Humbug Day

Humbug Day is observed annually on December 21, providing a designated moment to vent holiday frustrations before the final festivities begin. This playful holiday offers a reprieve from the pressure to be constantly cheerful, allowing people to blow off steam just days before Christmas.

History of Humbug Day

The concept of “Humbug” is inextricably linked to Charles Dickens’ 1843 classic novella, A Christmas Carol. The main character, Ebenezer Scrooge, famously dismisses the joy of the season with his catchphrase, “Bah! Humbug!” referring to his belief that the holiday was a fraud or a deception. While Scrooge eventually transforms into a generous spirit, his initial grumpiness became a cultural touchstone for anyone feeling overwhelmed by the festive season.

The specific holiday was created by Thomas and Ruth Roy of Wellcat Holidays. The Roys recognized that the weeks leading up to Christmas can be incredibly stressful, filled with financial strain, crowded stores, and social obligations. They established December 21 as a safety valve—a day to acknowledge the darker, more cynical side of the season so that people can get it out of their systems. According to their rules, participants are allowed 12 free “humbugs” to utter throughout the day, helping them release tension before the final countdown to Christmas.

Why is Humbug Day important?

This day serves as a psychological pressure release. Society often demands unceasing happiness during December, which can be exhausting and emotionally dishonest for those dealing with stress, grief, or fatigue. Humbug Day validates these feelings, reminding us that it is normal to feel frustrated by long lines, traffic, or forced family interactions. By dedicating a day to negativity, it paradoxically clears the air, often leaving people feeling lighter and more ready to embrace the actual holiday when it arrives.

It also pushes back against the commercialization of the season. The original meaning of “humbug” was “deceptive” or “false,” and using the word calls out the artificial aspects of the holidays—the excessive spending and the performative cheer. It encourages a moment of honesty, allowing people to laugh at the chaos rather than being consumed by it.

• It offers a safe space to vent without judgment.
• The observance relieves the pressure to be perfect.
• It honors the literary legacy of Charles Dickens.
• The day helps prevent holiday burnout.
• It uses humor to cope with seasonal stress.

How to Celebrate Humbug Day

The most direct way to celebrate is to exercise your right to say “Bah! Humbug!” whenever you encounter something frustrating. Stuck in a long grocery line? Humbug. Tangled in a string of Christmas lights? Humbug. The creators suggest limiting yourself to 12 outbursts, which turns the venting into a game rather than a spiral of negativity. It allows you to acknowledge the annoyance, voice it, and then move on.

You can also lean into the theme by watching a version of A Christmas Carol. Whether it is the classic 1951 film or a modern adaptation, watching Scrooge’s journey is the perfect cinematic backdrop for the day. For a more social approach, host a “Grinch” or “Scrooge” party where guests are encouraged to wear comfortable, non-festive clothes and complain about their holiday pet peeves over snacks, turning shared commiseration into bonding.

• Use your 12 allowed “Bah! Humbug!” phrases to vent.
• Watch a movie featuring Ebenezer Scrooge or the Grinch.
• Avoid shopping malls and crowded holiday events.
• Listen to non-holiday music to cleanse your palate.
• Read the original text of A Christmas Carol.

Humbug Day Dates Table