National Ding-A-Ling Day
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Overview
National Ding-A-Ling Day, observed annually on December 12th, is a lighthearted occasion dedicated to reconnecting with friends and family you haven't spoken to in a while. It encourages you to "ring up" or "ding" those dear to you, fostering connections and spreading a little whimsical joy through a simple call or message.
Origin and story
The exact origins of National Ding-A-Ling Day are a bit obscure, but it has been celebrated informally on December 12th for many years.
The day primarily encourages people to make phone calls to friends or relatives they haven't contacted in some time, literally 'ringing' them up.
Quick facts
- DateDecember 12
- TypeKindness / Community
- Great forCommunity groups, Friends, Coworkers
Also on this date
Ways to celebrate
Behind the goofy name is an actual club with actual members — National Ding-A-Ling Day started as one Chicago-area woman's campaign to get people picking up the phone for old friends.
Meet the founder
The holiday traces back to 1971, when Franky Hyle and friends got to talking about how people ought to be friendlier to one another — by 1972 she was placing an annual notice in Chase's Calendar of Annual Events declaring December 12 National Ding-A-Ling Day.
Join the spirit of the original club
Hyle defined a "ding-a-ling" as a wonderful, friendly, intelligent, loving, responsible, and desirable person — by 1975 nearly 900 people had paid a dollar to join her Ding-A-Ling Club and received a bumper sticker reading "Be a Bell Ringer."
Actually make the call
Skip the text and dial someone you've lost touch with — the name is a nod to the sound of a ringing telephone, and the whole point is reconnecting voice-to-voice rather than firing off a quick message.
Read the club's origin story
Helpful resources:
Fun facts
- The exact origins of National Ding-A-Ling Day are a bit obscure, but it has been celebrated informally on December 12th for many years.
- The day primarily encourages people to make phone calls to friends or relatives they haven't contacted in some time, literally 'ringing' them up.
- The term 'ding-a-ling' can refer to the sound of a bell, but colloquially, it can also describe someone who is a bit eccentric or quirky.
- It's an unofficial holiday, often spread through social media and informal word-of-mouth.
- Some interpretations suggest the 'ding-a-ling' might also reference a doorbell, symbolizing reaching out or making a new connection.
- The spirit of the day is playful and aims to foster connection without taking itself too seriously.
Sources and attribution
National Ding-a-Ling Day (Holiday Insights)
External links may lead to third-party websites.
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FAQ
- When is National Ding-A-Ling Day?
- It is observed on December 12 each year.
- What is National Ding-A-Ling Day?
- National Ding-A-Ling Day, observed annually on December 12th, is a lighthearted occasion dedicated to reconnecting with friends and family you haven't spoken to in a while. It encourages you to "ring up" or "ding" those dear to you, fostering connections and spreading a little whimsical joy through a simple call or message.
- How do people celebrate National Ding-A-Ling Day?
- Call someone you haven't spoken to in a while — the holiday began in 1971 when Chicago-area resident Franky Hyle started a 'Ding-A-Ling Club' encouraging people to ring up old friends.
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