By Tina Nies and first published in the Paper, Grand Rapids, MI 10/16/97
Sweetest Day, is it just a marketing thing? I hear and read the complainants that the greeting card companies and florists create the so-called “commercial” holidays (such as grandparent’s and secretaries' days) in an attempt to create new markets for their products. I don’t know if some of the complaints are true, as I have not researched the history of every such holiday; but, I did do a little research about the upcoming Sweetest Day on (Oct. 21, 2006).
I learned some interesting things. Guess what, Sweetest Day was not created as a marketing ploy, nor was it created to remember the romantic “sweeties” in our lives. Unfortunately though, many people have come to regard Sweetest Day as just a merchandising opportunity for retailers and have forgotten it’s true meaning. We have seen the advertisements reminding us to buy flowers, cards, romantic weekend getaways, jewelry, and more - all for our “significant others.” So if that is not the purpose, what is?
Well, it began with Herbert Birch Kingston, a Cleveland, Ohio, candy company employee. He wanted to show people less fortunate than himself that someone did care about them. Over 70 years ago, on a Saturday in October, he distributed small gifts and candy to orphanages, shut-ins, and other “forgotten” people. It caught on throughout Cleveland and eventually became a day to remember not only the disadvantaged, but everyone. Now spread throughout the country, Sweetest Day is still celebrated most heavily in the Midwest every third Saturday in October. Surprised? I was a little but am glad to know the truth.
This year, let’s celebrate the day as intended. We can remember those around us with not only cards and gifts, but with simple kind acts. Instead of complaining about having to buy a gift for a partner, use the day to let ALL the people around you know you care. Plan to visit a sick friend, nursing home patient, or relatives or friends that you haven’t seen in a while. Maybe you could distribute small gifts at the hospital. Better yet, spend Sweetest Day making gifts, then give them away as desired. Call a volunteer agency in your community and volunteer where they need the most help. Spend the day serving food at a shelter. The community possibilities are endless, limited only by our creativity and willingness.
There are, of course, people who will expect flowers, candy, jewelry, or other gifts similar to Valentine’s Day - regardless of whether or not it a good thought comes with it. If you are one of those - grow up; if you know someone who is - show them this article. Of course, there is nothing wrong with giving gifts to those we love - but it should be because we really want (and can afford) to give the gift, not because we feel we have to. The best gifts come from the heart and not necessarily from the mall.
Remember the purpose of Sweetest Day and brighten someone’s day this Saturday. There are so many things that can be done to make our communities and families feel good. Okay, so maybe some retailers have heavily marketed this day, “forcing” us to buy in, but they did not create it. Sweetest Day had a simple and humble beginning - to do what we should everyday - show a little care and respect for others.
I learned some interesting things. Guess what, Sweetest Day was not created as a marketing ploy, nor was it created to remember the romantic “sweeties” in our lives. Unfortunately though, many people have come to regard Sweetest Day as just a merchandising opportunity for retailers and have forgotten it’s true meaning. We have seen the advertisements reminding us to buy flowers, cards, romantic weekend getaways, jewelry, and more - all for our “significant others.” So if that is not the purpose, what is?
Well, it began with Herbert Birch Kingston, a Cleveland, Ohio, candy company employee. He wanted to show people less fortunate than himself that someone did care about them. Over 70 years ago, on a Saturday in October, he distributed small gifts and candy to orphanages, shut-ins, and other “forgotten” people. It caught on throughout Cleveland and eventually became a day to remember not only the disadvantaged, but everyone. Now spread throughout the country, Sweetest Day is still celebrated most heavily in the Midwest every third Saturday in October. Surprised? I was a little but am glad to know the truth.
This year, let’s celebrate the day as intended. We can remember those around us with not only cards and gifts, but with simple kind acts. Instead of complaining about having to buy a gift for a partner, use the day to let ALL the people around you know you care. Plan to visit a sick friend, nursing home patient, or relatives or friends that you haven’t seen in a while. Maybe you could distribute small gifts at the hospital. Better yet, spend Sweetest Day making gifts, then give them away as desired. Call a volunteer agency in your community and volunteer where they need the most help. Spend the day serving food at a shelter. The community possibilities are endless, limited only by our creativity and willingness.
There are, of course, people who will expect flowers, candy, jewelry, or other gifts similar to Valentine’s Day - regardless of whether or not it a good thought comes with it. If you are one of those - grow up; if you know someone who is - show them this article. Of course, there is nothing wrong with giving gifts to those we love - but it should be because we really want (and can afford) to give the gift, not because we feel we have to. The best gifts come from the heart and not necessarily from the mall.
Remember the purpose of Sweetest Day and brighten someone’s day this Saturday. There are so many things that can be done to make our communities and families feel good. Okay, so maybe some retailers have heavily marketed this day, “forcing” us to buy in, but they did not create it. Sweetest Day had a simple and humble beginning - to do what we should everyday - show a little care and respect for others.