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Humbug Day
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256 Shares
SatDec 21

Humbug Day – December 21, 2024

Humbug Day, also known as National Humbug Day, comes up every December 21. It is a holiday that allows you to cast off your frustrations before Christmas. Because the pressures of the festive season can get to us all, it is important that we all get a day to vent out all our frustrations. Created by Thomas and Ruth Roy, Humbug Day affords everyone 12 free humbugs. Things can get chaotic during the holidays, that’s why this day was created to help people cope with the stress and challenges.

History of Humbug Day

Humbug is a word used to underplay the relevance of a person or an event. At first, it was just student slang used as a joke. But it became a catchphrase after Charles Dickens used it in his book titled “A Christmas Carol.” The character of Ebenezer Scrooge is a miser and miserabilist who doesn’t celebrate the Christmas holiday but mocked those who did. Scrooge’s character eventually became very popular, attaining pop culture status. The character has since been in several media, often bordering around the Christmas festivities. Several books and movies have portrayed the character since its first use in Charles Dickens’ book.

The character is most notable for blurting out these words during the festivities: “Bah, Humbug!” He does this to express his frustration and lack of enthusiasm during the holidays. But, Ebenezer Scrooge’s character later developed into a more likable character, finally embracing and enjoying Christmas like every other person.

Likewise, we also may start to feel unsatisfied and frustrated as the pressure of festivities comes upon us. That’s why it is important to blow off some steam before Christmas. Created by Thomas and Ruth Roy, National Humbug Day is the day that we unwind and let go of our worries so we can enjoy Christmas also.

According to the creators, we are allowed 12 humbugs on December 21, which is the date of the holiday. It is a day with so many fun possibilities. You can also binge-watch movies dedicated to Scrooge.

Humbug Day timeline

1751
The Initial Use of ‘Humbug’ as a Word

Humbug is known as student slang.

1843
Charles Dickens Introduces Scrooge

In his novella “A Christmas Carol,” Charles Dickens writes about Scrooge, who uses humbug.

1900
Humbug Appears in Another Popular Novel

In “The Wonderful Wizard of Oz,” the scarecrow refers to the wizard as a humbug.

1951
A Christmas Carol is Adapted

A movie of the same name, also called “Scrooge,” is released.

Humbug Day FAQs

Is Humbug Day a fun holiday?

Despite the theme of grumpiness that it bears, Humbug Day can be fun and interesting.

What is the meaning of 12 free humbugs?

It is said that we’re allowed 12 free humbugs on this holiday. This simply means that we’re free to be grumpy, even if only on Humbug Day.

Who created National Humbug Day?

It was created by Thomas and Ruth Roy.

How To Observe Humbug Day

  1. Make a list

    As the festivities approach, you can write a list of those things that preoccupy your mind. It will help you to pinpoint the things that stress you over the holidays.

  2. Watch a Scrooge movie

    There are fun things to do on Humbug Day. Watching a themed movie is one of them. Invite friends and family and share the 12 humbug moments.

  3. Use the hashtag on social media

    Help spread the word on social media. Use hashtags and stories that best portray the importance of this holiday.

5 Interesting Facts About Scrooge

  1. Popularized the word humbug

    Scrooge was popularly known for saying, “Bah, Humbug!”

  2. He was grumpy and despondent

    Scrooge’s character cares very little about others.

  3. An English word for a miser

    Scrooge is now synonymous with the word ‘miser.’

  4. Portrayed by several actors

    The character of Scrooge is played by popular characters in multiple adaptations.

  5. Scrooge finally repents

    In the novel, Scrooge finally becomes a generous individual who embraces the spirit of Christmas.

Why We Love Humbug Day

  1. It reminds us to unwind

    As the pressures of the festivities mount, it is important that we take a break. On Humbug Day, we get to do this in a fun way.

  2. A time to spread joy

    There are also many grumpy people around us during Christmas. We can bring some fun to them.

  3. Many movies to watch

    Because of the popularity of Scrooge’s character, we get to see him portrayed in several movies. We can gather with friends and family to enjoy some of these.

Humbug Day dates

YearDateDay
2024December 21Saturday
2025December 21Sunday
2026December 21Monday
2027December 21Tuesday
2028December 21Thursday

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