November 13 is World Kindness Day, and if you know anything about being kind, you may have learned it from Mister Rogers himself — that’s why it’s also known as Cardigan Day. How to celebrate Mr. Rogers’ Cardigan Day is totally up to you, but whatever method you choose, it’s sure to have you smiling. And ideally, whatever you do to celebrate kindness today will bring a smile to someone else’s face, too.
World Kindness Day takes place each year in November, and in each year, Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood studio WQED encourages fans to wear cardigans to celebrate. Fred Rogers and his children’s show became known for teaching young viewers about being kind to others, how to process difficult emotions, and much more. Every episode opened with the theme song "Won't You be My Neighbor?” and showed Mister Rogers entering his home, swapping his suit jacket to a cardigan knitted by his mother, and putting on his house shoes.
So, if you’re feeling like spreading Mister Rogers’ spirit of kindness and compassion today, don your favorite cardi. But, if you’ve already headed out the door today, there are plenty of other ways to share his timeless lessons. Here’s how to spread some love and lessons to your own kids, your coworkers, and yourself.