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December 18, 2026 Holiday:

National Ugly Christmas Sweater Day

National Ugly Christmas Sweater Day is a joyous celebration that embodies the playful and humorous side of the holiday season. On this special day, people are encouraged to dig out their most outrageous, tacky, and hilariously hideous holiday sweaters and wear them with pride. The tradition is all about embracing the kitschy and the quirky, and having a blast with friends and family while doing so. Many people host or attend ugly sweater parties, where the most creative and cringe-worthy sweaters are often rewarded with prizes or bragging rights. Overall, National Ugly Christmas Sweater Day is a lighthearted and entertaining way to get into the holiday spirit and poke fun at the usual festive fashion norms.

Learn more about National Ugly Christmas Sweater Day
Holidays on December 18, 2026:

International Migrants Day

International Migrants Day, December 18, 2026. Recognize the bravery and sacrifices of migrants worldwide, and work towards a more inclusive and equitable world. more >>

Answer the Phone Like Buddy the Elf Day

Answer the Phone Like Buddy the Elf Day on 12/18/2026: Could this holiday be a festive myth or a fun unofficial tradition? more >>

Bake Cookies Day

Join the sweetest tradition on December 18, 2026, as families and friends gather to bake and share cookies, spreading kindness and festive cheer. more >>

National Twin Day

National Twin Day, 12/18/2026: A heartwarming day honoring the unique bond between twins, with fun activities, games, and events highlighting their twinship. more >>

Underdog Day

Underdog Day, 12/18/2026, honors unsung heroes, recognizing efforts that often go unnoticed, inspiring community and kindness. more >>

Arabic Language Day

Arabic Language Day on 12/18/2026: Discover the rich cultural heritage and linguistic diversity of the Arabic language, its significance in international communication, education, and cultural exchange. more >>

National "I Love Honey" Day

National "I Love Honey" Day, 12/18/2026, indulge in honey-based treats, learn about beekeeping and pollinators, and discover honey's charms. more >>

Flake Appreciation Day

Embracing the quirky beauty of individuality, this holiday is all about honoring those who march to their own beat, celebrating the freedom to be unapologetically oneself, even if that means being a little unconventional. more >>

National Ham Salad Day

National Ham Salad Day, December 18, 2026: Discover creative twists on a classic American comfort food and get inspired by family recipes and cooking contests. more >>
Birthdays on December 18:

Steven Spielberg

79 Years Old

Acclaimed filmmaker behind iconic movies like Jaws, E.T., and Jurassic Park, revolutionizing the film industry with his imaginative storytelling and visual effects. Co-founder of D...

Brad Pitt

62 Years Old

Academy Award-winning actor and producer, starring in iconic films like "Thelma & Louise" and "Once Upon a Time in Hollywood," with a career spanning over three decades.

Billie Eilish

24 Years Old

A teenage pop sensation who rose to fame with her unique sound and style, known for chart-topping hits like "Bad Guy" and "When the Party's Over".

Keith Richards

82 Years Old

Legendary guitarist and songwriter of The Rolling Stones, known for his iconic riffs and rebellious rock 'n' roll spirit.

Christina Aguilera

45 Years Old

A pop culture icon, known for her powerful vocals and hit singles like "Genie in a Bottle" and "Lady Marmalade", with a successful music and acting career spanning over two decades...

Stone Cold Steve Austin

61 Years Old

A tough-talking, beer-bashing, anti-authority wrestler who entertained millions with his unapologetic attitude and unforgettable feuds in the WWE. He's a cultural icon of the Attit...

Joseph Stalin

Died in 1953, aged 74

The Soviet Union's ruthless leader who ruled with an iron fist, implementing policies that led to widespread famine and purges, while also playing a crucial role in defeating Nazi ...

Ray Liotta

Died in 2022, aged 67

Iconic actor who brought intense, gritty characters to life on screen, starring in films like Goodfellas and Field of Dreams.

Alejandro Sanz

57 Years Old

A renowned Latin music icon, celebrated for his soulful voice, poetic lyrics, and genre-bending fusion of flamenco, rock, and pop. He's a 17-time Latin Grammy winner and a global a...

DMX

Died in 2021, aged 50

A talented rapper and actor who rose to fame in the late 1990s with his unique style and energetic performances, known for hits like "Ruff Ryders' Anthem" and roles in films like "...

J. J. Thomson

Died in 1940, aged 83

Discovered the electron and developed the plum pudding model of the atom, revolutionizing our understanding of atomic structure.

Sia

50 Years Old

A critically acclaimed singer-songwriter known for powerful, emotive vocals and hit songs like "Chandelier" and "Elastic Heart", often performing with a wig covering her face.

