HumanLight

Categories:: Special Interest
Tags:: Awareness Lifestyle
Where:: International
Date change rule:: Every December 23
Holiday emoji:: 💡

HumanLight shines a spotlight on universal human values every December 23. This secular Humanist holiday celebrates compassion, reason, and hope, fostering a positive vision for a peaceful world. Embrace the spirit by sharing a meal with loved ones, lighting a candle, or engaging in charitable work.

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History
Timeline
FAQs
Importance
Observe

Expected HumanLight Deals

As a holiday centered on human values and community, HumanLight encourages ethical consumption and charitable giving rather than traditional retail deals. Many organizations, such as the American Humanist Association, promote donation drives and volunteer opportunities during this season. Brands like TOMS (known for its ‘one for one’ model) or ethical retailers such as Patagonia often highlight their philanthropic efforts, encouraging consumers to support causes aligned with HumanLight’s principles. Local businesses may organize food drives or partner with charities like Feeding America. Consider supporting fair-trade companies like Ten Thousand Villages, or making a donation to the Secular Coalition for America. We will update this page with confirmed live charitable initiatives as December 23 approaches.

Platform Guide for HumanLight

Facebook

Mention National Today (facebook.com/nationaltoday) and use #HumanLight. Share stories of community service or acts of compassion.

X/Twitter

Mention @NatlToday and use #HumanLight. Discuss the importance of reason and empathy in today’s world.

Tag National Today (linkedin.com/company/nationaltoday) and use #HumanLight. Highlight corporate social responsibility initiatives or workplace volunteer efforts.

HumanLight Hero

Isaac Asimov

Isaac Asimov (1920–1992) was a prolific American writer and professor of biochemistry, widely considered one of the 'Big Three' science fiction writers. A prominent humanist, he served as president of the American Humanist Association and advocated for reason, science, and secular ethics. His writings often explored themes of human potential and the ethical implications of technology, aligning with the core tenets of HumanLight.

History of HumanLight

HumanLight parties and celebrations are popular all over the world in the holiday season. The main aim of this holiday is to celebrate humanity and to promote a world where only peace and positivity prevail. The history of the origin of HumanLight is an interesting story. This day was created to provide a humanist celebration during the holiday season of the western world. It was founded by leaders of the “New Jersey Humanist Network” in 2001 to empower secular people in commemorating the December holiday season without disturbing any other holidays — still being in the thick of the holiday season.

This is also the main reason why December 23 was selected as HumanLight Day. The very first public celebration was held in December 2001 in Verona, New Jersey under the leadership of Dr. Paul Kurtz. From then onwards, for all these years, various secular, humanist, and atheist organizations and individuals have adopted HumanLight as a part of their December traditions. But it was only in 2004, that the “American Humanist Association” recognized HumanLight as a critical event that contributes to the growth and development of humanist communities.

HumanLight aims to encourage the celebration and expression of people’s beliefs, no matter if they are different from each other. The holiday does not focus on what people do not believe in. This is a celebration event for all those who are nontheists, nonreligious, freethinkers, atheists, and humanists who value humanity more than anything else. So, celebrate HumanLight and build the humanist community!

HumanLight timeline

2001

HumanLight is Born

The Leaders of the New Jersey Humanist Network create the holiday.

2004

The Holiday Gets Recognized

The American Humanist Association recognizes HumanLight as a Humanist holiday.

2009

The Remodelling of the Symbol

The initial HumanLight symbol is adjusted to depict the light of the sun and human figures celebrating.

2010

The 10th Anniversary

HumanLight celebrations evolve and get bigger as many secular organizations endorse them.

HumanLight FAQs

When is HumanLight?

HumanLight 2026 falls on Wednesday, December 23, offering a mid-week opportunity to reflect on our shared humanity. This day encourages a focus on compassion and reason.

How many people identify as Humanist?

Globally, estimates suggest tens of millions identify as Humanist or non-religious, with a significant and growing population in the United States. HumanLight offers a dedicated moment for this community and its allies to celebrate shared values.

What are the core values of HumanLight?

HumanLight celebrates core human values including compassion, reason, hope, and humanity. These principles guide individuals towards ethical living and working together for a better world, free from supernatural dogma.

Is HumanLight a religious holiday?

No, HumanLight is explicitly a secular Humanist holiday, meaning it is not rooted in any religious tradition. It offers an inclusive celebration of human values and reason, welcoming people of all backgrounds.

How to Observe HumanLight

Celebrate the values
There is no regularized way to celebrate HumanLight. However, the celebrations should contain some component that serves someway to express humanist-oriented values positively.
Celebrate by respecting
You can celebrate HumanLight by respecting your views and not criticizing any religion. The celebration should be positive and should not affect the views or ideologies of anyone.
Share your favorite HumanLight story
Since HumanLight celebration is an ‘open to invention’ celebration, people can celebrate it in any way they want. So, if you have any interesting HumanLight stories, share them on your social media.

5 Awesome Facts About Human Values That’ll Bring Positive Vibes

Compassion is not an emotion
Compassion is not a distinct emotion; it is just a variation of love or sadness.
Helping others helps you
According to several studies, helping others can bring us pleasure and joy.
Secularism is a system
Secularism denotes a system that promotes equal respect for all religions and beliefs.
Hope is a state of mind
Hope is a state of mind that cherishes a desire with anticipation.
A volunteer designed the initial symbol
The initial symbol of the HumanLight symbol was designed by a volunteer artist.

Why HumanLight is Important

HumanLight celebrates secularism
HumanLight is one of the very few festivals in the world that celebrates secularism. We can observe this day by cherishing secularism along with compassion, humanity, and hope.
It is a much-needed celebration
In today’s world filled with negativity, hate, and despair, HumanLight aims to fill the world with hope, love, and peace.
It teaches us about life
This day teaches us some of the most important things one needs to embrace in life – love, compassion, and secularism.