Run It Up the Flagpole Day (Jan 2)
Some holidays are quirky, and then there’s Run It Up the Flagpole and See if Anyone Salutes It Day—a phrase-turned-holiday all about testing out ideas.
Whether it’s a new business concept, a creative project, or just a fun way to engage with friends, this day encourages experimentation.
While its origins are a bit hazy, it’s a great excuse to think outside the box as the new year begins.
Keep reading for fun facts, activities, and more about one of the weirdest holidays in January.
When is the Holiday?
Run It Up the Flagpole and See if Anyone Salutes It Day is observed on January 2nd every year.
Who Invented It?
No one knows exactly who turned this phrase into a holiday, but the saying itself comes from the advertising world of the 1950s.
It was meant to encourage creativity and brainstorming—throwing an idea out into the world to see how people react.
The History of the Holiday
Despite its unusual name, this phrase has nothing to do with actual flagpoles.
It originated in mid-20th century corporate culture, where teams were encouraged to present ideas in a low-pressure way before moving them up the chain of command.
The phrase gained traction in New York advertising circles, but comedians soon turned it into a punchline.
At some point, it evolved into an official “holiday,” though its origins remain unclear.
Either way, it’s a fun day to test new ideas, brainstorm, and experiment with creative thinking.
Top 7 Facts About the Holiday
- The phrase was widely used in Mad Men-era advertising, where brainstorming sessions were a major part of pitching new campaigns.
- A similar saying, “Throw it at the wall and see what sticks,” comes from testing cooked pasta.
- The phrase became popular in comedy sketches during the 1960s, often mocking corporate jargon.
- The concept behind the phrase is a core part of modern startup culture, where businesses test ideas before fully committing.
- It has been referenced in movies, TV shows, and business books as an example of creative problem-solving.
- Many companies today still use the phrase to describe the early stages of product development or idea pitching.
- While it’s now a humorous expression, the original intent was to promote risk-free innovation in a corporate setting.
Activities to Celebrate
Want to participate in Run It Up the Flagpole Day? Here are a few creative ways to celebrate:
- Test a new idea – Have a business concept, a new hobby, or a creative project you’ve been considering? Today’s the perfect day to share it with someone and see how they react.
- Host a brainstorming session – Gather friends, family, or coworkers for a fun, pressure-free idea session. Write down crazy ideas and vote on the best ones.
- Create a “flagpole” board – Set up a whiteboard, bulletin board, or even a virtual space to post ideas for the year. Encourage others to “salute” (support) the best ones.
- Try an innovation challenge – Challenge yourself or your kids to solve a small everyday problem with a creative solution.
Links to Resources
American Flag Cootie Catcher Printable. Make a fun cootie catcher with questions about your ideas!
DIY American Flag Craft. Create a mini American flag on a tongue depressor for a fun reminder of the day.
Color By Number American Flag. Perfect for younger kids to celebrate the holiday with a printable activity.
Related Holidays
Make Your Dreams Come True Day (January 13) – A holiday that celebrates turning ideas into action.
National Kid Inventors’ Day (January 17) – A day dedicated to honoring those who turned innovative ideas into reality.
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