National Nothing Day
National Nothing Day, observed January 16th, is a wry, intentionally anti-holiday created in 1973 by newspaper columnist Harold Pullman Coffin, who wanted to establish "a day of protest against the over-commercialization of holidays" by inventing a day dedicated to doing, celebrating, and observing precisely nothing. Coffin, a syndicated columnist, envisioned the day as a chance for Americans to pause, unplug from obligations, and simply exist without any particular agenda, a tongue-in-cheek response to what he saw as an increasingly crowded calendar of manufactured observances competing for attention and consumer spending. The irony of a "day about nothing" gaining its own following and recognition over the decades has not been lost on those who celebrate it, and it has become a small cultural touchstone, referenced periodically in media as a lighthearted example of holiday-calendar excess. True to its spirit, there are no official activities associated with National Nothing Day; the entire point is to resist the urge to mark the day with any specific celebration, purchase, or event, and instead simply take a break.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is National Nothing Day?
It's observed every January 16th.
Who created National Nothing Day?
Newspaper columnist Harold Pullman Coffin created it in 1973 as a tongue-in-cheek protest against holiday over-commercialization.
What are you supposed to do on National Nothing Day?
Nothing, by design. The holiday's entire premise is to intentionally avoid any specific activity or celebration.
Is National Nothing Day meant to be taken seriously?
No, it's a satirical, lighthearted observance rather than a solemn or historically significant holiday.
Is National Nothing Day an official holiday?
No, it's an unofficial novelty observance.
What Else Happened on Sat, Jan 16, 2027?
See historical events and other holidays and celebrations that share this date.
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