The month of October seems to revolve around Halloween. And while I am all about this amazingly spooky holiday, it turns out there is another candy-filled holiday this month: Sweetest Day. I know, I know... there is a good chance you are wondering, "What is Sweetest Day and what does it even mean?" There seems to be a holiday for everything lately; thank goodness for calendars and planners.
Admittedly, Sweetest Day is one of those obscure holidays. To top it off, this day has not always been a country-wide celebration. In fact, it is not fully recognized in every state. And unlike holidays such as Valentine's Day or Christmas, Sweetest Day does not have a religious affiliation. It actually stemmed from a group of people who were simply trying to make a difference.
As I researched the history of Sweetest Day, the concept of the holiday caught my attention. I like to think of it as a more laid-back, well-rounded version of Valentine’s Day. There seems to be less pressure tied to Sweetest Day, as it focuses on the actual thoughts behind the actions. It also occurs during the fall season, everyone’s favorite time of the year.
This year, Sweetest Day falls on Saturday, Oct. 15. Here are 10 things that you need to know about this upcoming holiday. Happy Sweetest Day, folks!
1. It's a holiday about love.
You might be surprised to learn that Valentine's Day isn't the only holiday that revolves around love. Sweetest Day is all about letting others know you care by doing romantic, endearing deeds. Basically, it's about being nice to other people.
2. It is celebrated by gifting candy.
Specifically, those romantic deeds typically involve gifting the people sweets like chocolate and candy. This is exactly what inspired the name of the holiday. The month of October is all about candy, apparently.
3. It's different than Valentine's Day.
While this day sounds a lot like Valentine's Day, Sweetest Day is actually quite different. The latter is all about focusing on everyone that is important in your life — not just your romantic partner.
4. It falls on the third Saturday of October.
Sweetest Day is celebrated on a different date every year. This year, it will fall on Saturday, Oct. 15.
5. The first unofficial Sweetest Day was in 1921.
This holiday is quite young. In 1921, a man named Herbert Birch Kingston distributed candy to the orphans and homeless around Cleveland, Ohio. Kingston, who was an employee at a candy company, simply wanted to make the less fortunate smile.
6. It became an official holiday in 1922.
The following year, 12 of Cleveland's finest candy confectioners formed a committee to plan Sweetest Day. Their efforts gained attention from movie stars who helped promote the holiday.
7. It's a Midwest holiday.
Interestingly enough, Sweetest Day is mostly celebrated in the Midwest. Only 11 states, including Ohio, celebrate the day. However, some parts of upstate New York and Pennsylvania also take part in the festivities. The holiday has been slowly spreading throughout the nation, though.
8. Hallmark sells Sweetest Day cards.
In the mid-1960s, Hallmark began producing cards for this holiday. The Sweetest Day cards by Hallmark are designed for both family members and significant others.
9. Ohio buys the most Sweetest Day gifts.
Unsurprisingly, Sweetest Day is heavily celebrated in the holiday's home state of Ohio. Sales for Sweetest Day cards, gifts, and sweets are higher than any other state.
10. It's not limited to candy.
While Sweetest Day started out with candy, you can celebrate with other types of sweets. Baked goods like cupcakes and cookies can totally work. For example, you can embrace autumn by making a tasty fall pie for someone you love.
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