How did you celebrate International Hugging Day 2025?

for Pre-Intermediate and Intermediate levels

International Hugging Day was celebrated on 21st January, and though a few days have passed, the spirit of the day is still fresh in our hearts. This day, which began in 1986, reminds us of the power of a simple hug to bring comfort, joy, and connection.

Hugs are more than just a gesture. They can cheer us up, reduce stress, and help us calm down during difficult times. When you give someone a hug, you show them that you care. It’s amazing how something so simple can bring people closer and make everyone feel good.

This year’s Hugging Day was celebrated in many ways. Schools, families, and communities came together to enjoy the day. Some people reached out to hug their loved ones, while others visited those who might feel lonely, like elderly neighbors or friends far from home. The goal of this day is to spread happiness and remind us to connect with one another.

So, how did you celebrate Hugging Day? Did you reach out to someone special for a warm hug? Maybe you hung out with your friends or family to enjoy some time together. Or perhaps you used the day to show up for someone who needed support.

Even though Hugging Day has passed, it’s never too late to share the love. You can still give a hug to someone today—whether it’s a family member, a close friend, or even yourself! A hug is a simple act of kindness that can brighten anyone’s day.

My personal relationship with hugs

Hugs are a beautiful way to connect with others, but in my case, receiving hugs isn’t always easy. I’m not very comfortable when someone hugs me if I am not ready to receive it. However, I love giving out hugs to people who truly need them—whether they’re seeking comfort or going through a tough time. In those moments, a hug can mean the world, and I’m happy to reach out to show my support.

The one exception to my hesitance is my daughter. When she hugs me, it’s like time stops. Her hugs fill me with warmth and love, and I feel a deep sense of connection that’s hard to describe. It’s as if her small arms around me can take away all my worries in an instant.

I believe a hug has a profound meaning. It’s not just a simple gesture; it’s a way to express emotions that words can’t. In my opinion, when hugs are given too often or without thought, they lose their value. A hug should have a purpose—it should heal, comfort, or bring joy.

How do you feel about hugs? Do they hold a special meaning for you? How did you celebrate Hugging Day this year? Share your story in the comments or write an email to learning@yourenglishteacher.blog if you want to practice your writing skill.

👉🏻For grammar explanations, read below the pictures

Phrasal verbs used in the article

Reach out – Contattare, avvicinarsi
Example: “If you want to celebrate Hugging Day next year, reach out to someone you care about.” Italian: “Se vuoi celebrare la Giornata degli Abbracci il prossimo anno, contatta qualcuno a cui tieni.”

Hang out – Passare del tempo con qualcuno
Example: “Hang out with friends and family and enjoy time together.” Italian: “Passa del tempo con gli amici e la famiglia e divertitevi insieme.”

Show up – Presentarsi, farsi vedere
Example: “Show up for someone who needs support—a hug can mean so much!” Italian: “Presentati per qualcuno che ha bisogno di supporto—un abbraccio può significare molto!”

Take away – Portare via, rimuovere
Example: “Music helps me take away my stress.” Italian: “La musica mi aiuta a rimuovere lo stress.”

Give out – Donare, distribuire
Example (donare): “I love giving out hugs to people who truly need them.” Italian: “Mi piace donare abbracci a chi ne ha veramente bisogno.”
Example (distribuire): “The teacher was giving out certificates to all the students.” Italian: “L’insegnante stava distribuendo i certificati a tutti gli studenti.”

Cheer someone up – Tirare su di morale qualcuno, far sentire qualcuno meglio
Example: “I tried to cheer her up by telling her a funny story.” Italian: “Ho cercato di tirarla su di morale raccontandole una storia divertente.”

Idioms and similar (with the word HUG)

There are a few phrases and expressions where “hug” is used figuratively or symbolically. Here are some examples:

Hug it out
Meaning: To resolve a conflict or disagreement with a hug instead of arguing or staying upset.
Example: “They had a big argument, but they decided to hug it out in the end.”
Italian Translation: Risolvere un conflitto con un abbraccio.
Example in Italian: “Hanno litigato, ma alla fine hanno deciso di risolverla con un abbraccio.”

A bear hug
Meaning: A strong, tight, and affectionate hug, often meant to show love or support.
Example: “When I saw my best friend after years, I gave her a big bear hug.”
Italian Translation: Un abbraccio forte e affettuoso, come quello di un orso.
Example in Italian: “Quando ho rivisto la mia migliore amica dopo anni, le ho dato un grande abbraccio da orso.”

Hug the coast
Meaning: To follow the coastline closely, often used when talking about a road, path, or ship.
Example: “The scenic road hugs the coast all the way to the next town.”
Italian Translation: Seguire la costa da vicino.
Example in Italian: “La strada panoramica segue la costa fino alla prossima città.”

Hug yourself (with glee)
Meaning: To feel proud or delighted with yourself, often silently or secretly.
Example: “He hugged himself with glee after acing the exam.”
Italian Translation: Gioire segretamente per qualcosa, compiacersi.
Example in Italian: “Si è rallegrato in segreto dopo aver superato l’esame.”

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by Your English Teacher