December 18

Wear a Plunger on Your Head Day

December 16, 2025 3 Min Read

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Wear a Plunger on Your Head Day is observed annually on December 18. This humorous holiday encourages people to briefly ignore social norms and embrace absurdity by donning a common household tool as a hat.

History of Wear a Plunger on Your Head Day
Why is Wear a Plunger on Your Head Day important?
How to Observe Wear a Plunger on Your Head Day
Wear a Plunger on Your Head Day Dates

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History of Wear a Plunger on Your Head Day

The origin of this holiday is as eccentric as the observance itself. It is widely attributed to Vern Halsey, a former bounty hunter, and his pet Komodo dragon named Felix. According to the holiday’s lore, Halsey and his unique pet began the tradition privately as a way to inject harmless nonsense into their lives. For several years, it remained an inside joke between the man and his reptile before eventually finding an audience on social media, where the visual gag translated easily to the digital age.

While the holiday is modern, the tool itself has a murkier history. The exact inventor of the plunger is debated, with some credits going to Jeffrey Gunderson in 1932, though evidence suggests the device existed in some form between 1850 and 1900. The invention of the suction cup in the mid-19th century and the development of synthetic rubber paved the way for the modern plunger. This holiday repurposes that engineering marvel, shifting its function from plumbing maintenance to comedic headwear.

Why is Wear a Plunger on Your Head Day important?

This day serves as a dedicated outlet for stress relief during the peak of the busy holiday season. By December 18, many people are overwhelmed by shopping lists, travel plans, and year-end deadlines. Participating in an activity this ridiculous forces a break in the tension. It reminds participants that it is healthy to be silly and that laughter can be a powerful antidote to anxiety.

Furthermore, the holiday celebrates the human capacity for creativity and playfulness. It requires no expensive equipment or travel—just a willingness to look foolish for the sake of a smile. It fosters a sense of community among those brave enough to participate, creating a shared bond over a bizarre, low-stakes activity that harms no one and entertains many.

Breaks the tension of the stressful holiday season
Encourages adults to embrace childlike playfulness
Costs almost nothing to participate in
Creates funny memories and photos with friends
Reminds us not to take life too seriously

How to Observe Wear a Plunger on Your Head Day

The most critical rule for observing this day is to purchase a brand-new plunger. Using a device that has previously been employed for its intended plumbing purpose is unsanitary and strongly discouraged. Once a clean plunger is acquired, the primary activity is simply wearing it. Some participants choose to decorate the handle with festive ribbon or lights to make it more seasonal, effectively turning it into a surreal holiday hat.

For a more social experience, this day is an excellent opportunity for a group photo or a workplace competition. Colleagues can challenge each other to see who can balance the object the longest or who can decorate theirs the most creatively. Sharing these images on social media helps spread the humor, potentially brightening the day for others who are scrolling through their feeds.