station at home with plain doughnuts and a variety of toppings. Offer options like colorful sprinkles, chocolate chips, crushed cookies, or fruity glazes. Let your little ones unleash their creativity as they transform plain doughnuts into edible masterpieces. They can experiment with different combinations and designs, making each doughnut a unique work of art.
Doughnut Storytime
Gather your children for a doughnut-themed storytime session. Choose books like “If You Give a Dog a Donut” by Laura Numeroff or “The Donut Chef” by Bob Staake. As you read, engage their imaginations by discussing the different doughnut flavors, shapes, and characters in the stories. Encourage them to come up with their doughnut-inspired tales or draw illustrations afterward.
Doughnut Food Science
Engage your little scientists with some doughnut-related experiments. Discuss the science behind doughnut making, such as how yeast helps the dough rise or why oil is essential for frying. If you’re up for it, try making doughnuts from scratch together, following a kid-friendly recipe. Let them observe the dough’s transformation and learn about the chemical reactions that occur during the cooking process.
Doughnut Art and Crafts
Encourage artistic expression by engaging children in doughnut-themed arts and crafts. Provide them with craft supplies like colored paper, glue, and cotton balls to create their own doughnut-inspired masterpieces. They can cut out shapes, decorate them with colorful paper sprinkles, and glue cotton balls to mimic the fluffy texture of doughnuts. It’s a creative way to celebrate National Doughnut Day while honing their fine motor skills.
Doughnut Taste Test
Host a taste-testing session where children can sample different types of doughnuts. Visit a local doughnut shop and choose an assortment of flavors, shapes, and fillings. Encourage them to describe the taste, texture, and their overall preferences. This activity allows them to explore their taste buds and appreciate the diverse range of doughnut flavors available.
National Doughnut Day is not only a celebration of these delectable treats but also a chance to commemorate the generosity and support of The Salvation Army’s Donut Lassies. By engaging children in doughnut-inspired activities, we can not only indulge in sweet treats but also educate them about the history and significance of this delicious holiday. So, grab a doughnut, get creative, and make this year’s National Doughnut Day a memorable and tasty experience for the whole family!
Can’t celebrate this year – Mark your calendar & save this holiday for next year!
You can also pin the image below to your Pinterest boards to save this fantastic holiday!
Return to main calendar HERE
P.S. The Official Dictionary Spelling of the word in question—if you’re into that sort of thing—is “doughnut.” The expedited, simplified, Americanized spelling is “donut.”
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