How will you celebrate the International Day of Happiness?
- Stefanie Head
- Mar 16
- 2 min read
Here are 20 fun and meaningful ways families can celebrate the International Day of Happiness together:
Gratitude Jar – Have each family member write down something they’re grateful for and put it in a jar to read together at the end of the day.
Happiness Scavenger Hunt – Create a list of happy things to find around the house or neighborhood, like something that makes you smile or a color that makes you feel joyful.
Dance Party – Turn on your favorite upbeat music and have a spontaneous dance party in the living room.
Kindness Challenge – Each family member does at least one random act of kindness, like writing a thank-you note or helping a neighbor.
Cook a Happy Meal – Make a meal together featuring everyone’s favorite foods, or create smiley face pancakes for breakfast.
Laughter Contest – See who can make the whole family laugh the hardest with jokes, funny faces, or silly stories.
Happiness Playlist – Create and listen to a playlist of songs that bring joy to each family member.
Outdoor Adventure – Go for a nature walk, have a picnic, or play a game at the park to enjoy some fresh air and sunshine.
Storytelling Night – Take turns sharing happy or funny memories from your life or making up a silly story together.
DIY Family Art Project – Paint, draw, or craft something that represents happiness to each person in the family.
Watch a Feel-Good Movie – Pick a family-friendly movie that spreads joy and laughter.
Happiness Bingo – Create a bingo card with different joyful activities (hug someone, say something nice, smile at a stranger) and see who can complete the most squares.
Make a Happiness Vision Board – Cut out pictures and words from magazines or draw images that represent things that make each family member happy.
Surprise a Friend or Relative – Call, video chat, or drop off a small homemade gift to brighten someone’s day.
Create a Happiness Tree – Draw a big tree on paper, and have each family member add "leaves" with things that make them happy.
Game Night – Play a board game, charades, or a silly made-up game that gets everyone laughing.
Spread Happiness in the Community – Leave encouraging notes on cars, in books at the library, or around your neighborhood.
Write and Share Compliments – Each family member writes something they love about every other person and shares it out loud.
Bubble Party – Go outside and blow bubbles together—it’s simple, fun, and guaranteed to bring smiles!
End the Day with a Happiness Reflection – Sit together and talk about what made you happiest that day and how you can carry that joy forward.
No matter how you choose to celebrate the International Day of Happiness, remember, "Happiness is when what you think, what you say, and what you do are in harmony." - Mahatma Gandhi.
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