Presenting the 35th Annual National Hugging Day™

WHERE - Globally

WHEN - January 21, 2021

[CARO, MICHIGAN U.S.A. January 19, 2021]  Humanity is becoming more and more fearful and isolated. Hate, bigotry and violence is increasing. People are starting to believe there are no safe places to go, grow and thrive as community. We look at others with trepidation and wonder how we, our families and friends can remain safe. “Thoughts & Prayers” for the victims and families of hate/violence are necessary and productive, yet those actions often fall short as they can seem empty without faith, hope and something tangible with which to connect. The COVOD-19 pandemic precautions have appropriately led to calls for “social distancing” and masking-up to help prevent the spread of this virus. Families need to experience the human touch to thrive and improve overall health and emotional well-being. What can be done? 

This is where National Hugging Day™ can help. Healing and change CAN occur when we come together in love and acceptance as one human family. During the pandemic, use caution if hugging and try to keep it within your immediate family or “bubble.” 

In recognition of those who are making this difference through hugging:

“THE MOST HUGGABLE PEOPLE OF 2021”

CHRISTOPHER SWANSON (Sheriff, Genesee County Michigan) who on May 30, 2020 along with other law enforcement officers met diverse demonstrators protesting George Floyd’s killing marching toward the Flint Township Police Headquarters. Despite tensions flaring, Sheriff Swanson later explained, “When I saw the crowd and felt the frustration and the fact that we were only accelerating the issue, it was time to take the helmet off, go to the shot-caller, the lead organizer, give him a big fat hug, and say, ‘What do we need to do?’ That was the tension breaker.” He told the crowd, “These Cops love you. That cop over there hugs people. You tell us what we need to do.” The crowd started chanting, “Walk with us.” They did. “The mindset and hearts of the crowd changed. Change comes with action. There were no arrests, no fires and no injuries.” The Power of Hugging! (reference Link).

Hug Curtain Inventors: PAIGE OKRAY (at just 10 years old of Riverside), California who used a shower curtain fitted with plastic sleeves that allow the wearer to embrace their loved ones (which she used to embrace her grandparents) — without actually making physical contact (reference Link); ANTONY CAUVIN (of Stratford-upon-Avon, United Kingdom) who bought a clear shower curtain and shoulder-length sleeves, put holes through the plastic, taped them up to put one’s arms through to safely hug someone (in Anthony’s case also his grandmother). (reference Link).

This global celebration of hugging has become an internationally recognized observance that embraces hugging. While some encourage hugging everyone, National Hugging Day™ (also referred to as National Hug Day, Hug Day, International Hug Day, or International Hugging Day) always suggests asking first. First published in Chase's Annual Events in 1986, it has grown enormously in worldwide popularity. A sample of locales include: United States of America, Canada, Germany, Sweden, the Netherlands, Bulgaria, Columbia, Guam, Australia, Georgia (the country), England, South Africa, Argentina, and Russia. Kevin Zaborney of Caro, Michigan USA is the creator of this huggable celebration.  

National Hugging Day LLC condones only consensual hugging.  Some schools and work places have banned all physical contact, including hugging. National Hugging Day LLC does not support the banning of hugs. Hugs should be open and safe in the practice. Therefore, it is advised to always ask first before offering a hug. If refused, graciously comply. There is an abundance of evidence-based and experiencial examples easily discoverable online demonstrating hugs are good for one's soul, mental and physical health.

If you are planning a large National Hugging Day™ event, please let me know.

Official Hashtag: #NationalHuggingDay

Follow on Facebook: National Hugging Day tm - January 21st

Follow on Twitter: @hugambassador

Email: hugging_whining@yahoo.com

"National Hugging Day™ is a different form of sharing.  We've got more than our quota of whiners and far too few huggers these days. Most of us have a little person inside who needs human contact in this stainless steel, computerized society where we are kept at arms length. Consider hugging as non-sexual, like a handshake or a high-five. Such personal contact makes you feel good. A good hug warms relationships between people. That's what National Hugging Day™ is all about. We're not talking sex here. Part of the problem huggers face is this guarded age where hugs are easily misinterpreted and subject to a leering look or a lawsuit. A hug has a universal meaning of support, concern or just a way of saying, 'I'm here.'"  Chris Thompson, former Saginaw News (MI) columnist

SUGGESTIONS FOR HUGGING

(Reference Link)

We all hug in different ways and the way we hug means a lot. Hug in a Mug has identified five different hugs we all use in everyday life - use this simple guide to see how that special person feels about you!

The Back to Front Hug is the perfect way to give support and affection to someone, even if they are busy carrying out a task like the washing up! Receiving a Back to Front Hug shows that you have someone who is always there for you and is a way of expressing love and affection for that person irrespective of what is received in return.

The Bear Hug is one of the hugs that we all consider to be the strongest. By squeezing your hugging partner gently, you can instantly give them reassurance and affection. But people tend to use Bear Hugs when they are excited or when they want to display strong affection. However remember, the best Bear Hugs require moderate squeezing not suffocating!

The Cheek Hug on the other hand is the complete opposite. We use the Cheek Hug when we need to comfort someone or show affection but this type of hug also allows us to keep our distance at the same time. The Cheek Hug may be used by anyone - elderly people who may not be able to hug tightly, people who are seated, colleagues, acquaintances and even friends and family.

The Side to Side Hug is a common sight we all see almost everyday. Most of us have all strolled down the road locked in a Side to Side Hug with someone. This casual hug allows us to demonstrate our affection for one another without being too intimate. It is also a way of conveniently hugging whilst carrying out other tasks such as walking, sitting down next to each other and standing in a queue for example.

The Heart Centred Hug is one we all enjoy. A slow, intimate and well-needed Heart Hug can lift anyone's spirits and is the perfect way to show close family, friends and partners how much you care!

Ideas for celebrating

*Create the longest hug chain

*Hold a Hug-a-Thon

*Break the Guinness record for Hugging

*Substitute hugging for handshakes

(Jeff Ondash, aka Teddy McHuggins)

Brouse this Site!

These pages are being updated frequently.  Now that you've found the Official National Hugging Day™ website, feel free to explore the rest of this site.   

If you have any suggestions or comments, I'd love to hear from you. Please contact me anytime! Click on CONTACT US link to the right.

Used with permission by Tessla Queen http://www.bingtopia.com/

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