WOTAN CITY, Lad. — Every December 26th, Ladonians trade their usual decorum for a day of sanctioned mischief: Stealing Day. Rooted in the nation’s long-standing appreciation for the absurd, Stealing Day grants citizens temporary license to “steal” (borrow) items — or even less tangible things like time, kisses, or a nap — from friends and neighbors.
The rules are simple: all “thefts” must be lighthearted, and the act must bring joy or laughter to all involved. Popular steals include decorative items, unusual hats, or anything deemed mildly inconvenient to lose for a few hours. More adventurous citizens may “steal” moments of relaxation or playful banter, or even take inspiration from Moo Deng the baby hippo and try to steal hearts (because we needed a reason to include this adorable photo of Moo Deng in our story).
Minister of Home Affairs Erik, Duke of Southmoor, reflected on the day’s significance: “Stealing Day reminds us that trust and humor are cornerstones of Ladonian life. It’s a day to embrace harmless mischief while strengthening bonds within our community.”
Participants are reminded to steal strategically and safely. The official motto of Stealing Day, “Tutus Furatus! Nos te e carcere non redimemus” (“Safe Stealing! We won’t bail you out”), serves as a cheerful yet firm reminder of the day’s playful boundaries. The government has issued a timely reminder that any overzealous heists resulting in trouble with authorities will not be bailed out by the state. As always, creativity and cleverness are the keys to a successful Stealing Day.
This year, citizens are encouraged to report their most creative thefts to the Herald for inclusion in a special feature. Citizens are encouraged to report their most creative thefts to the Herald for potential inclusion in a special feature. Perhaps someone might even claim to have “stolen” an entire garden gnome display. To those planning their mischief, remember: it’s not about the item—it’s about the story.
For more information on Ladonian National Holidays, or to add these special days to your computer’s calendar in your preferred language, visit the official Ladonian calendar at ladonia.org/ladonian-calendar/, where an .ics file is available for download.