Events from History on December 18:
161 years ago
US abolishes slavery with Thirteenth Amendment adoption (Washington, D.C.) 1865
William Seward, the US Secretary of State, made history by proclaiming the adoption of the Thirteenth Amendment, marking a monumental victory in the fight against slavery. This groundbreaking move marked the long-awaited abolition of slavery throughout the United States, fulfilling a crucial promise of the Civil War. With this amendment, the country took a giant leap towards a more equitable society, paving the way for future generations to fight for freedom and equality. This pivotal moment would forever change the course of American history, shaping the nation's identity and values.
82 years ago
Supreme Court upholds Japanese American internment (Supreme Court of the United States, Washington, D.C., USA) 1944
Franklin D. Roosevelt's Executive Order 9066 sparked controversy when it called for the internment of Japanese Americans during World War II. On December 18, 1944, the Supreme Court further fueled the fire by ruling in favor of the government in Korematsu v. United States. This decision effectively legitimized the forced relocation and incarceration of nearly 120,000 Japanese Americans, two-thirds of whom were U.S. citizens. The verdict was a devastating blow to the Japanese American community, leading to the loss of property, livelihoods, and civil liberties.
54 years ago
Nixon Orders Christmas Bombings of North Vietnam (Washington, D.C., USA) 1972
President Nixon's patience wore thin as peace talks with North Vietnam crumbled on December 13th, 1972. In a bold move, he announced Operation Linebacker II, a series of Christmas bombings targeting North Vietnam. Dubbed the "Christmas bombings," this 11-day campaign unleashed a flurry of B-52 bombers, dropping over 20,000 tons of explosives on Hanoi and Haiphong. The intense airstrikes aimed to coerce North Vietnam back to the negotiating table. As the holiday season unfolded, the world watched anxiously, hoping for a peaceful resolution to the Vietnam War.
110 years ago
French Forces Retake Verdun from German Occupation (Verdun, France) 1916
In the frozen trenches of Verdun, the war-weary French army, fueled by determination and desperation, launched a second offensive against the German forces, pushing them back two to three kilometers and forcing them to abandon their attacks. As the snow-covered landscape echoed with the sounds of artillery and rifle fire, the French troops, having faced unimaginable hardships, finally gained the upper hand, marking a crucial turning point in the brutal Battle of Verdun.
755 years ago
Kublai Khan renames empire "Yuan" starting the Yuan dynasty (Mongolia, China) 1271
Mongolia's greatest leader, Kublai Khan, had a vision for a unified empire, and on this day, he took a crucial step towards making it a reality. He renamed his vast empire "Yuan," effectively marking the beginning of the Yuan dynasty, a period that would last for nearly a century. This new name symbolized the merging of Mongolian and Chinese cultures, as Kublai Khan sought to establish a more centralized and organized government. Little did he know that his decision would have far-reaching consequences, shaping the course of Mongolian and Chinese history for centuries to come.
7 years ago
House Impeaches Trump on Abuse of Power and Obstruction (United States Capitol, Washington, D.C. 20515, USA) 2019
Donald Trump's presidency was rocked when the United States House of Representatives made history by voting to impeach him on two counts: abuse of power and obstruction of Congress. The impeachment inquiry, sparked by a whistleblower's complaint, accused Trump of pressuring Ukraine's president to investigate political rival Joe Biden in exchange for military aid. With a largely party-line vote, the Democratic-led House approved Article I (abuse of power) 230-197 and Article II (obstruction) 229-198, marking Trump as only the third US president to be impeached. This monumental decision sent shockwaves across the nation, setting the stage for a Senate trial in early 2020.
Notable Deaths on December 18:
1997Chris Farley Beloved American comedian and actor, renowned for his physical comedy and charismatic stage presence.
2006Joseph Barbera Legendary animator and director of beloved cartoons
2016Zsa Zsa Gabor Hungarian-born Hollywood siren renowned for her glamorous lifestyle and numerous marriages
1992Mark Goodson Prolific American game show creator
2008Majel Barrett Visionary actress and producer of memorable roles
2008Mark Felt Clandestine FBI agent and behind-the-scenes operator
2017Kim Jong-hyun South Korean K-pop star and songwriter known for his powerful vocals and emotional ballads
1971Bobby Jones Golfer and lawyer who achieved legendary status in the world of professional sports.
1971Diana Lynn Actress who mesmerized audiences with her talent and versatility on the big screen.
1972Neilia Hunter Biden First wife of the 46th Vice President of the United States, a woman whose life was marked by devotion and family.
1737Antonio Stradivari Master craftswoman of fine violins
2000Kirsty MacColl British singer-songwriter and musician, celebrated for her distinctive voice and eclectic music style.
2011Václav Havel Influential playwright and statesman who navigated Czechoslovakia's Velvet Revolution
1993Sam Wanamaker Versatile American-English actor and director
2000Randolph Apperson Hearst Influential American businessman and newspaper editor, known for his entrepreneurial spirit and media mogul status.
1996Irving Caesar American composer and lyricist, best known for his work in the Broadway musical theatre.
2001Gilbert Bécaud French singer-songwriter, pianist, and actor, renowned for his poetic lyrics and melodic compositions.
1999Robert Bresson French film director and screenwriter, celebrated for his innovative and influential cinematic style.
1995Konrad Zuse German inventor and engineer
1990Paul Tortelier Renowned French cellist and composer