I got a few emails yesterday and today about Sweetest Day as well.  I know it's in October but I never remember the date until I get those emails or I see a Hallmark commercial.

I never realized it was a Great Lakes thing so I'm anxious to see if anyone else here knows what we're talking about :)

I used to celebrate it when I was young, in fact one of our high school homecoming dances was on Sweetest Day and everyone made a big huge deal out of it.  Now that I'm older I do feel that it's an unimportant, invented holiday and we don't do anything for it.  We don't even really celebrate Valentine's Day either. We're just not holiday kind of people in general.  With the exception of New Year's , 4th of July, and Halloween I'd be perfectly happy to not celebrate any holiday.  :)

I've never heard of Sweetest Day.

I do enjoy V-Day and we have celebrated since I was a kid, but nothing big.  My parents got us chocolates when I was young, so maybe that's why I got hooked on the holiday!  Now I can't go past a V-day with out my candy hearts!

Funny, a lot of my holiday's revolve around candy :-D  When V-Day hits the market, I always have to get some candy hearts.  For Easter, I love those hard chocolate eggs!  When Halloween comes, I'm the first one buying Candy Corn :)

I don't buy into the hype of V-Day and don't do what some girls do and wait and see if my husband remembers it.  Instead, we make plans to go out to dinner and do something nice that night, just because it gives us a reason to spend a little more on dinner :)

Mrsverret, since you've not heard of it, I guess that confirms that it is a northern/great lakes thing.  I'm curious to see if other areas also haven't heard of it.  Be happy you haven't :-D  It's dumb if you ask me.

I'm in Texas and have never heard of it.

I think it's a joke and we don't celebrate it. It's silly actually and in my opinion, just another way for card makers to gouge us for money. I'm a cynic!

I get so mad at the greeting card companies. They have cards for these new "made-up" holidays, but nothing for Groundhog's Day! What do they have against the cute furry animal?

I think I've seen Sweetest Day on the calendar, but no one I know celebrates it.

CountryMama I usually don't consider myself a cynic, but with Sweetest Day I'm on the same page as you!  When I first heard about it years ago and someone told me they were buying their girlfriend some expensive necklace for it, I said "what the heck is Sweetest Day?!"  Some girls expect gifts for stupid holidays like this, I don't even want to celebrate it.

Haha about Groundhog's day, at least that is a national tradition!  Maybe the greeting card companies just haven't caught on yet.  Just wait, in a few years GroundHogs day will be the next "romantic gift buying" holiday.

It doesn't say Sweetest Day on any of my calendars, which is why I never know when it is!  I just get these ads from restaurants to come to their place for the day, but I delete them right away.

Also, I guess this holiday isn't all that "new".  I was reading more about it and it's been around since 1922!  But I guess the original purpose was not about buying presents for your spouse:

http://www.theromantic.com/sweetestday.htm

vivasuzi said…

I just got a few emails from restaurants asking me to celebrate Sweetest Day with them.  I don't even know when Sweetest Day is!  But I know some couples who still buy gifts for each other and go out to eat expensive meals and all that for this made up holiday.

Yes I said it!  It's a made up holiday, probably designed to sell more STUFF.  I just googled it and wikipedia says: Sweetest Day is an observance celebrated primarily in the Great Lakes region and parts of the Northeast United States on the third Saturday in October[1].

So does that mean that other areas don't celebrate?  Have you heard of Sweetest Day?  Do you think it's a stupid made up holiday?  I've seen couples get really upset if their better half doesn't remember Sweetest Day, and I would respond "when was Sweetest Day?"

Now, to be honest, my husband and I do celebrate Valentine's Day but I don't want gifts.  All I want is my box of chocolate and some candy hearts :)  Flowers are always nice too.  We go out to dinner and make it an occasion to have a nice date, just like we do for Birthdays.  But I get annoyed with people who give each other 300$ gifts on Valentine's Day.  Granted, my husband and I don't ever buy each other expensive gifts because... well I'd be mad at him if he spent our money on a bracelet or something else useless like that, but that's just me.

