11 saved#4,947 of 6,224

National Build Joy Day

Spread joy and positivity on National Build Joy Day by doing small acts of kindness for others - it's the little things that make a big difference!

Wednesday

December 2026

Last updated February 7, 2026 · by the Holiday Calendar Team

Have an update or spot an error?

YEARLY DATEDecember 2

OBSERVED INUnited States

CATEGORYHealth

SUBCATEGORYSelf-Care

INTRO

Introduction

PHOTO

Get ready to spread some joy and positivity on National Build Joy Day on Dec. 2! This holiday was created by the non-profit organization, DoSomething.org, with the goal of encouraging people to do something kind for others and make a difference in their communities. Whether it's volunteering at a local charity, surprising someone with a random act of kindness, or simply spreading joy through small gestures, this day is all about building a better world through kindness and compassion. So let's come together and celebrate the power of giving back and making others happy!

TIMELINE

National Build Joy Day Timeline

National Build Joy Day Origin

The holiday was first established in 2011 by DoSomething.org, a non-profit organization dedicated to motivating young people to take action around social changes.

First Celebrated

People across the country started marking this holiday by doing small acts of kindness for the first time in 2012.

National Recognition

The holiday gains national recognition, encouraging more individuals and organizations to participate and celebrate.

Increasing Participation

By 2017, National Build Joy Day begins to be celebrated internationally, spreading the message of joy and kindness further.

Joy in Pandemic Times

Despite the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, more people found ways to spread joy remotely or safely in their communities during the 2020 National Build Joy Day.

GET INVOLVED

How to Celebrate National Build Joy Day

Create a joy-filled playlist

Gather your favorite songs that make you feel happy and create a playlist to listen to throughout the day. Music has the power to uplift and bring joy, so make sure to include all your favorite tunes on this special day.

Do a random act of kindness

Spread joy by doing a random act of kindness for someone else. It can be as simple as buying a stranger's coffee or leaving a kind note for a friend. These small acts can go a long way in bringing joy to others.

VOLUNTEER

Volunteer at a local charity

Spend the day giving back and bringing joy to those in need by volunteering at a local charity. You can help out at a soup kitchen, organize donations, or spend time with elderly residents at a nursing home.

HOST

Host a joy-themed party

Gather your friends and family for a joy-themed party! Decorate with bright colors, play fun games, and serve delicious treats to celebrate the joy in your life and create new memories with loved ones.

TAKE

Take a joy-filled adventure

Go on a hike, explore a new city, or try a new activity that brings you joy. Use this day as an opportunity to try something new and experience the joy that comes with stepping out of your comfort zone.

WHY THIS DAY MATTERS

Why National Build Joy Day is Important

It celebrates the power of positivity

On National Build Joy Day, we celebrate the power of positivity and how it can make a difference in our communities. By building joy, we can create a ripple effect of kindness and spread happiness wherever we go. This day reminds us that even the smallest acts can have a big impact.

It promotes acts of kindness and generosity

National Build Joy Day encourages people to spread joy by doing something kind for others. Whether it's volunteering, donating to a charity, or even just smiling at a stranger, these small acts can make a big impact and bring happiness to those around us.

It reminds us to take a break from our busy lives

In the midst of our hectic schedules and endless to-do lists, National Build Joy Day reminds us to slow down and take a moment to appreciate the little things in life. It's important to remember that spreading joy not only benefits others, but also brings joy into our own lives.