Humbug Day
Have a good old grumble to destress and channel your inner scrooge by reading a Dickens novel or donning a top hat and cane.
Capitalize on December holiday stress by positioning Humbug Day as permission to embrace cynicism—driving sales of Scrooge-themed apparel, Dickens editions, and streaming content.
- 'Bah, Humbug!' costume & merch drops for the anti-holiday crowd
- Dickens novel bundles and classic film marathons (streaming/retail tie-ins)
- Stress-relief angle: 'It's okay to be grumpy—here's how to celebrate it'
- User-generated 'grumble' campaigns on social media with branded hashtags
Created by Tom and Ruth Roy of wellcat.com, this day imbibes the essence of Ebenezer Scrooge, who was the grouchy character in Charles Dickens’ famous novel A Christmas Carol, published in 1843.
As a miser with a cold heart, Scrooge is particularly cantankerous about those who want to enjoy the spirit of celebrating Christmas. And one of his favorite ways to express this is through the phrase, “Bah, Humbug!”.
Sometimes, even those who love the holiday season and enjoy everything about it can get a little grumpy and grouchy about it.
It can be a season of shopping and baking and wrapping and preparing, which can get a little bit stressful for even the most delightful and patient of human beings. Humbug Day is the perfect opportunity to let a little bit of that Scrooginess go out a few days before the Christmas holiday actually happens.
Say a Few Humbugs
This is the day when it’s okay to get a little grumpy and declare a few “bah, humbugs” either under your breath or out loud for all the world to hear. In fact, the creators of the day were under the impression that it’s okay to use the phrase up to twelve times on this day, just to get in the spirit of things.
Get Entertained with Scrooge
Whether reading Dickens’ whole novella or watching one of the films, get in the spirit of the day with these forms of media: A Christmas Carol (2009 film). This Disney computer animated version of the classic story is a musical starring Jim Carrey and Robin Wright Penn. A Christmas Carol (1984 film). One of the most classic Christmas films of all time, this television adaptation starred George C. Scott. Scrooged (1988 film). Filmed a few years after the height of Bill Murray’s career, this is a modern retelling that features a character named Frank Cross who is selfish and cynical. The film has many cameo appearances, including some from Bill Murray’s three brothers. A Christmas Carol (2019 television series). This dark fantasy drama series put out in Britain first aired on BBC One and contains three different episodes. It was met with mixed reviews due to its horor-centric version of the classic tale, but it might be just the thing to watch (and then complain about) on Humbug Day!
Celebrate with Scrooge Wear
Whether just donning a Bah, Humbug t-shirt or going for an entire Dickensian costume, this is a fun day to get dressed up! Feel free to go for the classic top hat and cane that Scrooge wore to walk to work, or get casual and try the nightgown and sleeping cap of Scrooge’s night time adventures. Either way, it’s a fun way to get in the spirit of things.