About January 2026
History & Origins
January is named after Janus, the Roman god of beginnings and transitions. He is often depicted with two faces, one looking back at the past year and the other looking forward to the new one. Originally, the Roman calendar began in March, but Numa Pompilius added January and February around 713 BC.
Planning Tips
January is the perfect time to set goals for 2026. With the year starting on a Thursday, use the first weekend to finalize your resolutions. It's also a key month for booking summer vacations to get early bird rates.
Fun Facts about January
- •The birthstone for January is the Garnet, symbolizing constancy.
- •The flower for this month is the Carnation or Snowdrop.
- •January 2026 starts on a Thursday, making for a short first work week.
Key Federal Holidays
| Date | Holiday |
|---|---|
| 2026-01-01 | New Year's Day |
| 2026-01-19 | Martin Luther King, Jr. Day |