National Nothing Day is an annual “un-event” where Americans are encouraged to do absolutely nothing – no celebrating, no observing, and no honoring anything.
Quick Facts
- When is it: January 16
- Tagged as: Weird & Obscure Holiday
- What’s the hashtag: #NationalNothingDay
- When was it founded: 1972
- Who founded it: Harold Pullman Coffin
History of National Nothing Day
Harold Pullman Coffin, a San Francisco Examiner columnist, created this anti-holiday to protest the proliferation of special days. The day has been listed in Chase’s Calendar of Events since 1973. Ironically, by creating a day to celebrate nothing, Coffin created yet another holiday. The day is sponsored by the National Nothing Foundation, though the organization has never held a meeting.
Timeline
- 1956: Birmingham Mayor proposes “National Nothing Week”
- 1972: Harold Coffin proposes National Nothing Day
- 1973: First official observance begins
- 1989: “Seinfeld” airs its famous “show about nothing” episode
Upcoming Dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | January 16 | Thursday |
| 2026 | January 16 | Friday |
| 2027 | January 16 | Saturday |
How It’s Observed
People celebrate by deliberately doing nothing – whether that means sleeping in, avoiding chores, or simply taking a day off from daily responsibilities. However, the philosophical question remains: Is doing nothing actually doing something?
Fun Facts About Nothing Day
- Every seventh year, it coincides with Martin Luther King Jr. Day
- The National Nothing Foundation has never held a meeting
- Canada’s Realist Society created THABS Day (There Has Always Been Something Day) in response
- It’s not an official federal holiday
Quiz
- What happens when you celebrate Nothing Day?
- Can you truly do nothing?
- Does thinking about nothing count as doing something?
(Answers: 1. Nothing! 2. Philosophically debatable 3. Yes, technically)
FAQs
Q: Is it a federal holiday?
A: No, it requires an act of Congress to become one.
Q: Can you celebrate other holidays on Nothing Day?
A: Technically, that would defeat the purpose.
Importance of Nothing Day
In our hyperactive world, this day serves as a reminder to slow down and embrace idleness. It’s become an ironic form of rebellion against our constantly busy society.
Related Days
- International Day of Doing Nothing
- National Relaxation Day
- National Lazy Day
- World Sleep Day