by Kevin Burton
Guys, Sweetest Day is Saturday. I am posting this on a Wednesday to give you time to react and prepare appropriately, as is my wont.
Let me break it down for you in a way you can understand:
According to social.com, 36 percent of sales in the $7.9 billion US floral industry are associated with Valentine’s Day, making it the top flower day. Sweetest Day is sixth, way, way, way down the list at 1.2 percent of sales, just ahead of Administrative Professionals Day and St. Patrick’s Day.
If Valentine’s Day is a midterm exam, or a major term paper, Sweetest Day is extra credit.
Sometimes you need extra credit though, right guys? You know what I am talking about.
Though Sweetest Day began in the early 1920s, I never knew about it back in the day. I was probably well into my 50s before I even heard of it. Maybe this is the first you have heard of it.
Here’s some info from historyoftheholiday.com:
“Sweetest Day is a unique holiday that sparks curiosity and warmth each year. This day, celebrated on the third Saturday in October, originally started as a way to promote kindness and philanthropy, aiming to uplift those who are less fortunate.”
“While some view it as a second Valentine’s Day, its roots run deeper, with a focus that extends beyond romantic love.”
“The holiday began in Cleveland, Ohio, in the early 1920s, thanks to the efforts of Herbert Birch Kingston. He intended to create a day full of joy and generosity, reminding people of the importance of kindness. Over the years, Sweetest Day has grown in popularity, spreading to various regions across the United States, primarily in the Midwest.”
“The core message of Sweetest Day is about expressing gratitude and affection. People often focus on showing appreciation for their friends, family, and significant others. It’s not just for romantic partners; many use this occasion to recognize all forms of love and connection,” the website reads.
It’s certainly possible that the people in 1921 who started the thing had nice-guy gestures and philanthropy in mind. But if so, they should have named it “Sweetness Day” instead.
A century on, Sweetest Day is established as the autumnal Valentine’s Day.
“Sweetest Day has both supporters and detractors,” the history website reads. “Supporters believe it offers a chance to express love and gratitude in a unique way. Many enjoy celebrating the day with small acts of kindness and gifts for friends and family.”
“On the flip side, some argue that the holiday is unnecessary and distracts from authentic expressions of affection. Critics view it as an overly-commercialized made-up occasion. Originally intended to promote kindness and charity, the holiday is now often seen as a marketing tool for candy and greeting card companies. Some people feel pressured to spend money on gifts, which takes away from its original purpose.”
Count me as a flip-sider. I see Sweetest Day as a contrivance. I don’t feel strongly enough about it though to muster a “humbug.”
So, if you want to take part, as I almost certainly will, here are some non-flowery ideas from wildinteriors.com for how to celebrate Sweetest Day:
Read a Book Together
Start a little book club with your sweetie and read the same book this week, then go out for breakfast or brunch on Sweetest Day to discuss your favorite parts! If you end up loving the book club idea, swap on who gets to choose the book each month and make this a regular part of your time together.
Take a Trip
Make a killer playlist and hit the road with your love for a weekend getaway to a nearby city! Use the time away from your normal routine to connect and relax.
Get Creative
If you and your honey are creative types, spend the afternoon brainstorming new stories to write, or make art together! You can attend a painting night, sign up for an art class, or do something creative at home in your pajamas. You don’t need to get fancy to have a great time.
Have a Movie Marathon
Boot up the Netflix account and pick a few movies to watch! You can alternate who gets to pick the movies or go all-in on a theme. The movies don’t have to be romantic either – you can catch up on the latest hits from the Marvel Cinematic Universe or watch as many Harry Potter movies as possible.
Write a Love Letter or Poem
If words are your thing, craft a letter or poem about why you love your person! It doesn’t have to be anything extravagant or in iambic pentameter. Just pen a few lines about what they mean to you. If their love language is Words of Affirmation this will mean more than anything you could give them as a gift.
Make a Sweet Treat
Sure you could buy some chocolates… or you and your sweet can make a treat or meal together! If you’re competitive, try challenging each other to make a dish and then have a taste test to see who wins (Hint: Everybody wins)!
Pick Out a Houseplant
Go to your local home improvement store or any grocery store with a floral department and pick each other out a houseplant to take home! Houseplants provide health benefits like improved air quality, better mood and focus, and even a boost to the immune system.
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