Take it in the Ear Day

Take it in the Ear Day is observed annually on December 8. This unusual holiday serves as a reminder to face criticism, complaints, and bad news with stoicism and composure. It is a day to brace oneself for the “verbal onslaughts” of life or simply to listen intently to what others have to say, even if it is not pleasant.

History of Take it in the Ear Day

This holiday was created by Thomas and Ruth Roy of Wellcat Holidays, a couple known for establishing over 80 copyrighted observances that often highlight the quirks of daily life. The phrase “take it in the ear” is a colloquialism that generally means to receive a scolding, a reprimand, or to hear something unfavorable. The Roys likely established the day to help people find humor and resilience in the face of inevitable negative feedback.

While the exact year of its inception is not widely publicized, it is part of a collection of holidays designed to relieve stress through absurdity. Unlike traditional holidays based on historical events, this day is rooted in the modern human experience of dealing with noise, complaints, and conflict. It acknowledges that everyone occasionally faces a barrage of unwanted words and suggests that the best way to handle them is often just to “take it” and move on.

Why is Take it in the Ear Day important?

The day emphasizes the value of emotional resilience. In a world filled with constant feedback and opinions, the ability to listen to criticism without reacting defensively is a useful skill. It encourages individuals to separate their self-worth from the words of others, promoting a thicker skin against insults or nagging.

Additionally, the holiday can be interpreted as a call for better listening skills. Sometimes “taking it in the ear” means truly hearing the concerns of others rather than dismissing them. It highlights the importance of communication, even when the message is difficult to digest, and reminds people that listening is an active, sometimes challenging, process.

• encourages developing a thicker skin against criticism
• promotes the practice of active listening
• helps people find humor in stressful situations
• reminds individuals not to react impulsively to anger
• acknowledges the difficulty of dealing with complaints

How to Observe Take it in the Ear Day

One way to observe the day is to consciously practice patience when receiving negative feedback. If a colleague, friend, or family member has a complaint, use this day to listen without interrupting or defending yourself immediately. This exercise in restraint can often diffuse tension more effectively than an argument.

Alternatively, some observers take a more humorous or literal approach by using earplugs to block out the noise of the world. It can be a day to protect one’s peace by selectively choosing what to listen to. Others use the occasion to “clear the air” by finally having difficult conversations they have been avoiding, knowing that it is the designated day to hear the hard truth.

• practice listening without interrupting
• wear earplugs to symbolize blocking negativity
• ask for honest feedback from a friend
• resolve a lingering conflict by hearing the other side
• stay calm during stressful conversations

Take it in the Ear Day Dates Table