National Short Person Day

Categories:: Cause
Tags:: Family Friendship
Where:: United States
Date change rule:: Every December 22
Holiday emoji:: 🧍

National Short Person Day arrives every December 22, reminding us that great things often come in small packages. This day encourages everyone, whether tall or short, to celebrate the unique strengths and perspectives that come with being of short stature. Embrace your height, share stories, and appreciate the diverse range of people in your life.

History
Timeline
FAQs
Importance
Celebrate
Related
Stats

History of National Short Person Day

If you can’t point out the short friend in your group, chances are you are the short friend. Not sure if that’s actually you though? Well, is your view often blocked at concerts? Do you find yourself doing a slight jog to keep up with your friend’s “slow pace?” Are you still carded at bars, even though you’re 30? Well, we have news for you, you’re the short friend.

Did you know that Napoleon Bonaparte, who is known for being short, wasn’t actually that short? In fact, he was around 5 feet 7 inches, which was tall for Frenchmen of his time. The myth of Napoleon being short actually arose because the British liked to portray their French enemy as “little Boney.” Also, since Napoleon was usually surrounded by soldiers from his guard, who were even more above average height than he was, he often appeared short in comparison. In his autopsy, he’s measured as 5 feet 2 inches, but that was in French inches which were larger than British and American inches.

Short people have obviously been around forever, but the classification of short differs depending on time period and nationality. In America, the average height for a woman is considered 5 feet 5 inches, while the average height for men is 5 feet 10 inches. In comparison, the average female height in China is 5 feet 2 inches and the average male height is 5 feet 6 inches. Therefore a man who might be considered short in America can be considered tall in China, meaning that tallness and shortness is all relative. But, if you’re short in your country, don’t be afraid to own it. This day is for you!

National Short Person Day timeline

1400s

Heels that take you to new heights

Chopines were shoes that raised their wearers up to 18 inches and protected clothes from mud and street dust.

1595

High heels received the royal treatment

Queen Elizabeth I is painted wearing a pair of heels, making her the first person to be documented wearing them.

1804

Napoleon complex

Napoleon Bonaparte, falsely considered to be a short man, became Emperor of the French.

1996

An elevator shoe company opened

Tall Men Shoes — the leader in the elevator shoe (shoes that increase the height of their wearers) market— is founded in Southern California.

National Short Person Day Statistics

5% taller than our ancestors

Considering the average young adult is healthier than their ancestors 100 years ago, it makes sense that todays adults are about 5% taller. However, there is significant variation across the world, as some countries saw a very different change for men and women. For example, in South Korea, the mean height for women increased by 14% versus 9% for men. And in the Philippines, male height increased by around 5% versus only 1% for women.

4 feet 11 inches – the average adult in Bolivia

Bolivia has the shortest people in stature in the world, as its population’s height average is around 4 feet, 11.5 inches tall when including both genders. The country is one of the poorest in South America, with one in three children under the age of five affected with chronic malnutrition, often leading to below average heights. Genetics and hormonal factors are also seen as culprits as well, with Bolivian girls being more affected than boys. Data also showed that 42% of babies had short height at birth.

30% more susceptible to skin cancer

Because they’re so close to the sun! Really! Being short carries a reduced risk of skin cancer according to data gathered on 5.5 million people born between 1938 and 1991 with heights ranging from 3 feet 3 inches to 7 feet 6 inches. Swedish academics found that people of above average height were up to 30% more likely to be diagnosed with skin cancer. So if you’re short, don’t be afraid of standing in the literal shadows of people taller than you. It’s good for your health!

National Short Person Day FAQs

When is National Short Person Day?

National Short Person Day 2026 falls on Tuesday, December 22. It’s a day to celebrate the unique perspectives and strengths of individuals with short stature.

What percentage of the population has dwarfism?

Dwarfism, defined as an adult height of 4 feet 10 inches or less, affects approximately 1 in 15,000 to 40,000 births, depending on the specific type. This makes it a relatively rare condition globally.

How can I celebrate National Short Person Day?

You can celebrate by embracing your own height, appreciating the short people in your life, and challenging height-related stereotypes. Share positive messages on social media or support organizations dedicated to dwarfism awareness.

Is National Short Person Day related to Dwarfism Awareness Month?

While National Short Person Day celebrates individuals with short stature, it is distinct from Dwarfism Awareness Month, which is observed in October. Both aim to promote understanding and acceptance, but with different focuses and timing.

National Short Person Day Activities

Point out the plus side of being short
Tall, average, short, doesn’t matter — on National Short Person Day, make it a priority to acknowledge the many positives of being short. For instance, point out to people in your life who are short — or remind yourself — that being short means your have more legroom on airplanes and in cars. Also, you have your choice of petite or normal clothing sections, and you don’t have to worry about blocking a person’s view at a concert or movie theater.
Celebrate your friends
Make sure you let the short people in your life know how great they are. Whether you shoot them a text telling them it’s National Short Person Day, or call them up to let them know how great they are, just make sure they feel loved and accepted.
Wear flat shoes (if you're tall)
Make the decision to stay away from any shoes that’ll add height and instead show your support by wearing the flattest shoes you own.

5 Short (and Vastly Successful) People

Dolly Parton (5 feet)
This iconic country singer has a powerful voice and famous feisty demeanor; she even has her own theme park: Dollywood.
Danny DeVito (4 feet 11 inches)
He's a versatile actor, producer, and director with an impressive career that spans stage, television and film. DeVito recently said he has "no plans" to ever retire from acting.
Prince (5 feet 3 inches)
Hailing from Minneapolis, he's the rare performer with a Grammy, Golden Globe, and Academy Award. Prince was known for his eclectic work, flamboyant stage presence, extravagant fashion sense, and wide vocal range.
Ludwig Van Beethoven (5 feet 2 inches)
He's quite possibly the greatest classical composer of all time. Beethoven was nearly deaf during the final decade of his life.
Yuri Gagarin (5 feet 2 inches)
This Soviet pilot and cosmonaut became the first human to journey into outer space — completing one orbit of Earth in 1961.

Why We Love National Short Person Day

It promotes acceptance
Whether you’re a short person or have short people in your life, National Short Person Day serves as a reminder to accept people for who they are. Let's certainly not judge anyone based on their height. And remember, it's a time to point out that no matter what sets us apart from one another, it’s important to embrace the differences.
It highlights diversity
Different heights, sizes, and ethnicities — among other traits that set us apart — is what makes the world so special. Luckily, National Short Person Day serves as yet another way to celebrate diversity.
It can help boost confidence
Fortunately, the positive vibes of National Short Person Day encourage short people to own their height. So stand...tall? You know what we mean.