National Let It Go Day arrives each year on June 23, and if you’re still clutching tightly to ancient grudges, expired coupons, or that “Get Back Together?” playlist from 2014, now’s your official reminder to drop the baggage. National Let It Go Day gives everyone—yes, even that coworker who still fumes over a stolen lunch from 2019—a valid excuse to breathe deeply and release what no longer serves them. With “Let It Go” firmly planted in pop culture thanks to Frozen, this holiday gives Elsa-level drama to an otherwise practical form of emotional housekeeping.
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The Ice-Cold Origins of National Let It Go Day
No, National Let It Go Day wasn’t invented by Disney’s marketing team—though let’s face it, they could’ve monetized this concept faster than you can say “Do you wanna build a snowman?” The holiday was created by Wellcat Holidays, those masterminds behind quirky celebrations like National Take Your Houseplants for a Walk Day and National Blame Someone Else Day. Their idea was simple: set aside a day to reflect, release, and reboot your emotional hard drive.
June 23 marks the middle of the year, and that timing is no accident. By now, most New Year’s resolutions have either gone up in smoke or been replaced by more urgent goals, like surviving group texts and remembering your online passwords. National Let It Go Day provides the perfect mid-year moment to ditch stale regrets, dramatic meltdowns, and that one friend who still owes you $40 from 2017.
Let It Go—Pop Culture Style
Of course, any conversation about letting things go in the 21st century must include Queen Elsa herself. Since Frozen hit theaters in 2013, the phrase “let it go” has turned into a global anthem of emotional release. Kids belt it out in grocery store aisles, parents hear it in their dreams, and by now, even your dog probably associates it with freedom (or at least fewer leash tangles). The phrase became more than a song—it became a mantra, a movement, and, depending on who you ask, a reason to finally stop replying to “U up?” texts.
But long before Elsa turned it into a Broadway-worthy snowstorm, the idea of releasing emotional weight has had its roots in every culture, religion, and therapy session. Buddhists call it non-attachment. Therapists call it progress. Your grandma calls it “stop fussing and go eat something.” And now, America calls it National Let It Go Day.
- Audible Audiobook
- Timothy Keller (Author) – Sean Pratt (Narrator)
- English (Publication Language)
- 11/01/2022 (Publication Date) – Penguin Audio (Publisher)
Last update on 2025-06-19 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The Let-It-Go-To List
Still wondering what to purge this National Let It Go Day? Here’s a handy list that might inspire you:
- Toxic Friendships – You know the one. They only text when they need help moving.
- Unsent Emails – If it’s still in Drafts after six months, it probably wasn’t worth sending.
- Closet Skeletons – Literally. It’s time to donate that pirate Halloween costume from 2009.
- Guilt over binge-watching reality TV – You didn’t “waste time,” you were “conducting pop culture research.”
- Old grudges – Forgive. Not for them, but so you can reclaim precious brain space for trivia night.
You don’t need to light sage or climb a mountain. You just need to commit to releasing the nonsense. And maybe unfollowing your ex’s new partner while you’re at it. Baby steps.
How to Celebrate with Flair (and Sanity)
Celebrating National Let It Go Day doesn’t require much—just intention and maybe a symbolic gesture or two. Write down the things you’re letting go, then toss the paper into the trash, shredder, or if you’re feeling theatrical, the fireplace. Delete digital clutter. Recycle actual clutter. Apologize if you need to, and accept apologies even if they’re awkward. Bonus points if you resist subtweeting anyone in the process.
Some folks take to social media with #NationalLetItGoDay, sharing what they’ve released, whether it’s resentment, an outdated hairstyle, or the belief that cargo shorts are acceptable fashion. Others treat it as a day of self-care—yoga, journaling, or screaming into the void (quietly, if you live in an apartment).
The Remarkable Joy of National Let It Go Day
Here’s the beauty of National Let It Go Day: it reminds us that we hold the power to free ourselves from yesterday’s nonsense. June 23 isn’t just a date—it’s a declaration that you are more than your worst moments, bad breakups, or rejected TikToks. It’s your cue to cut the emotional umbilical cord from regrets and rise into the second half of the year lighter, wiser, and significantly less annoyed by Janet from accounting.
So embrace National Let It Go Day with open arms, a light heart, and maybe a Bluetooth speaker blasting that famous tune. It’s time to let it go—and mean it.
