It's Happening In... January

This column will feature events unique to the month in which eBay Life appears.

January is the time for making New Year's resolutions, snuggling by the fireplace, and watching football games. It's also time to celebrate special birthdays, famous and little-known holidays, and unique events. eBay can help you prepare for lots of occasions you might want to participate in this month. Take a look at the listing below, and click on the links to see some great merchandise you may want to include in your winter plans.

New Year's Day – January 1. You've made your resolutions - now it's time to implement them. If you've resolved to tone up those flabby muscles, check out our exercise equipment. If your aim is to spend more time with Fido or Fluffy, our dog and cat items might be more to your liking. Searching for the meaning of life? Embark upon your spiritual journey by browsing through our religious books.

National Hot Tea Month – January 1-31. This is the month to celebrate one of nature's most popular, soothing beverages - tea! You don't have to be in Wonderland, and your name doesn't have to be Alice to have the gang over for a tea party. We have tea cups, teapots, and lots of other tea-related items to make your party a special event!

Alaska Admission Day – January 3. Our 49th state was entered into the union on January 3, 1959. Commemorate the state that brought us the Iditarod, the Northern Lights, and breathtaking scenery by selecting unique items from or about Alaska.

National Smith Day – January 6. If your last name is Smith, then this is your day! In the United States, there are an estimated 2,382,500 people who have the surname of "Smith." And for you folks named Goldsmith, Coopersmith, Arrowsmith, and the like - you're part of the "Smith" celebration too!

Elvis Presley's Birthday – January 8. The King of Rock n Roll was born on this day in 1935. eBay has All the King's Things, Elvis chat, Ask the Expert, and lots of Elvis memorabilia to celebrate this important day in music history.

Julia Louis-Dreyfus's Birthday – January 13. Our favorite Seinfeld gal turns 38 this month. Hey Julia, tell us again - is soup a meal?

Japan: Adults' Day – January 15. This day celebrates the youth of Japan who have reached adulthood during the preceding year. How about a nice fountain pen, camera, or watch for your favorite new adult!

Be Good to Yourself Week – January 18-24. This is the week to focus on that special person known as YOU! The week was set aside to increase public awareness of the importance of self-esteem, self-image, and self-confidence. Perhaps a new sweater or suit would make you feel in control. How about a self-help book? Anyone for a new car?

Martin Luther King Jr. Day – January 18. This holiday honors the black civil rights leader, minister, and Nobel Peace Prize winner, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Lots of wonderful and varied Martin Luther King items are available on eBay.

Edwin "Buzz" Aldrin Birthday – January 20. The second man on the moon turns 69 years old today. Whether you're looking for Buzz Aldrin, Neil Armstrong, or other Apollo astronaut memorabilia, it's all just a click away!

National Handwriting Day – January 23. Whether you long for a Mont Blanc, Waterman, or Sheaffer, today's the day to bid on a fountain pen so you can practice your penmanship!

National Puzzle Day – January 29. A day to recognize puzzles and their creators? You bet! Scramble them, sort them, and solve to your heart's content. Click here to find some great puzzles on eBay.