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Posts Tagged ‘sweetest day origin’

In the heart of Cleveland, there were some very loving souls who conceived an idea to pay tribute to those who were less fortunate and those who worked the hardest just to survive, and so the Sweetest Day holiday was born. Though this holiday is set to take place each and every October third, those who were responsible for founding it would be strong supporters in giving Sweetest Day gifts any time of year. After all, it is meant to be a joyous tribute, giving thanks, and, therefore, applicable any time of year.

Today, the concept has taken a slightly different spin and couples enjoy another reason to exchange little gifts of love and appreciation. There are many gifts that are now manufactured and sold that relate specifically to the Sweetest Day holiday; however, one can also feel free to purchase whatever little token seems appropriate.

The idea is to express love, appreciation, or gratitude; therefore, a large, expensive gift is not required. Instead, Sweetest Day gifts are typically small and meaningful. Games with a love theme, lockets and photo pins, candies that offer romantic or loving messages, and, of course, picture frames are often favorites of those seeking the ideal gift for someone they love and care for. However, this holiday was intended to honor those who often went without, who didn’t have money to throw about, so it would be more than acceptable (even more true to the holiday) to make your own gifts. Those who can draw can illustrate their love; those who are gifted with words can write a poem or a greeting card to express their love and appreciation; and those who enjoy crafting can create a myriad of different objects and tokens of affection. Perhaps a pillow with a cross-stitched message or a sculpture featuring a heart-shaped rock would be to your liking. You could also make a batch of the recipient’s favorite cookies, a pie, or cheesecake with strawberries. Make a basket of cookies as a volunteer gift to your child's school PTA volunteers.

For those who wish to give the gift of relaxation or a night out, spas, hotels, dinner at a favorite restaurant, or even a live band performance are all excellent options for ways to express your feelings for another. Spas offer a chance to get away and to receive the treatment that makes the stresses of a hard way fade away. This speaks quite well to the history of the holiday. A night away in a hotel, where one can enjoy a swimming pool, a few drinks in the onsite pub, or even a meal in bed, is also a great way to repay a person for the hard work they do each day. You might even give the gift of your time and volunteer to help those who are less fortunate. Bring your sweetie with and make it a meaningful contribution to your community.

The most important thing to remember as Sweetest Day approaches is that this holiday is meant to show love and appreciation for all those who have had a beneficial impact on your life, or those who simply need a little pick-me-up when life is bringing them down. So open your heart and make the day special for those who need it most.

This October make sure you do not forget to pay tribute to those you love and those who work hard to provide you with the love and support you need to be successful at life.  The reason for this is because October 16th will mark the eighty-eighth annual Sweetest Day.  If you have not heard of this holiday or you simply don’t know about the story behind the creation of this special day, then this article is intended for you.

Sweetest Day is observed each and every third Saturday in the month of October.  Its origins can be traced back to Cleveland, Ohio, where, in 1922, the employee of a large candy company decided that it would be a good idea to honor those who suffered from handicaps, those who were orphaned, or those who were otherwise of need.  The man’s name was Herbert Birch Kingston.  From his idea came the Sweetest Day we know today. Since that date, people all over the country have embraced the idea of sharing with and caring for others a little more than usual on this one special day in October.  Celebrities have been known to buy thousands of small gifts and give them to children who work hard or who have known true suffering.

Though this holiday started in Cleveland and slowly spread to other areas of the Great Lakes region, today it is noted all over the country.  One of the reasons the notoriety of the Sweetest Day has spread is because of the migration of those born and raised in the Great Lakes area as they have moved about the country.  And, while the holiday was once intended to be a day to treat those less fortunate with special care, it is often interpreted today as a time to recognize love.  Couples thrive on the opportunity to treat each other to a token of love and affection.  Whether it is candy and flowers or a spa treatment and a night out, Sweetest Day gifts are meant to say “I love you and appreciate all that you do.”  It offers the opportunity to take a moment in time and recognize all that others do around you.

Before this articles draws to a close, there is one other matter to address.  Many people feel that this holiday was created by those looking to make a little extra cash - the greeting card and candy makers of the world - but this is not the case at all.  While it is never discouraged to pay tribute to your significant other, it is also important to understand that this holiday was not meant to be for secondary Valentine’s Day gifts.  Instead, it was meant as a way to pay tribute to those less fortunate and recognize their trials.

So, perhaps on this Sweetest Day, you would consider spending the money that would have been spent on your beau to make a donation to a charity, to help someone less fortunate, or to share a small memento with each member of a hospital ward.  In this manner, you will be paying tribute to those who were originally meant to be honored each third Saturday of October.  This Sweetest Day, do your best to pay homage to the meaning of the holiday; give a gift of love to those who need it most.

Learn even more about this holiday on hubpages!  Check out All About Sweetest Day!