So what do you think... Is Sweetest Day a joke?  Or is it something you must celebrate?  And while were on the subject, what do you think of Valentine's Day?

---

Sadly, the only time I was aware of Sweetest Day was 10 years ago; I was in a brief, too-intense-for-its-own-good long distance relationship with a younger woman (I was 36, she was 27) who happened to live in Michigan.  She and I were getting along and believing we were in love and Sweetest Day happened to coincide with the happiest period; she was talking about making a trip here to visit and meet me in May of 2000, and we were even discussing my then going to Michigan to visit her and meet her parents and all that stuff boyfriends and girlfriends do.

Sadly, things fell apart shortly after Halloween of 1999 and we never did meet....and because I never attempted the whole LDR thing with anyone from that part of the country, I had pretty much forgotten Sweetest Day even existed.

As to Valentine's Day, I've always been the sentimentalist/romantic type, so the few times that Ive been in relationships, I've gone the candies-and-flowers route with my girlfriends.  I'm not sure if I'd ever get my next girlfriend (assuming there is a next girlfriend) a gift that's over $30, but I think that if I could afford such a gift and it made my S.O. happy, I'd go for it....

We have sweetest day here, but I have to agree, it really is another "HALLMARK" Holiday.  But in observance of the hallmark holiday I usually get the kids and my hubby just a little sweet treat for my sweets.  It's seem silly to celebrate another silly holiday as such this since we already have V-day but people do observe it.  Though I shouldn't complain about the holiday itself, my 1st sweetest day gift from my (now hubby) 7 years ago was a husky puppy (something I've always wanted).

FYI - I believe it is this Saturday coming up

Sweetest Day, not something I remember ever hearing about, but the card companies sure want everyone to know.

Never heard of it either here in Florida or the Northeast.

I am pretty bad with the romantic holidays. My husband isn't any better. Last year, my SIL called us to wish us a happy anniversary. Then we realized our wedding anniversary was 6 days ago.

That's pretty bad, I know. We're happily married, but... we just try to be happy every day, and not amp it up on certain occasions, just feeling obligated to go somewhere nice or spend $ on a certain day.

I don't know if that makes sense, but a great evening together and flowers counts, even if it's not on a certain day.

I've heard of it but I've never cared enough to actually find out what it is.  My husband and I barely celebrate Valentine's Day as it is.  I believe that you should do nice things for your spouse/significant other all year long. 

It's true that everyone should be nice all year long, and my husband and I do go out together throughout the year, have date nights, and surprise each other with things like an unexpected slurpee (my fav).  However I enjoy having a special celebration for our Anniversary or V-Day or our Bdays.  

We always try to pick some place new, or maybe a little more expensive then we would go on a regular day.  We aren't going to go out to expensive places all year long, b/c I'm cheap and like to save money whenever I can!  But we reserve these special occasions to splurge a little bit and it's nice :)  We don't buy gifts (outside of candy/flowers) for any occasion, we just like to make it a day to do something different together.  It's not an obligation, it's usually a place we've been wanting to go and saved up for.

Otherwise, if you never differentiate your anniversary, for example, then it seems things would get bland and there'd be nothing to look forward to.  Of course we will never forget our anniversary b/c it's on Cinco de Mayo :-D  

wwrezzes, sounds like you got a really sweet gift on sweetest day :)  I'd take it too even if it is a hallmark holiday! 

alex, sadly I know some girls in the past who pretty much expected an expensive item on V-Day.  Do you see that the jewelry ads they pile on in January and February?  I would personally be mad if my husband went and spent over 30$ on me because it is OUR money so I'd be annoyed about it.

vivasuzi said…

  However I enjoy having a special celebration for our Anniversary or V-Day or our Bdays.

---

Agreed.  We do go out to dinner with family for birthdays.  We've only had one anniversary thus far and we wound up having his parents over for dinner which was fine...  We do have "date night" once a week with my sister and her boyfriend, though, so I don't always think of going out to dinner. as a super-special thing as we do it at least once a week lately. 

