I'm sending out virtual hugs today on National Hug Day January 21. XOXO (Kiss Hug Kiss Hug).
I feel sad that I can't hug everyone I care about this year , due to social distancing requirements designed to help slow the spread of COVID-19. It's hard to believe it's been one year since the first "official" death from COVID-19 in America.
In past years, my free-spirited son Mo would make a handwritten "FREE HUGS" sign and stand out in public to really spread the love. Both Mo and I even have "FREE HUGS" sweatshirts. Not many opportunities to wear them since 2020.
Once the disease is more manageable, hopefully hugging and social gathering will be acceptable again. Once it is, "Always ask first and make the day fun for everyone, especially family and friends," is the advice on hugging ettiquette from National Hug Day's website.
National Hug Day was founded on January 21, 1986 in Caro, Michigan by the Rev. Kevin Zaborney as a way "to encourage family and friends to celebrate the positive experience of hugging," according to the event's Facebook page. Since then, National Hug Day has spread to Canada, England, Australia, Germany and Poland and through the United States.
The founder, Rev. Kevin Zaborney, holds a bachelor's degree in psychology from the University of Michigan, and a master's of divinity degree from Boston University. As a minister, he knows people benefit from the positive psychological, physical and spiritual aspects of a good hug. It's not the same, but I hope you feel some of the love with this virtual hug.
Image courtesy of www.pixabay.com.
Thanks for reading "Giving Everyone Free Virtual Hugs on Hug Day Jan. 21."
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