Do Nothing on Thursday; Apparently It's OK to Do So

According to holidayinsights.com, Do Nothing Day is supposed to be celebrated on Jan. 16 each year. It's a day of just that: doing nothing. A day of "un-events." Calmness.

But in Northborough (and Southborough) an annual "unplugged" day was instituted a few years ago, its intent to have nothing scheduled throughout the community in the evening so the family could stay home and be together. Like a Hamburger Helper commercial, they could gather around the family trading jokes and stories without a care in the world.

This unplugged/unscheduled/do nothing day is Thursday, March 8.

"Typically, the schools do not give students homework and there are no big assignments due on that Friday," said Sue Whitten, principal at the Zeh School.  "Nancy Kellner, the library teacher, was instrumental in getting this going in Northborough." 

Margaret Donohoe, principal at the said that the un-scheduled day in Northborough has been part of the community for a few years, and the teachers at her school will also not be assigning any homework to be due Friday. No tests will be given, either.

"The idea is that families will connect and spend time together," said Donohoe. "No meetings or activities are planned."

Principal of Algonquin Regional High School, Tom Mead, sent a notice out to his administration reminding them, "accordingly, we should not be assigning any homework that night or holding any assessments on Friday. The idea is for families to get together without the press of schoolwork, and have an enjoyable evening." 

So, will you celebrate doing nothing? It's harder than you may think.