Every year on November 12, National Chicken Soup for the Soul Day celebrates the power of warm comfort—both in a bowl of chicken soup and in the heartwarming stories from the Chicken Soup for the Soul series.
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History of National Chicken Soup for the Soul Day
The “Chicken Soup for the Soul” series, launched in the early 1990s by Jack Canfield and Mark Victor Hansen, collected real-life inspirational stories that resonated with millions of readers.
While the company itself did not officially create the holiday, the day began appearing on national-day calendars in the 2000s and is now observed every November 12 as a time to reflect, connect, and uplift.
Why is National Chicken Soup for the Soul Day important?
This day reminds us that sometimes healing, inspiration, and human connection come in small, simple forms—a shared bowl of soup, a story of resilience, or a moment of empathy.
It encourages taking time to nurture both body and spirit, to listen, and to tell the stories that bind us.
- It honors the value of storytelling and shared human experience.
- It invites us to pause, reflect, and show kindness.
- It celebrates resilience in ordinary people’s lives.
- It underscores that comfort can be both physical (soup) and emotional (stories).
- It fosters community by sharing food, tales and warmth.
How to Celebrate (or Observe) National Chicken Soup for the Soul Day
Bring together the cozy tradition of chicken soup with the heartwarming inspiration of real stories. Whether at home or with friends, you might cook a pot of soup, read a story from the Chicken Soup for the Soul series, and invite everyone to share one story of their own.
Make it intentional: create a comfortable atmosphere, set aside devices, and focus on warmth, conversation, and care.
- Make your favorite chicken soup recipe (or a vegetarian version) and share it.
- Read a story from the Chicken Soup for the Soul series or ask someone to read one aloud.
- Write or tell your own short story of challenge, hope, or gratitude.
- Invite someone who may feel lonely or overlooked to join you for soup and conversation.
- Share a photo or quote on social media with #ChickenSoupForTheSoulDay to spread the warmth.
National Chicken Soup for the Soul Day Dates Table
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | November 12 | Wednesday |
| 2026 | November 12 | Thursday |
| 2027 | November 12 | Friday |
| 2028 | November 12 | Sunday |
| 2029 | November 12 | Monday |
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