Here’s how Don’t Make Your Bed Day got started.
A fifth-grade boy who attends Calvary Christian Academy in New Mexico wrote a letter to his senator, Tom Udall, requesting that one day be set aside each year to take making the bed off everyone’s list of chores. Do your kids make their bed every day? Do you? Decades ago, one of my children’s beloved babysitters taught me something that I have found to be true.
“When you make your bed in the morning, the day just goes better,” Nancy G. advised me.
Shannon Barba’s parents have expected him to make his bed each and every day before he goes to school since he was 4 years old. That’s what prompted his petition for a day off. Here’s his letter:
“My name is Shannon Barba, and I reside in Tijeras, New Mexico. I am in the fifth grade at Calvary Christian Academy. I am writing you to ask that you help me figure out a way to institute National Don’t Make Your Bed Day. I have made my bed every day since I was 4 years old. I make it so my parents are proud of me. But sometimes, I get really tired of making my bed. I think grown-ups get tired of making their beds too. I think everyone in our country would enjoy one day where they don’t have to make their bed and not feel bad about it. I suggest December 21st of every year because that is the shortest day of the year this year. On that day, we spend the least amount of time out of bed and so it would be nice to leave it unmade. I appreciate your help and ask that you please send me a response letting me know if you are able to pass a bill that would make a National Don’t Make Your Bed Day. Thank you for your time and considering my request.”
I don’t think Don’t Make Your Bed Day ever got officially proclaimed, but I, for one, am not making my bed today. Thank you, Shannon!
