Confession time: I wondered what the big deal was about Sweetest Day. Were card company cronies trying to get all my money and making up holidays because they can? Just another reason to go out and buy something because commerce told me to? Before my brain got too out of hand I decided to step down from the mental soapbox and educate myself on how this confectionary concoction came to be.
IS it just another day to sell cards, candies, and flowers? Was it initially designed to be Valentine's Day: Part Deux? No it was not. The beginning of this holiday is actually very (no pun intended) sweet. Let's see what this third Saturday of October is really all about.
First off it isn't a national holiday; it's celebrated predominantly in the Midwestern US and a few Northeastern states thrown in. In 1921 Herbert Birch Kingston, a candy-maker and philanthropist, wanted to create a day to give something or to do something nice to those less fortunate than oneself. Therefore he formed a "Sweetest Day of the Year" committee and they distributed over 20,000 boxes of candy and gifts to "newsboys, old folks, orphans, widows and the poor" in Cleveland, Ohio. The movement was very well-received however it didn't take long for it to morph into more of the common giving sweets, flowers, and cards to loved ones that it is today. We don't need a reason to treat our friends and family but it doesn't hurt to have a reminder does it? Wouldn't it be nice though, to bring back the origin and step outside our comfort zone just a bit? Someone at work going through a difficult time? Want to say "Thank you" to the cashiers you always see. You know, the ones who smile as your children barrage you with candy requests and last minute promises to be good for a treat.
3. Sweets for the Sweet
You have the facts and I have a better appreciation for the day. It's not JUST about loved ones in your family tree. It's about extending kindness to everyone. We cannot always buy flowers, chocolates, etc but we can give out hugs, handshakes, and smiles for free. Would I like flowers? Yes, of course always. But perhaps I should get them for a friend instead of hoarding them all to myself. You may have a few empty note cards in your office drawer? (I'm talking about myself again) Wouldn't it be really thoughtful to send a few of them? Or let my USPS carrier know he does a great job and I enjoy the fact he takes time to wave at us? It's the little things. It's the sweet reminder of the blessings we have in this life and we should remember to stop a moment and smell the roses, chocolates and maybe a freshly bathed baby along the way and then spread the joy to others.
