For those with a grouch in their lives — which is actually most of us — there is nothing better than Do A Grouch A Favor Day, which is celebrated on February 16 each year. Help a very grumpy person turn their mood around. So how do we help them experience the sweeter side of life? Read on…
History of Do a Grouch a Favor Day
Grouch, grump, cross, irritable. These people go by many adjectives and appear almost everywhere. Most of us have a grouch in our life, whether it is a neighbor, a friend, a colleague, or even that guy you pass at the train station each morning. Many of us are also guilty of being grumps ourselves when the going gets tough.
This persona is so common, various ancient Greek plays feature a ‘grump’, a character so grouchy that they have no more purpose than to amuse us.
History is also full of such grumpy, grouchy people, as evidenced by all the stories about great visionaries. Newton is said to have held obsessive grudges against people, Beethoven became more recalcitrant upon losing his hearing, and even our own American presidents have had their moments. It’s not just the greats, either. We can only assume regular people have been, and continue to be, grouchy. After all, they had ample circumstances to be that way — the Great Depression, the World Wars, and even the financial crash of 2008.
This day comes at a time when the world is putting much stock into being positive. Billion-dollar book sales attest to the fact that self-help is a booming industry. Happiness experts and mindfulness apps regularly coax new subscribers into seeking inner peace and satisfaction. Even the U.S. Army is training its soldiers in positive psychology. Meanwhile, countries are judged by their ‘happiness index’, which rivals their G.D.P., if not surpasses it.
While we cannot pinpoint the origins of this day, we rather think this might be the brainchild of someone who is a grouch and secretly wants to be the recipient of nice gestures from people. That or Big Bird from “Sesame Street” is trying to stop Oscar the Grouch from grumbling again.
Do a Grouch a Favor Day timeline
Ludwig van Beethoven writes a letter — named the ‘Heiligenstadt Testament’ — to his brothers Carl and Johann; he states that his increasing irritability and grouchy disposition are due to his increasing deafness.
Novelist, playwright, and poet Thomas Bernhard wins the Austrian national award but dismisses this honor outright; his exact words — which cause minor public outrage — are, “Everything is ridiculous, when one thinks of Death."
Novelist Norman Mailer, known for being grumpy, talks about fellow grump Gore Vidal on “The Dick Cavett Show;” he says, “I’ve had to smell your works from time to time and that has made me an expert in intellectual pollution.”
An announcement goes out stating that Coach Bob Knight is being fired from his position at Indiana University for a continued pattern of unacceptable behavior towards his students and others.
Football coach Tom Coughlin is dismissed from the New York Giants because of his harsh, humorless coaching style, claims an article in the New York Times; he gradually changes his behavior to be more approachable.
Do a Grouch a Favor Day FAQs
What day is National Grouch Day?
National Grouch Day is celebrated on October 15 each year.
How is Grouch Day celebrated?
Be a grouch — without hurting anyone’s feelings — or tune in to an episode of “Sesame Street” in honor of Oscar the Grouch.
What is the meaning of ‘grumpy face’?
‘Grumpy’ is an adjective that means a person is being bad-tempered and miserable. ‘Grumpy face’ can be a descriptor for a person whose mood shows on their face.
Do a Grouch a Favor Day Activities
Do a grouch a favor
Maybe it is the result of a rough day. Maybe it is just their nature. Either way, every single one of us knows a grouch or is even guilty of being one. Today is your chance to turn their frown upside down.
Watch a movie about grouches
There are plenty to choose from. Check out “Grumpy Old Men” and its sequel “Grumpier Old Men,” “The Grinch Who Stole Christmas,” or even “A Christmas Carol.”
Share the knowledge
Don’t keep information about this day to yourself. Talk to friends and family and get them involved in the celebrations too. After all, the more the merrier, and the more the people you can impact.
5 Fun Facts About Grouchy TV Characters
“Sesame Street” — Oscar the Grouch
Any number of the “Sesame Street” episodes have this green, trash can-residing, no-nose grump, and we love them all!
“The Office” (U.S.) — Stanley Hudson
He has a too-small bed, sends his daughter to a too-expensive school, and works at a company that pays too little, and utterly hates his boss; he does like pretzels, though.
“House” — Dr. Gregory House
This grumpy, smart, unsocial doctor clashes with pretty much everyone he meets — fellow doctors, interns, assistants, and even patients — and yet manages to diagnose mysterious illnesses with ease.
“SpongeBob SquarePants” – Squidward Tentacles
This Krusty Krab cashier is not happy with his life, and it shows; he hates his work and he doesn't even like his home life.
“New Girl” – Nick Miller
This is one bartender with a grumpy ‘old man’ attitude and plenty of sarcastic remarks to zing everyone in his immediate environment.
Why We Love Do a Grouch a Favor Day
Improve someone’s mood
Maybe the grouchy person you know is not really a grouch, but just needs a kind word or a smile to improve their mood. Even the smallest of gestures — or favors — can lighten their load.
We're spreading sunshine
Or at least reducing the grouchiness level, one person at a time, even if only for a moment.
It also boosts our own karma
Helping people goes a long way towards turning us into better people ourselves, and we are all for this improvement.
Do a Grouch a Favor Day dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | February 16 | Sunday |
| 2026 | February 16 | Monday |
| 2027 | February 16 | Tuesday |
| 2028 | February 16 | Wednesday |
| 2029 | February 16 | Friday |
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