Annual observance

Still Need to Do Day

December 29 Cultural / community observance Updated 2025-12-18

This holiday is featured in the Obscure Holiday Calendar app with emoji-style visuals, reminders, and daily fun facts.

Overview

Still Need to Do Day" on December 29th humorously acknowledges the persistent backlog of tasks, errands, and commitments that individuals find themselves facing just before the year concludes. It serves as a lighthearted, yet often relatable, reminder to either frantically finish lingering items or to accept that some things will simply carry over into the new year, embodying the last-minute scramble of end-of-year responsibilities.

Observed each year on December 29, Still Need to Do Day invites people to pause, share the story, and bring a little themed joy to their day.

Why it matters: Still Need to Do Day on December 29 highlights the universal experience of tackling unfinished tasks as the year draws to a close. This observance serves as a humorous reminder of the pressures and priorities that often accompany the transition into a new year, encouraging reflection on what can be completed and what may need to wait.

Origin and story

Many organizations and individuals often rush to complete administrative and financial tasks, such as making tax-deductible donations, before the calendar year officially ends.

The concept of writing down tasks to manage them dates back to ancient civilizations, with various forms of 'to-do lists' found in historical records.

Quick facts

  • DateDecember 29
  • TypeCultural / community observance
  • Great forFriends, Families, Classrooms, Teams

Also on this date

Ways to Observe Still Need To Do Day (December 29)

Still Need To Do Day, observed on December 29, focuses on finishing small, unfinished tasks before the year ends. It’s meant to encourage closure and organization—without pressure or major goal-setting.

Finish lingering tasks

  • Send overdue messages or emails
  • Return items or schedule appointments
  • File paperwork or organize digital folders
  • Complete quick household or desk tasks

Make a “finish first” list

Instead of planning new goals:

  • Write down only tasks you can realistically complete today
  • Break tasks into short, manageable steps
  • Cross items off to build momentum

Helpful resources:

Prepare for the year ahead

  • Review unfinished goals and decide what to carry forward
  • Let go of tasks that no longer matter
  • Organize calendars, notes, or planners for January

Keep it light

  • Focus on progress, not perfection
  • Celebrate small wins
  • Leave bigger goals for New Year’s planning

Did you know?

Still Need To Do Day is intentionally placed just before the end of the year to help people enter the new year feeling organized rather than overwhelmed.

External links may lead to third-party websites.

Fun facts

  • Many organizations and individuals often rush to complete administrative and financial tasks, such as making tax-deductible donations, before the calendar year officially ends.
  • The concept of writing down tasks to manage them dates back to ancient civilizations, with various forms of 'to-do lists' found in historical records.
  • Psychological research indicates that the 'endowment effect' can make people feel a stronger sense of ownership and urgency over tasks they've already started, even if unfinished.

Sources and attribution

Source not provided.


Continue to

FAQ

When is Still Need to Do Day?
It is observed on December 29 each year.
What is Still Need to Do Day?
Still Need to Do Day" on December 29th humorously acknowledges the persistent backlog of tasks, errands, and commitments that individuals find themselves facing just before the year concludes. It serves as a lighthearted, yet often relatable, reminder to either frantically finish lingering items or to accept that some things will simply carry over into the new year, embodying the last-minute scramble of end-of-year responsibilities.
How do people celebrate Still Need to Do Day?
Finish a few lingering tasks, make a short “finish first” list, and clear space for the new year without pressure.

Get the app

Thousands of obscure holidays, daily widgets, reminders, and fun facts—free on iOS and Android.

Recently viewed holidays