Why do we celebrate National Sweetest Day?
Feeling extra sweet this year?
It’s time for the annual Midwest-started holiday, Sweetest Day, a chance to let the people in your life know that you appreciate them.
To put it simply, Sweetest Day every October 16, is a day to be sweet by sharing a kind thought, a small gift, or a gesture of kindness. It’s a day to give a card with a sweet message to someone you appreciate. Little gifts of candy and other sweets are shared, as well.
How did Sweetest Day get started?
According to National Today, Sweetest Day was first celebrated in Cleveland in 1922, where multiple candy companies distributed more than 20,000 boxes of candy to the city’s vulnerable, including “newsboys, orphans, old folks, and the poor.”
Eventually, the idea spread, from Cleveland to the rest of Ohio and a few other states.
Hallmark also attributes Sweetest Day’s start to Herbert Birch Kingston, a Cleveland candy company employee “who wanted to bring happiness to the lives of those who often were forgotten.”
“In the early 1930s, movie stars got into the act. Ann Pennington distributed candy to 2,200 Cleveland newspaper boys, and Theda Bara gave candy to theater-goers and patients in Cleveland hospitals,” Hallmark’s website says.
In 1937, the National Confectioners Association launched a movement to rank Sweetest Day with other nationally accepted holidays like Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, and Valentine’s Day, but the effort fell flat.
Is Sweetest Day an actual holiday?
No, the day is not federally recognized but is observed by people in states and regions around the U.S.
Sweetest Day Traditions
The main tradition on Sweetest Day is to show someone that you care about them with an act of kindness of some sort. Usually, this could be getting them a gift such as candy or flowers, but it could also be something that costs nothing such as leaving a nice note.
Most people, however, associate the holiday with candy and choose to buy a special someone a candy offering of some sort.
Sweetest Day Activities
- Make a list of all your sweetiesIf you’re really going to get the most out of Sweetest Day, it’s probably best to write a list of people you feel sweet towards. Rather than restricting yourself to a significant other, think about all the people you want to celebrate today. Who knows, maybe you can even use the day to make amends with a jerk coworker or two!? We’re big fans of spreading the sweetness as far and wide as possible.
- Distribute some candyIdeally, you’re looking to give your candy out in sweet presentations such as in heart-shaped boxes, or with ribbons and bows attached. Remember that the objects of your sweet affections will be bowled over if you make a little extra effort, and since you’re doing this, let’s go big or go home, huh?
- Do something nice Hey, you don’t just have to give candy, baked goods and cards. Maybe you could take somebody out for the day, or tell them you love them. There’s plenty of things you can do to make the day sweet without relying mainly on sugar. But, don’t forget the sugar. We’re clear on that, right? SUGAR!
Why we love Sweetest Day
- It’s about whatever you wantThe great thing about a holiday that’s essentially a confection of its own is that you can make it about whatever you want. The idea is to share some sweets and let the good vibes flow!
- It’s an opportunity to celebrate being midwesternThe midwest admittedly has some tough winters and can often play second fiddle to their coastal neighbors on either side. So it is great when the midwest has something so pure and sweet to call their very own. Warms the heart, and a good thing too, winter is just around the corner.
- Valentine’s Day is just once a yearBest thing about Sweetest Day? Unlike Valentine’s Day, there’s no pressure. So if there’s someone you’re sweet on, you can let them know with some candy! There’s no need to cook dinner or take them out in the evening — just a little candy does the trick. Plus, you can spread a little cheer to coworkers, family members or whoever you wish.
Source: https://bit.ly/3j6m0Zn
