Celebrate Sweetest Day
By Jane Marie
At first, it was celebrated primarily in the northern states, along the Great Lakes, due, in part, to the participation of Theda Bara, a silent film actress of that era. It is said she passed out candy to those attending her movies. Today, the custom of Sweetest Day is spreading as people move and take the tradition with them. If your friend, relative or lover has never heard of this delightful holiday, enlighten them. Give a candy bar, homemade cookies or other goody, though the remembrance doesn't have to be high in calories. (Although who can resist chocolate.) Here are some alternatives:
Whatever you decide to do for those who mean so much to you, let it begin a tradition. Telling someone you love him or her is not just for Valentine's Day or even Sweetest Day. Tell them every day, every chance you get!
- Give lipstick flavored kisses to your love.
- Watch a romantic comedy.
- Make a list of your sweetie's favorite sweeties, including foods, drinks, candy, movies, books, CDs, activities. Take a weekend and try to eat/do/participate in as many as you can.
- Play cards or a game. The winner gets a cupcake! Play poker with M&M's®.
- Give a romance novel from one friend to another, married or single. She will love it. He may hide away and read it with a flashlight, but he just might learn a thing or two about romance!
- Give a new nightie or boxer shorts, potted plant or flowers, 8"x10" glossy, whatever conveys the appropriate affection.
- Give a gift certificate for a manicure, pedicure, spa treatment or makeover.
- Give a gift certificate for his, her, their favorite hobby supplies.
- Go to the movies or theater, preferably choosing light-hearted entertainment, nothing heavy. Remember, the purpose of Sweetest Day is to lift the spirits by showing love and caring. No depression allowed!
- Go on a picnic or prepare a meal together.
- Get a new bell or handlebar streamers for your bikes, and ride through the neighborhood showing them off and wishing everyone a Happy Sweetest Day!
- For fun, eat your meal or special dessert in the living room on the floor or a card table or in the bedroom.
- Put clean sheets on the bed and spritz with scented linen spray or perfume.
- Hand write a love letter or note of friendship.
- Make a homemade card and snail mail it in time for the holiday or deliver it in person, if possible.
- Give a Secret Pebble™. Because they are hand painted, no two are ever alike. The secret in the pebble is whatever you share with the recipient.
- Offer to watch the kids so parents can spend some alone time.
- Help the children draw their hand prints. Cut them out. Staple a hand on each end of a 3 foot by 8 inch length of paper. Have the kids write, "Here's a hug for you!" and draw on the paper hands. They can give these to someone special.
- Gather special photos, home movies, and/or favorite songs and spend happy hours remembering - with a special dessert during intermission - wonderful memories. Perfect for couples and families.
(Reprinted from our website, www.GraciousJaneMarie.com, at http://www.greenlightwrite.com/sweetestday.html.)
