- Categories:
- Fun
- Tags:
- Festivities
- Where:
- United States
- Date change rule:
- Every December 21
- Holiday emoji:
- 😤
Humbug Day offers a much-needed outlet every December 21 for those feeling the pressure of the festive season. This unique observance encourages you to vent frustrations and reset before Christmas. Take a moment to breathe, express your ‘humbugs,’ and re-embrace the joy of the holidays.
Want to sponsor Humbug Day? Learn how
Expected Humbug Day Deals
While Humbug Day isn’t typically associated with traditional retail sales, it’s the perfect occasion for brands to offer stress-relief and self-care promotions. Look for deals on cozy loungewear from Target or Amazon, calming aromatherapy products from Bath & Body Works, or even humorous ‘anti-holiday’ merchandise from novelty stores like Spencer’s. Local spas and wellness centers might offer discounted massages or meditation classes. Even food delivery services like DoorDash could promote ‘stress-eating’ specials. We will update this page with confirmed live deals as December 21 approaches.
Platform Guide for Humbug Day
TikTok
Tag @www.nationaltoday.com and use #HumbugDay. Share short, humorous videos of your pre-holiday frustrations or creative ways you’re de-stressing.
Tag @nationaltoday_ and use #HumbugDay. Post relatable memes, funny reels, or aesthetic shots of your favorite stress-relief activities.
X/Twitter
Mention @NatlToday and use #HumbugDay. Tweet your ‘humbugs’ or share quick tips for managing holiday stress and finding your calm.
Humbug Day Hero
Thomas and Ruth Roy
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
Humbug is known as student slang.
In his novella “A Christmas Carol,” Charles Dickens writes about Scrooge, who uses humbug.
In “The Wonderful Wizard of Oz,” the scarecrow refers to the wizard as a humbug.
A movie of the same name, also called “Scrooge,” is released.
How Businesses Can Celebrate Humbug Day
Local businesses can embrace Humbug Day by offering a ‘stress-free zone’ or humorous promotions. Coffee shops might offer a ‘Humbug Blend’ or a discount on a quiet corner table. Spas and wellness centers could promote special ‘De-Stress Deals’ on massages or relaxation packages. Even retail stores could create a ‘Humbug Corner’ with anti-holiday merchandise or self-care items, encouraging customers to take a breather from the festive frenzy. The key is to acknowledge the holiday stress with empathy and a touch of humor.
Humbug Day FAQs
When is Humbug Day?
Humbug Day 2026 falls on Monday, December 21. It’s perfectly timed to let you release all your holiday frustrations just before Christmas.
Who created Humbug Day?
Humbug Day was created by Thomas and Ruth Roy of Wellcat.com. They are known for inventing many quirky holidays aimed at bringing humor and unique perspectives to the calendar, often addressing common human experiences like holiday stress.
What does 'humbug' mean?
A ‘humbug’ is typically an expression of annoyance or a feeling of being cheated or deceived, often associated with something perceived as insincere or overly sentimental. In the context of Humbug Day, it refers to the frustrations and annoyances that can arise during the holiday season.
Why is Humbug Day celebrated before Christmas?
Humbug Day is intentionally placed on December 21, just days before Christmas, to serve as a strategic release valve. This timing allows individuals to acknowledge and vent their holiday-related stress and frustrations, clearing the air before the main celebrations begin.
How To Observe Humbug Day
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.
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.
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
Popularized the word humbug
Scrooge was popularly known for saying, “Bah, Humbug!”
He was grumpy and despondent
Scrooge’s character cares very little about others.
An English word for a miser
Scrooge is now synonymous with the word ‘miser.’
Portrayed by several actors
The character of Scrooge is played by popular characters in multiple adaptations.
Scrooge finally repents
In the novel, Scrooge finally becomes a generous individual who embraces the spirit of Christmas.
Why We Love Humbug Day
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.
A time to spread joy
There are also many grumpy people around us during Christmas. We can bring some fun to them.
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
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | December 21 | Monday |
| 2027 | December 21 | Tuesday |
| 2028 | December 21 | Thursday |
| 2029 | December 21 | Friday |
| 2030 | December 21 | Saturday |
Social Media Tips for Humbug Day
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