1-31: Celebration Of Life, Bald Eagle Watch, Reaching Your Potential, Fat-Free Living, Bread-Baking, Life Balance, Book, Get Over It, Oatmeal and Bath Safety Month. Enough lighthearted and serious causes to occupy a year’s worth of promotional activity.

1: Millennium #2 Begins. A whole lot of folks thought it was last January 1, but according to scientists, this is the actual start of the new millennium. Natural for all time-related products.

6: National Smith Day. As it’s the most common last name in the English-speaking world, today celebrates anyone named Smith, a derivative (e.g., Smithey or Goldsmith) or having Smith somewhere in their name (e.g., Calderham Smith Mastroianni). Promotions can include honorary Smiths as well. And don’t forget those with profession-related smiths – silversmiths, blacksmiths, etc. Annually on John Smith’s (of Pocahontas fame) birthday.

7-13: National Lose Weight/Feel Great Week. Most of us swear we’re really gonna do it this year, but rarely do. All those leftover holiday treats can’t go to waste, after all. ... Super promotional springboard for weight-loss centers, health-food stores, gyms, fitness-equipment makers/retailers, sporting goods stores and health clubs. Logoed items used can range from jump ropes to towels to tape measures.

17: PGA Of America Founding Anniversary. Unexpected day to launch any sort of promotion with a golf theme. Accompanying items can include tees, balls, gloves, bag tags, or any one of the other 1,001 golf products your counselor can show you.

22: George Balanchine: Birthday. Considered one of the fathers of modern ballet. Dance schools, ballet companies, costume shops and more can make use of the theme.

24: California Gold Discovery Anniversary. In 1848. The folks at Sutter’s Mill tried to keep it a secret, but news leaked out and the gold rush began. An offbeat opportunity for jewelers, coin shops, precious-metal buyers, suppliers of jewelry-making tools and so on.