National Nothing Day

Disha Bhattacharyya
Dec 22, 2023 By Disha Bhattacharyya
Originally Published on Feb 04, 2022
Fact-checked by Sonali Rawat
National Nothing Day is on January 16.


Where is National Nothing Day celebrated?

National Nothing Day is an unofficial holiday celebrated in the USA.

Who is National Nothing Day celebrated by?

 People of the USA honor this work-free day on January 16. Children and adults can enjoy the celebrations.

When did National Nothing Day first start?

The day was first observed on January 16, 1973, and was added to Chase's calendar of events.

Who started National Nothing Day?

Harold Pullman Coffin, who was an American journalist, proposed a day of doing nothing in 1972, and now this day is sponsored by the National Nothing Foundation in California.

History And Timeline

Now that you know about the founding of this day let's read more about what happened when this day was proposed!

Nothing Week

Before Coffin started the celebrations for National Nothing Day, James W. Morgan (Mayor of Birmingham) wanted to celebrate Nothing Week. The proposal never materialized, but it drew the attention of the press. The Associated Press in Alabama even released a story about it!

1956

Founding the Day

Harold Coffin, an examiner and columnist from San Francisco, is known as the founder of this day, and he formed Coffin's Nothing Organization to raise awareness about the importance of observing this day. The organization hasn't held any meetings since its foundation, remaining true to its name!

1972

Two People Proposed The Same Holiday!

A teacher, Jyoti Narayanasamy, also proposed celebrating a day of doing nothing in 1972!

1972

THABS Day

The Realist Society challenged National Nothing Day and introduced There Has Always Been Something Day! They argued that there is something happening in the Universe all of the time, and this uneventful holiday pushes people towards a path of self-destruction.

1980s

Controversies surrounding the day

A lot of people objected to observing this day. In their opinion, when people are expected to work round the clock, a day of doing absolutely nothing shows laziness and drives people down a path of self-destruction.

1980s

Traditions And Customs

You don't need to drown in a hollow void of nothingness to celebrate this day! We live in a busy world, so the importance of a day where you are allowed to do absolutely nothing is immense.

Sit by the window all day and watch the world pass by. It will calm your mind. The day is observed to commemorate Coffin's idea of taking a break from the long list of 'celebrate something' days in the calendar and for celebrating life itself.

Ways To Observe Or Celebrate National Nothing Day

You can stay in bed for the entire day for starters! This holiday is a day of rejuvenation before the busy upcoming year!

When someone asks your plan for the day, proudly say 'nothing.' You can keep your planner and diary blank on this day. You could send a blank email to your friends and laugh at the replies!

If someone's birthday falls on January 16, wrap an empty box as a present (although you may want to get them a real present after this practical joke). Ways to celebrate this day are countless; you just need to be creative and lazy!

Facts And Stats

  • The day is not a national holiday, and sadly schools and colleges remain open.
  • Once every seven years, the holiday collides with Martin Luther King Jr. Day. This negates the purpose of this purposeless event!
  • Buddhists have a different view of 'nothingness.' To them, this state is ideal for meditation and helps raise awareness about one's true nature.

What is the significance of National Nothing Day?

This day is for doing, honoring, and celebrating nothing and urges people to be lazy.

How is National Nothing Day different from All or Nothing Day?

All or Nothing Day urges people to follow a dream or complete a task to the best of their abilities, while National Nothing Day is to celebrate people's laziness.

How does this day affect people psychologically and emotionally?

In today's incredibly fast-paced world, the day brings some much-deserved rest and helps people to feel content.

What is the history and origin of National Nothing Day?

This day was proposed by Harold Pullman Coffin in 1972 and was first celebrated on January 16, 1973.

Why do people love National Nothing Day?

Everyone loves to be lazy at times! People love this event because they don't have to be answerable for being lazy.

When Is This Day Celebrated

  • Wednesday, January 15, 2020
  • Friday, January 15, 2021
  • Saturday, January 15, 2022
  • Sunday, January 15, 2023
  • Monday, January 15, 2024

We Want Your Photos!
We Want Your Photos!

We Want Your Photos!

Do you have a photo you are happy to share that would improve this article?
Email your photos

More for You

Sources

https://www.thereisadayforthat.com/holidays/usa/national-nothing-day

https://www.nationaldaystoday.com/national-nothing-day/

https://www.daysoftheyear.com/days/nothing-day/

See All

Written by Disha Bhattacharyya

Bachelor of Pharmacy

Disha Bhattacharyya picture

Disha BhattacharyyaBachelor of Pharmacy

She holds a Bachelor's degree in Pharmacy from West Bengal University of Technology and a medical-writing accreditation from Stanford University. Disha is an experienced SEO writer with a passion for writing about science and psychology. Her prior work experience as a content writer has equipped her with the necessary skills to write engaging and informative content. Disha is known for her versatility and thorough research skills. In her free time, she enjoys traveling, dancing, and writing mental health journals on her blog.

Read full bio >
Fact-checked by Sonali Rawat

Bachelor of Arts specializing in English Literature, Masters of Art specializing in English and Communication Skills

Sonali Rawat picture

Sonali RawatBachelor of Arts specializing in English Literature, Masters of Art specializing in English and Communication Skills

Sonali has a Bachelor's degree in English literature from Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University and is currently pursuing a Master's in English and Communication from Christ University. With considerable experience in writing about lifestyle topics, including travel and health, she has a passion for Japanese culture, especially fashion, and anime, and has written on the subject before. Sonali has event managed a creative-writing festival and coordinated a student magazine at her university. Her favorite authors are Toni Morrison and Anita Desai.

Read full bio >