Don’t Make Your Bed Day: A Celebration of Messy Freedom

Don’t Make Your Bed Day is an annual holiday that encourages people to leave their beds unmade for a day, embracing the freedom from this daily chore. It’s a lighthearted celebration that reminds us it’s okay to be imperfect sometimes and to take a break from our routines.

Quick Facts

  • When is it?: December 21st
  • Tagged as: Fun & Games
  • What’s the hashtag?: #DontMakeYourBedDay
  • When was it founded?: 2014
  • Who founded it?: Shannon Barba, a fifth-grader from Tijeras, New Mexico

History of Don’t Make Your Bed Day

Don’t Make Your Bed Day originated from a petition written by Shannon Barba, a fifth-grade student from New Mexico. Shannon had been making their bed every day since the age of four to make their parents proud but felt the chore was pointless and tiresome. The petition called for a day when people could leave their beds unmade without feeling guilty.

Timeline

  • 2014: Shannon Barba starts a petition for Don’t Make Your Bed Day
  • 2014: The holiday gains traction on various holiday websites
  • 2025: Don’t Make Your Bed Day continues to be celebrated annually

Don’t Make Your Bed Day Dates

YearMonth and DateDay
2025December 21Sunday
2026December 21Monday
2027December 21Tuesday
2028December 21Thursday
2029December 21Friday
2030December 21Saturday

Observed Don’t Make Your Bed Day

Don’t Make Your Bed Day is observed on December 21st, which coincides with the winter solstice in the Northern Hemisphere. This date was chosen because it’s the shortest day of the year when people are likely to spend the least amount of time out of bed.

The holiday encourages people to skip making their beds for a day, allowing them to enjoy a few extra minutes of relaxation or sleep. It’s a reminder that it’s okay to break from routine occasionally and embrace a bit of messiness in life.

Observers of this holiday often use the extra time to do something enjoyable, like reading a book, watching a movie, or simply lounging in their unmade beds.

Fun Facts About Don’t Make Your Bed Day

  1. Some studies suggest that unmade beds might be healthier, as they can help remove moisture and dehydrate dust mites.
  2. The holiday falls on the winter solstice, the shortest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere.
  3. Making your bed every day is a habit often associated with increased productivity and better mental health.
  4. The concept of not making your bed has been around for centuries, but it only recently got its own holiday.
  5. Some people celebrate “Don’t Make Your Bed Day” every day!

Quiz

  1. Who founded Don’t Make Your Bed Day?
  2. On which date is Don’t Make Your Bed Day celebrated?
  3. In which year was Don’t Make Your Bed Day founded?
  4. What was the founder’s reason for choosing December 21st?
  5. What type of holiday is Don’t Make Your Bed Day tagged as?

(Answers: 1. Shannon Barba, 2. December 21st, 3. 2014, 4. It’s the shortest day of the year, 5. Fun & Games)

FAQs

Q: Is Don’t Make Your Bed Day an official holiday?
A: While it’s not an officially recognized national holiday, it has gained popularity through various holiday websites and social media.

Q: Can I celebrate Don’t Make Your Bed Day on a different day?
A: Absolutely! While December 21st is the designated date, you can choose to celebrate it any day you need a break from making your bed.

Q: Are there any health benefits to not making your bed?
A: Some studies suggest that leaving your bed unmade can help reduce dust mites by exposing them to air and light, potentially benefiting people with allergies.

Q: How can I celebrate Don’t Make Your Bed Day?
A: Simply leave your bed unmade and use the extra time to do something you enjoy, like reading, relaxing, or having a leisurely breakfast.

Q: Is it okay to make my bed on Don’t Make Your Bed Day if I want to?
A: Of course! The holiday is about freedom of choice, so if making your bed brings you joy, feel free to do so.

Importance of Don’t Make Your Bed Day

Don’t Make Your Bed Day serves as a reminder that it’s okay to break from routine and embrace imperfection occasionally. It encourages people to take a moment for themselves and not stress over small tasks that might not significantly impact their day.

This holiday also promotes the idea of balance in our lives. While maintaining cleanliness and order is important, it’s equally crucial to allow ourselves moments of relaxation and freedom from constant tidiness.

Lastly, Don’t Make Your Bed Day sparks conversations about productivity, mental health, and the societal pressures we often place on ourselves for perfection. It reminds us that sometimes, it’s okay to let go and enjoy life’s simple pleasures.

Related

  • National Napping Day
  • World Sleep Day
  • Lazy Day
  • National Relaxation Day
  • Make Your Bed Day