The best holiday ever invented: VGPJDD! That’s Video Game-Pajama-Donut Day, if you’re nasty (or not). It was invented three years ago and while the actual date changes each year, it is generally celebrated between December 25th and January 1st. How to celebrate? Really?! I mean, the name says it all, no? Okay!

First, well, you’ll need access to either an awesome arcade or a modern video game console. We usually end up playing B’s Nintendo Wii because there are more 4 player games and so much fun and hilarity ensues. I personally love any odd sort of Japanese puzzle or co-op games, but we’ve played everything from Wii Sports & Wii Play to Super Mario Bros. Whatever works for you is fine, so long as it’s a video game.

Next, you have to wear pajamas, all day. No matter what you do or where you go, you must wear pajamas. And not ones that can easily pass for day wear, either. Actual pajamas. And yes, I’ve heard the jokes about “But I don’t wear pajamas to bed” stop that! Just enjoy this special holiday or don’t, it’s up to you. Last year I dolled up my PJ’s with a 100″ strand of pearls and a pork pie hat. During the day we all had those two accessories on at some point. And there is video of each of us shimmying into the camera wearing the pearls for some long forgotten reason. Ha!

Now here’s the toughest part: Get a dozen Donuts (or more, depending on the size of your celebrating group, it’s usually the four of us)! How is this the hardest part? Well, the best donuts ever are in the town I live, from a little hole in the wall called Stan’s. I have had donuts from many a famous place (VooDoo Donuts!) and mom & pop places and none, and I do mean none, come even close to the gorgeousness of Stan’s! Since most of you don’t live with me or in my vicinity, you’ll have to make do with whatever you got. *Hugs*

You’re all set for the best day ever! What we end up doing changes each year. The first year we all ventured out for Peet’s Coffee together, the next one of us got it for all. Sometimes we play video games non-stop, other times we watch a movie or play a board game or cards intermittently. Last year what was just some snacks turned into an all-out gourmet living room picnic. We were introduced to Cotswold cheese (and fell in love) and had all of these tasty little bits of things on an Ikea Lack table ($7.99, seriously, they rock!) in the middle of the room. Cannot go wrong! Champagne helps, Cider helps me a tad more (Ha-ha!), cocktails are fun and welcome and as long as everyone’s chipping in and you’ve got at least one bargain hunter in your midst, you’ll do brilliantly!

The point of this invented holiday is not family or gifts or traditions. It’s escaping all of that and laying down your own law for one damned day to cut loose and not give a shit about anything else. It should never be stressful and it should always involve lots of laughter. LOTS!!! If you’re not laughing, you’re doing it wrong! Ha-ha! This will be the third annual VGPJDD and we will be celebrating it on Sunday, December 28th. I hope you can join us in spirit. And may the force and rad fatty love be with you always. <3