Monday is January 19, 2026.
Does that date feel heavy to you? It should. Honestly, if you’re looking at your calendar and wondering why everything is closed or why your inbox is suspiciously quiet, it’s because this isn’t just any random Monday. It’s the third Monday of January. In the United States, that means it is Martin Luther King Jr. Day.
But there’s a lot more going on than just a federal holiday.
The Big Day: January 19, 2026
Most people just want to know the number so they can book a flight or schedule a dentist appointment. You’ve got it: January 19.
This day actually sits right in the pocket of "Week 4" of the year. We are 19 days into 2026, with 346 days left to go before we hit 2027. If you’re a stickler for the ISO 8601 standard, this is part of week 04.
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Why do we care? Well, for one, it’s a massive day for civil rights reflection. Since 1986, the U.S. has used this specific Monday to honor Dr. King’s legacy. It’s technically his birthday (which is January 15), but we shift it to the Monday to give everyone that "long weekend" energy—though the real point is the National Day of Service.
The "Blue Monday" Myth
You might hear people calling January 19 "Blue Monday."
People say it’s the most depressing day of the year. They point to the cold weather, the failing New Year’s resolutions, and the post-holiday debt piling up. Kinda bleak, right?
Here’s the thing: Blue Monday is basically a marketing invention. It was originally cooked up by a travel company (Sky Travel) back in 2005 to get people to buy vacations. They even released a "formula" involving variables like weather ($W$) and time since Christmas ($T$).
- The reality? Scientists think the formula is nonsense.
- The takeaway? If you feel down on Monday, January 19, it’s probably just because it’s Monday, not because of some cosmic alignment of misery.
What’s Actually Happening on January 19?
If you aren’t at a march or volunteering, you might be at home eating popcorn. No, really. It’s National Popcorn Day.
It’s one of those weird internet holidays that has actually gained some traction. Beyond the snacks, there are some pretty heavy historical echoes for this date.
Did you know that on January 19, 1946, Dolly Parton was born? The Queen of Country herself. In a completely different vibe, it’s also the birthday of Edgar Allan Poe (1809). Talk about a contrast in personalities. One brings us "Jolene," the other brings us "The Raven."
Practical Logistics for Monday
If you’re trying to get things done, keep these specifics in mind:
- Post Offices: Closed. No mail delivery today.
- Banks: Most major branches like Chase, Wells Fargo, and Bank of America will have their doors locked, though ATMs obviously still work.
- Stock Market: The NYSE and NASDAQ are taking the day off.
- Government Offices: Local, state, and federal offices are largely shuttered.
Interestingly, if you’re in certain Southern states like Alabama or Mississippi, this date is technically a double-holiday. It’s also Robert E. Lee’s Birthday. This overlap has been a point of massive contention for decades. Most of the country focuses on Dr. King, but the legal reality in a few spots remains a weird, awkward dual-celebration that many locals find increasingly outdated.
Actionable Steps for Your Monday
Since you now know Monday is January 19, don’t just let it slide by.
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First, check your local refuse schedule. Most cities push trash pickup back by one day when a federal holiday hits. If your cans usually go out on Monday, they probably won't be emptied until Tuesday.
Second, if you’re feeling that "Blue Monday" slump, lean into the Day of Service aspect. Studies from organizations like AmeriCorps show that volunteering actually spikes dopamine levels. It’s the "helper’s high." Instead of doomscrolling, find a local food bank or a park cleanup.
Finally, if you’re a business owner, remember that Monday is a bank holiday. If you have employees to pay or transfers to make, get them done by the preceding Friday, or they won't settle until Tuesday, January 20. Planning ahead prevents the "where is my paycheck?" phone calls on Tuesday morning.
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Mark it down. Monday is January 19, 2026. Use the day wisely.