National Humbug Day
National Humbug Day, celebrated annually on December 21, is a lighthearted holiday that allows people to vent their frustrations and embrace their inner Ebenezer Scrooge before diving into the festive cheer of Christmas. Created by Thomas and Ruth Roy, this quirky day offers a chance to say “Bah, humbug!” to holiday stress and expectations, all in good humor.
Quick Facts
- When is it?: December 21
- Tagged as: Holiday stress relief, humor, pre-Christmas grumpiness
- What’s the hashtag?: #HumbugDay
- When was it founded?: 1996
- Who founded it?: Thomas and Ruth Roy
History of National Humbug Day
The term humbug originated in the 18th century as slang for deception or nonsense. It gained cultural prominence through Charles Dickens’ novella A Christmas Carol (1843), where Ebenezer Scrooge dismisses Christmas with his iconic phrase, “Bah, humbug!” Inspired by this literary classic, Thomas and Ruth Roy established National Humbug Day in 1996 as a humorous way to help people cope with the pressures of the holiday season. The day encourages participants to express their frustrations in a playful manner while ultimately embracing the joy of the season.
Timeline
- 1751: The word humbug first appears in English slang.
- 1843: Charles Dickens publishes A Christmas Carol, popularizing the term through Scrooge’s disdain for Christmas.
- 1938: The first film adaptation of A Christmas Carol introduces Scrooge’s “Bah, humbug!” to a wider audience.
- 1996: Thomas and Ruth Roy create National Humbug Day.
Dates by Next Year (2025–2030)
| Year | Month and Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | December 21 | Sunday |
| 2026 | December 21 | Monday |
| 2027 | December 21 | Tuesday |
| 2028 | December 21 | Thursday |
| 2029 | December 21 | Friday |
| 2030 | December 21 | Saturday |
Observed
National Humbug Day is observed by embracing your inner grumpiness in a fun and harmless way. People might declare up to “12 humbugs” throughout the day, host movie marathons featuring Scrooge-like characters, or write humorous letters expressing their holiday frustrations. It’s all about releasing stress before rejoining the festive spirit.
Fun Facts About National Humbug Day
- The phrase “Bah, humbug!” was made famous by Scrooge but originally meant playful deception rather than outright disdain.
- The day aligns with the winter solstice, symbolizing the darkest day of the year—perfect for channeling Scrooge’s mood.
- Some communities worldwide have adopted similar traditions, such as Spain’s “Día de los Santos Inocentes,” which involves lighthearted pranks.
Quiz
- Who created National Humbug Day?
- What famous character popularized the phrase “Bah, humbug!”?
- How many “humbugs” are you allowed to declare on this day?
- What year was National Humbug Day founded?
(Answers: 1. Thomas and Ruth Roy; 2. Ebenezer Scrooge; 3. Twelve; 4. 1996)
FAQs
Q: Is National Humbug Day anti-Christmas?
A: Not at all! It’s about releasing holiday stress so you can enjoy Christmas more fully.
Q: How should I celebrate National Humbug Day?
A: Say “Bah, humbug!” to things that frustrate you, watch holiday movies featuring grumpy characters, or simply take a break from holiday preparations.
Q: Is there a limit to how many times I can say “humbug”?
A: According to tradition, you’re allowed up to twelve humbugs!
Related
- A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens
- Winter Solstice traditions
- Stress management during holidays
