January: The First Month of the Year

Basics About the First Month of the Year

January derives its name from Janu, the god of beginnings and transitions in Roman mythology. Janu was said to be the protector of gates, doorways, and paths, which is fitting because many of us view January as the doorway to the new year.

January is the first month of the year in both the Julian and Gregorian calendars. It is also the first of seven months with 31 days. The other six months are March, May, July, August, October, and December. The first day of January is a holiday known as New Year's Day. It follows New Year's Eve, when many celebrate the last day of the year by attending parties or church services.

Interesting Things About January

• In many places in the Northern Hemisphere, January is the coldest month of the year. So be prepared with coats, scarves, gloves, and boots.
• January is the month with the highest number of divorce filings in the U.S. Many wait until the holidays are over to begin proceedings, especially if children are involved. Some also do so to simplify their income tax process.
• There are close to 100 people in the United States whose first or last name is January. January Jones is an actress who was born on January 5, 1978. Interestingly, even though she was born in January, she was not named after the month. She was named after January Wayne, a character in Jacqueline Susann's novel, Once Is Not Enough.

January's Flowers and Birthstone

One of January's flowers is the snowdrop (genus Galanthus). Another is the pink Dianthus.

January's birthstone is garnet, which represents constancy. Garnets are primarily known for their deep red color, but they can also be found in a wide variety of other colors.

January's Zodiac Signs

• Capricorn: December 22nd to January 19th
• Aquarius: January 20th to February 21st

Holidays and Observances in January

• January 1st: New Year's Day
• January 6th: Epiphany, or Feast of the Three Kings (celebrates the visit of the Magi to the young Jesus)
• Third Monday in January: Martin Luther King Jr. Day

Celebrities Born in January

If you were born in January, you share your birth month with quite a few celebrities. Some of the most prominent ones are listed below.

• Elvis Presley
• Martin Luther King Jr.
• J.D. Salinger
• Zora Hurston
• Edgar Allan Poe
• Morris Chestnut
• Mel Gibson
• Oprah Winfrey
• Ellen DeGeneres
• Bradley Cooper
• Jason Bateman

Presidents Born in January

• Millard Fillmore: January 7, 1800
• William McKinley: January 29, 1843
• Franklin Roosevelt: January 30, 1882
• Richard Nixon: January 9, 1913

Presidents Who Died in January

• John Tyler: January 18, 1862
• Rutherford B. Hayes: January 17, 1893
• Theodore Roosevelt: January 6, 1919
• Calvin Coolidge: January 5, 1933
• Lyndon B. Johnson: January 22, 1973

Things to Buy in January

Shopping for items on sale during January is a great way to use any gift cards you might have received at Christmas.

1. Gym Memberships and Fitness Equipment

Gym memberships and fitness equipment may be heavily discounted during January because retailers know fitness is a popular New Year's resolution.

2. Bedding and Bathroom Linens

The best bedding sales typically come in January. Discounted prices on sheets, blankets, pillows, comforters, and other bedding items are available at major retailers, both in-store and online. Prices may also be discounted on bathroom linens.

3. Winter Clothes

January is one of the top months to buy some clothes. Retailers want to clear out their winter stock to make room for spring styles. Steep discounts are available on winter coats, sweaters, suits, and other cold-weather apparel.

4. Spring Travel

To get deals on spring travel, schedule your trips in January. January is a slow month for the travel industry. Start looking in January if you want to take a vacation later in the year.

5. Holiday Décor

Many people know that the best time to get bargains on holiday décor is right after the December holidays. Once the holidays are over, most retailers offer ridiculous discounts on any Christmas merchandise they have left over. Therefore, it is wise to go shopping in January for new Christmas items.

Things Not to Buy in January

While there are some great bargains during January, there are also some things you should avoid buying. Instead of rushing out to buy the following items in January, wait until later in the year when prices may drop.

1. Toys

The best deals on toys are usually offered during November and December, before Christmas. It's a good idea to hold off on buying additional toys in January.

2. Smartphones

The best smartphone deals are typically offered from September to November. Most new models are released in the fall, and sales end by January after the holidays.

3. Computers

The best time to purchase them is in November—before the holidays. Wait until late summer for back-to-school sales or until November for Black Friday deals to get the best bargains.

4. Video Game Consoles

Purchase video game consoles in November instead of January. Frequently, console sales come at the end of the year rather than at the beginning.