National Hot Tea Day celebrates the rich culture and history, diverse types, health benefits, and soothing qualities of tea, and encourages "tea fans across the nation to raise their cups in honor of the beloved beverage." The day, which takes place during National Hot Tea Month, was started by the Tea Council of the USA, a nonprofit association that connects tea packers, importers, and allied industries in the United States and in the major tea producing countries. They work to promote awareness about tea by providing info about its positive attributes. They assert that "drinking tea is the perfect way to start the New Year with a sound mind and body."