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Wednesday, January 21, 2026

National Hugging Day 2026

National Hugging Day

Today, January 21, is National Hugging Day.

It was created in 1986 by Kevin Zaborny, a juvenile delinquent treatment specialist at Boysville in Mt. Morris, Michigan, as a day devoted to public displays of affection.  He chose January 21 because it's roughly midway between Christmas and Valentines Day, when he thought people were at an emotional low.

Zaborney said that Americans are embarrassed to show feelings in public, and he hoped that a National Hugging Day would help change that.

In August, 2025, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney got into the news for hugging this Pride Parade participant in Vancouver.  

And of course, there are also tree huggers

But this day is for showing affection.  Give someone you love a hug!

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