sweetest day | the crafty lady in combat boots

Is Sweetest Day a national holiday?

Sweetest Day, an “unofficial” national holiday, was created in Cleveland, Ohio, by candy-maker and philanthropist, Herbert Birch Kingston. The very first Sweetest Day, which was originally called “Sweetest Day of the Year”, was pronounced as October 8, 1921.

Date When Celebrated: Third Saturday in OctoberNow here is a day dedicated just for your sweetie. It exists as an opportunity for you to recognize that sweet and special someone. It doesn’t matter who that person is, or what their relation to you. They just have to be “sweet” in order to get a little recognition.

Herbert Birch Kingston, a Cleveland, Ohio philanthropist and candy company employee started Sweetest Day. He wanted to bring happiness to orphans, shut-ins and under-privileged. His intent was to show these people that they were not forgotten. In 1922, he started this holiday by giving candy and small gifts. He often used movie stars to distribute the gifts.

The popularity of this holiday quickly spread. Today, it is celebrated with loved ones and friends. However, we encourage you to follow the intent of the original holiday, and find ways to give candy and small gifts to those in need.

I expect to pass through life but once. If therefore,
there be any kindness I can show, or any good thing
I can do to any fellow being, let me do it now,
and not defer or neglect it,
as I shall not pass this way again.
William Penn