Great American Grump Out (1st Wednesday in May)
Some holidays are all about celebration, but the Great American Grump Out takes a different approach—encouraging everyone to set aside their grumpiness for a day.
Observed on the first Wednesday in May, this fun and quirky event serves as a reminder of the power of positivity, laughter, and simple acts of kindness.
Whether it’s a smile, a joke, or a small gesture, the goal is to spread joy and shake off negativity. Keep reading to learn more about this unique May day and how you can take part.
When Is the Holiday?
The Great American Grump Out is observed on the first Wednesday of May each year. Here are the upcoming dates:
- May 7, 2025
- May 6, 2026
- May 5, 2027
- May 3, 2028
- May 2, 2029
- May 1, 2030
Who Invented the Holiday?
Pamela McCormick, a speaker and author, created the Great American Grump Out in 2002.
She wanted to remind people that they have a choice in how they approach each day.
By choosing optimism, they can improve their own well-being and brighten the lives of those around them.
The History of the Holiday
The holiday was founded on the idea that negativity can be contagious—but so can positivity.
McCormick believed that setting aside grumpiness, even for a single day, could have a lasting impact on mental, emotional, and physical health.
Over the years, schools, workplaces, and communities have embraced the day, using it as an opportunity to promote kindness, laughter, and stress relief.
Top 5 Facts About the Holiday
- It’s all about choice – The holiday encourages people to recognize that they can control their attitude.
- It has a ripple effect – One positive action can inspire others to spread joy.
- It’s observed nationwide – People across the U.S. participate in different ways.
- It promotes laughter – Many celebrations include humor and lighthearted fun.
- It aligns with mental wellness goals – Research supports the benefits of reducing stress and focusing on positivity.
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Activities to Celebrate
Want to take part in the celebration? Here are some fun ways to embrace the day:
- Start with a smile – Challenge yourself to smile at strangers, friends, and coworkers throughout the day, and handout smiley face pins.
- Perform random acts of kindness – Pay for someone’s coffee, leave a kind note, or simply offer words of encouragement.
- Try laughter yoga – Some communities host laughter yoga sessions, combining breathing exercises with laughter for stress relief.
- Create a “no complaints” challenge – See how long you can go without complaining and encourage others to join in.
- Host a positivity party – Gather family or friends and watch a funny movie, share jokes, or write uplifting messages for each other.
- Encourage schools and workplaces to participate – Many institutions incorporate positivity challenges or team-building activities to align with the theme of the day.
Links to Resources
Looking for ways to make the day more engaging? Here are some useful resources, including books, activities, and products that can help you bring more positivity into your daily life:
- Random Acts of Kindness Cards – This deck of cards offers fun and easy ideas for spreading kindness, perfect for celebrating the holiday.
- The Book of Joy by Dalai Lama & Desmond Tutu – A powerful read on choosing joy and resilience, no matter what challenges life brings.
- Laughter Yoga: Daily Practices for Health and Happiness – Learn how laughter can boost your mood, reduce stress, and improve overall well-being.
- Ted Talks on Happiness – A collection of inspiring talks on the science of happiness and how small habits can improve daily life.
Related Holidays
While this is a fun way to promote positivity, there are other holidays with a similar theme that encourage kindness, laughter, and a lighthearted approach to life.
National Do a Grouch a Favor Day (February 16) is another playful holiday that invites people to help someone in a bad mood by doing something thoughtful for them—whether it’s offering a small gift, sharing a joke, or simply giving them space to vent.
Random Acts of Kindness Day (February 17) focuses on spontaneous generosity, reminding us that even the smallest gestures, like holding a door open or leaving a kind note, can brighten someone’s day.
National Let’s Laugh Day (March 19th) celebrates the power of laughter as a tool for stress relief and social connection, with events and gatherings around the world aimed at spreading joy through humor.
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