Curmudgeons Day is a humorous holiday that celebrates the grumpy and cantankerous people in our lives. It is observed on January 29 every year, which is the birthday of W.C. Fields, a famous American comedian who played curmudgeonly characters in his movies.
The word “curmudgeon” means an ill-tempered, disagreeable, and quarrelsome person, who often complains about everything and finds fault with others. Monster’s Mom used to call him an “old curmudgeon”, and he was never quite sure what she meant or why. He never felt like a curmudgeon!
Certainly that description of disagreeable and quarrelsome certainly do not apply to Monster, who is always a perfect paragon of virtue, well sort of, maybe, kind of, could be…
So let’s explore the word and the day and find out why the day exists, and what it might have to do with the Monster.
Go and celebrate the charm of curmudgeons!
Curmudgeons Day is a day to appreciate the humor and charm of the curmudgeons we know, and to embrace our own inner grumpiness. It is also a day to acknowledge that being a curmudgeon is not always a bad thing, as it can sometimes be a sign of intelligence, honesty, and independence. Curmudgeons may have a cynical view of the world, but they also have a sharp wit and a keen sense of observation.
Some of the ways to celebrate Curmudgeons Day are:
- Watch a movie or a show featuring a curmudgeon, such as “Grumpy Old Men”, “Up”, or “The Simpsons”.
- Read a book or a comic strip by a curmudgeon, such as Mark Twain, Charles Bukowski, or Calvin and Hobbes.
- Listen to a song or a podcast by a curmudgeon, such as Bob Dylan, Lewis Black, or Marc Maron.
- Send a card or a gift to a curmudgeon in your life, or make them a cup of tea or coffee. [Hey girl, you need any coffee?]
- Try to make a curmudgeon smile or laugh with a joke, a compliment, or a hug. [Hey girl, you need any coffee?]
- Express your own curmudgeonly opinions or grievances, or vent your frustrations in a healthy way. [Hey girl, you need any coffee?]
- Learn more about the history and culture of curmudgeons, or take a quiz to find out how much of a curmudgeon you are. [Hey girl, you need any coffee? Ya, I thought so…]
Curmudgeon Day is fun and quirky? Not exactly…
Curmudgeons Day is a fun and quirky holiday that reminds us that there is a place for everyone in this world, even the sour and the cranky. By celebrating Curmudgeons Day, we can show some respect and affection for the curmudgeons in our lives, and also enjoy the benefits of being a curmudgeon ourselves.
After all, as W.C. Fields once said, “I am free of all prejudices. I hate everyone equally.”
