National Nothing Day (January 16)
National Nothing Day is an unusual holiday celebrated every year on January 16.
Unlike most holidays that honor a person, event, or tradition, this day is all about doing absolutely nothing.
It was created to offer people a break from the constant cycle of celebrations and observances.
Whether you embrace the spirit by relaxing or find creative ways to do “nothing,” this day adds a fun twist to the calendar.
Keep reading to learn more about this peculiar observance and other weird holidays in January.
When is the Holiday?
National Nothing Day falls on January 16th every year. It has remained on the same date since its inception, making it easy to remember—if you choose to acknowledge it at all!
Who Invented It?
This unique holiday was created by journalist Harold Pullman Coffin in 1972.
His idea was to give people a day free from the obligations of celebrating, observing, or honoring anything.
Interestingly, the holiday is sponsored by Coffin’s National Nothing Foundation, an organization that, fittingly, has no online presence or official records.
The History of the Holiday
Harold Pullman Coffin proposed the holiday as a humorous take on the ever-growing number of official and unofficial holidays.
While the day encourages doing nothing, history has sometimes gotten in the way—Martin Luther King Jr. Day, a federal holiday, occasionally falls on the same date, making it difficult to truly do “nothing.”
Even before National Nothing Day, the idea of celebrating “nothing” had historical roots.
In 1956, James W. Morgan, then-mayor of Birmingham, Alabama, suggested a National Nothing Week, though it never took off.
Later, the famous TV show Seinfeld popularized the concept of “a show about nothing,” adding another layer to the culture of celebrating nothingness.
Top 5 Facts About National Nothing Day
- The holiday was first observed in 1973, one year after its creation.
- It was intended as a protest against the commercialization of holidays.
- There are no official ways to celebrate it—doing nothing is the point.
- Despite its name, many people still find ways to mark the day with humorous activities.
- Martin Luther King Jr. Day occasionally coincides with National Nothing Day, making it harder to observe properly.
Activities to Celebrate
While the holiday encourages doing nothing, here are a few ways to embrace its spirit while still having fun:
- Do nothing – Take a break from responsibilities, chores, and errands. Use the day as an excuse to unwind completely.
- Meditate – Practice mindfulness and embrace the peacefulness of doing nothing.
- Unplug from technology – Avoid screens, social media, and emails for a full digital detox.
- Have a “nothing” conversation – Gather with friends and talk about absolutely nothing of importance, just for fun.
- Host a “nothing” party – Invite friends over with no planned activities or expectations.
- Reflect on the value of downtime – Use the day to assess how taking breaks can improve productivity and well-being.
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Links to Resources
- Comfy Wearable Blanket – Stay cozy while lounging and doing absolutely nothing all day.
- Mindfulness for Beginners Book – A great read for those who want to embrace the art of stillness and relaxation.
- 25+ Ways to Make Money Doing Nothing At All – This guide shares passive income ideas that allow you to earn money with minimal effort.
- Why a Not-To-Do List is the Ultimate Life Hack – Discover how cutting unnecessary tasks from your schedule can help you be more productive and stress-free.
- 1000+ Never Have I Ever Questions – This ultimate list of questions will keep conversations going while you sit back and do nothing.
- How to Start a Zero-Waste Lifestyle – Learn how to reduce waste and live more sustainably, working toward a lifestyle that produces “nothing.”
Related Holidays
If you enjoy celebrating the unusual, there are plenty of other quirky holidays to look forward to.
National Opposite Day on January 25 is a fun and playful way to flip daily routines upside down.
Later in the year, August 10 brings National Lazy Day, which encourages rest and relaxation—perfect for those who enjoy National Nothing Day.
For those who prefer a more thoughtful observance, Random Acts of Kindness Day on February 17 provides an opportunity to give back and spread positivity in small but meaningful ways.
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