January 16: Putting Americans in a one-day time out from doing, being, celebrating, and/or observing anything since 1972 (or '73).
"—time you enjoy wasting is not wasted time.”
-- Marthe Troly-Curtin
Originally chosen by its creator "to provide Americans with one national day when they can just sit without celebrating, observing or honoring anything." National Nothing Day is an unofficial, (an anti- or un-holiday if one will) observance held on January 16th each year. Proposed by AP newspaper columnist Harold Pullman Coffin in 1972 and given credibility in 1973 when it was added to Chase's Calendar of Events, the day is dedicated to celebrating nothing and avoiding any activity, purpose, or cause. It encourages people to take a break from the hustle and bustle of daily life, allowing them the freedom to relax and do nothing for a day. The day, and its cause, were supported by Coffin's own National Nothing Foundation through 1980. Now, it's periodically revived by citizens of the 'net.
Although National Nothing Day is neither a widely recognized nor celebrated event, some use it as a light-hearted and humorous excuse to take a break, unwind, and embrace the idea of doing nothing. It's a day to appreciate the simplicity of just being and not feeling the need to be productive or engaged in any specific tasks or activities. Keep in mind that since it's not an official holiday, how people observe, preserve, or ignore National Nothing Day and the accompanying avoidance of responsibilities is entirely up to them. But, if one were to include food, this day is also shared with National Fig Newton Day and International Hot and Spicy Food Day.
See also: Buy Nothing Day - National All or Nothing Day - Nothing Week - THABS Day