Dear Kid,

Today, June 29th, is Hug Holiday Day. (I’m in favor of hugs. I’m in favor of holidays. And I’m in favor of days. But “Hug Holiday Day” needs work. Why not “Give Someone a Hug Day”? Or “Heaping Up Goodness”? Yeah, not great, I know, but still better than Hug Holiday Day. Just sayin’.)

A hug is like a boomerang—you get it back right away. ~Bil Keane, “Family Circus”

You can't wrap love in a box, but you can wrap a person in a hug. ~Author Unknown DearKidLoveMom.comHug Holiday Day was created by the Hugs for Health Foundation as part of their premise that “hugs, friendship and volunteer support are vital components to the overall senior care plan.”

Lovely. Let’s get to the hugs.

I love hugging.  I wish I was an octopus, so I could hug ten people at a time.  ~Drew Barrymore

Studies have found that not only are hugs good for the soul (and for inspiring fun quotes), they actually help improve health. Hugs decrease feelings of loneliness and tension, lower blood pressure, and improve self-esteem and immune system functions.

I have a present for you, but I need to borrow your arms for wrapping paper.  ~Author Unknown

Hugs can help ease fear. Studies have shown what every toddler knows: you feel less afraid when you hug something, whether it’s a person or a stuffed animal.

I will not play at tug o’ war
I’d rather play at hug o’ war,
Where everyone hugs
Instead of tugs….
~Shel Silverstein

Every time I think of you, it is like getting a hug from the inside out. ~Author Unknown DearKidLoveMom.comHugs are nice. They are good for you, they’re free, and they’re fun. So go hug someone. Or two someones.

And remember that even though I’m not next to you, I’m hugging you long-distance.

A mom’s hug lasts long after she lets go. ~Author Unknown

Love, Mom