National Hobby Month

 

In the United States, National Hobby Month occurs during the month of January. This month-long celebration honors the hobbies and interests people of all ages have pursued since time immemorial. Hobbies have been around as long as human history and cultures have, providing escape and relaxation from everyday life. During National Hobby Month, Americans are encouraged to take some time from the everyday hustle and bustle of life and spend it doing something they truly enjoy.

 

When it comes to hobbies, there is no true definition—anything from knitting and crochet to home brewing beer and playing video games can count. What matters is that the activity in question sparks joy in the participant and serves as an escape from everyday life. Hobbies bring people together and create something new and exciting. In honor of National Hobby Month, here’s a look at a few different hobbies and their recent trends.

 

Knitting and crochet have been around for centuries but have recently seen an uptick in popularity. This may be due to recent trends in home decor and Instagram-friendly items such as unicorn or pineapple pillows or even to the vast number of beginner kits now available on the market. Regardless, these activities are a great way for beginners to get started on the art of creating something new!

 

Home brewing has gained notoriety in recent years, as one of the newest ways for craft beer enthusiasts to create their own favorite brews. With a seemingly endless array of beer recipes available, home brewing allows drinkers to create unique flavors to enjoy or share with their friends. Home brewing has been a popular hobby among millennials in recent years, and with its growing state-by-state legality, more people are sure to embark on this journey.

 

Video gaming has come a long way since the days of playing Pac-Man on a bulky arcade machine. With the advent of game consoles, PC gaming, and the ever-growing popularity of mobile gaming, there is a seemingly infinite number of ways to enjoy electronic games. Whether it is playing a single-player story game or teaming up with friends in an online match, there is always a game to fit the tastes of any gamer.

 

In this digital age, a new type of creative hobby has emerged: coding. With websites and applications becoming standard for businesses and services, coding is at the heart of the digital world. From creating a basic website to learning a high-level programming language, coding is a valuable skill to add to any individual’s repertoire.

 

For those that prefer to stay in the real world, gardening provides an opportunity to create beauty from the ground up—literally! From growing vegetables and fruits to large-scale landscaping, gardening can be a great way to pass the time and create something lasting and beautiful.

 

No matter which hobby floats your boat, National Hobby Month is the perfect time to explore and take a break from the daily grind. Even if it’s only a few hours a week, taking time out of our hectic lives to explore a new hobby is sure to have an impact. So, this January, take some time to do something you love and don’t be afraid to explore!