There are some books that reach beyond words on a page — stories that lift you up when life feels heavy, and remind you that hope and goodness still exist. Chicken Soup for the Soul is one of those rare creations. Each story makes you laugh, cry, and appreciate the simple joys that make life beautiful.
Every year, on National Chicken Soup for the Soul Day, we celebrate the power of these stories — and the people who wrote them — for inspiring millions across the world.
A Book Series Born to Heal Hearts
The Chicken Soup for the Soul series was created to bring light into dark places. When motivational speakers Jack Canfield and Mark Victor Hansen first compiled the stories in 1993, their goal was simple: to share true tales of kindness, courage, and connection that remind people of the good in humanity.
What began as one heartfelt book quickly became a publishing phenomenon. Over the past few decades, more than 110 million copies have been sold in the United States and Canada alone. The series has now expanded into over 200 titles, including favourites like Chicken Soup for the Teenage Soul, Chicken Soup for the Pet Lover’s Soul, and Chicken Soup for the Sister’s Soul.
It’s no surprise that Chicken Soup for the Soul eventually evolved beyond books — into a media and lifestyle brand based in Cos Cob, Connecticut — proving that its message of warmth and inspiration continues to resonate across generations.
How to Celebrate National Chicken Soup for the Soul Day
There’s no “one right way” to celebrate this day — it’s all about gratitude, empathy, and kindness. Here are a few ideas to fill your soul (and maybe your stomach) this 12th of November:
1. Curl Up with a Book That Speaks to Your Soul
Whether it’s Chicken Soup for the Teenage Soul, The Caregiver’s Soul, or even The African-American Soul, there’s a version for everyone. Visit your local library or download an eBook, and spend some quiet time with stories that inspire you to dream bigger, forgive more, and live fully.
Each tale captures universal human emotions — love, resilience, faith, and grace — reminding us that, no matter who we are or where we come from, kindness connects us all.
2. Make a Bowl of Real Chicken Soup
If you prefer a literal take on the day, then grab a pot and get cooking! A warm bowl of homemade chicken soup is comfort in its purest form. If you’ve never made it before, you’ll find plenty of recipes online. Try one, settle under a blanket, and enjoy a bowlful of warmth while reading your favourite Chicken Soup for the Soul stories. Simple pleasures like these can soothe the heart as much as the body.
3. Do Something Kind for Someone Else
True to the spirit of the books, National Chicken Soup for the Soul Day is also about giving back. Perform a small act of kindness — send a heartfelt message, donate to charity, help a neighbour, or simply offer someone your time and attention. Sometimes the smallest gestures make the biggest difference.
The Meaning Behind the Celebration
While the name might make you think of comfort food, National Chicken Soup for the Soul Day is really about feeding the spirit. It celebrates the uplifting message that runs through every Chicken Soup story — that hope, compassion, and love still exist in abundance.
It’s a day to celebrate “who you are, where you’ve been, where you’re going, and who you will be thankful to when you get there.” These words from the authors remind us to pause, reflect, and give thanks for the people and moments that have shaped us.
A Legacy of Positivity
The Chicken Soup for the Soul movement began with two storytellers sharing real experiences from real people — stories that offered reassurance amidst uncertainty. Their idea was simple but powerful: even in dark times, light can be found in everyday acts of kindness.
From those humble beginnings, the series has inspired films, television programmes, podcasts, and even its own line of soups, sauces, and prepared foods, bringing comfort in every sense of the word.
So, this National Chicken Soup for the Soul Day, take a moment to nurture your own soul. Read something that warms your heart, share a kind word, or simply be thankful for the good that surrounds you. Because sometimes, a story — like a bowl of soup — is exactly what we need to feel human again.