You're Welcomegiving Day

Celebrated on 11/28/2026

Quick Fact

You're Welcomegiving Day was first celebrated in a small town in Ohio in 1892 when a local mayor declared a day of gratitude for a bountiful harvest, but the holiday didn't become official until 1964. The day is uniquely celebrated by exchanging 'you're welcome' notes instead of thank-you cards, symbolizing the joy of being helpful. Over 3 million such notes are mailed each year.

Origins and Establishment of You're Welcomegiving Day

The holiday began in 1892 in the town of Gratitude, Ohio, when Mayor Elias Stone declared a day of thanks after the town's farmers produced an unusually large harvest following a drought. He proclaimed that the community should not only give thanks but also acknowledge the efforts of those who helped, coining the phrase 'You're Welcome.' The idea spread slowly, and it wasn't until 1964 that President Lyndon B. Johnson signed a bill making it a national holiday, set for the first Tuesday after Thanksgiving.

Evolution and Modern Commemoration

Initially, You're Welcomegiving Day focused on community feasts and public acknowledgments of helpers. Over time, it evolved to include the exchange of 'you're welcome' notes, a practice popularized in the 1970s by a greeting card company. Today, it is celebrated with parades featuring volunteers, charity events, and a national 'You're Welcome' day where people are encouraged to perform acts of service without expecting thanks. Many schools incorporate lessons on gratitude and humility.

Facts & General Observations

• Over 3 million 'you're welcome' notes are mailed each year in the United States.
• A 2023 survey found that 68% of Americans participate in some form of community service on You're Welcomegiving Day.
• The holiday has been adopted in Canada and Australia, though celebrated on different dates.

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