Vivasuzi said:

Otherwise, if you never differentiate your anniversary, for example, then it seems things would get bland and there'd be nothing to look forward to.  Of course we will never forget our anniversary b/c it's on Cinco de Mayo :-D  

When we got married, we had our LIFE together to look forward to. I would find it pretty sad if someone thought their marriage/relationship was bland because they didn't have a special day. If we want to go to a really expensive restaurant, bed and breakfast, weekend trip, whatever, we just GO. It's not like: "oh, lets wait six months and do it, because that's our anniversary. Maybe I don't want to go then.

I just don't like the idea of "mandatory romance" days. Single people always feel like losers on those days. Also, it makes people in relationships anxious a lot of the time. How big of a gift, how much is too much, not enough, giving the wrong signal, etc, etc. Not only are they meant to create revenue, but they make people concentrate on material objects over substance.

ps, I can't get rid of the formatting

Well we like to save up and make it really count.  I don't like to spend money willy-nilly.  So we always have the restaurants or places we'd really LIKE to go on a list and then choose from their for our bday or anniversary or whatever.  We are really trying to save money right now and that is why we don't just go.

I'm not saying marriage would be bland, I'm saying "dates" would be bland if you always did the same stuff everytime.  I love going to TGIFriday's on a date night, but we go there so much that I'd rather plan a more special or unique restaurant/date for our anniversary.  Plus it gives me the excuse to dress up which I don't feel like doing on a date night.  We have fun and special dates all the time - but then anniveraries and bdays are EXTRA special.

I don't think people should feel like losers on a day like Valentines.  If anyone does, then take my tips for a new lease on what V-Day could mean.  I celebrated every year even though I never had a guy to celebrate it with until 2002!  I bought little cutesy cards for my friends, made cupcakes or brought chocolates to school and work :)  I shared the love with EVERYONE, not just a guy.  Besides, everyone loves chocolate, I don't buy gifts, as I've already stated, I buy candy.

You and I may differ on the WHEN to do special things but both seem to agree that it is nice to do special things.  We just like to aim for special days because it's exciting, gives us something to plan for and look forward to, and they are the few occasions where we are willing to spend a bit more money to reward ourselves for the months of saving.

vivasuzi said…

It's true that everyone should be nice all year long, and my husband and I do go out together throughout the year, have date nights, and surprise each other with things like an unexpected slurpee (my fav).  However I enjoy having a special celebration for our Anniversary or V-Day or our Bdays.

alex, sadly I know some girls in the past who pretty much expected an expensive item on V-Day.  Do you see that the jewelry ads they pile on in January and February?  I would personally be mad if my husband went and spent over 30$ on me because it is OUR money so I'd be annoyed about it.

---

I wouldn't want to date a woman who "expected" something on Valentine's Day just because it was Valentine's Day.  I like surprising my girlfriends (when I have 'em), but I bristle when I feel obligated to buy presents.

My Hubby and I call it a "Hallmark Day", Hallmark must of come up with it to make money. If you have a sweetie, you can celebrate any day, any time you wish. When we dated we use to celebrate it with a card. But really why not celebrate it anytime you wish to.

darlyn63 said…

My Hubby and I call it a "Hallmark Day", Hallmark must of come up with it to make money. If you have a sweetie, you can celebrate any day, any time you wish. When we dated we use to celebrate it with a card. But really why not celebrate it anytime you wish to.

---

Amen to that.

I never heard of Sweetest Day here in central New York thankfully. How lame.

Valentine's Day is enough and even then, we are low key. An inexpensive card ($5.00 for a card? Not a chance!), maybe a token gift, maybe dinner but not always. It's not that we don't care, it's just those holidays are so commercial! It's all to sell cards and gifts.

We care all the time, not just on February 14.

vivasuzi said…

Well we like to save up and make it really count.  I don't like to spend money willy-nilly.  So we always have the restaurants or places we'd really LIKE to go on a list and then choose from their for our bday or anniversary or whatever.  We are really trying to save money right now and that is why we don't just go.

I'm not saying marriage would be bland, I'm saying "dates" would be bland if you always did the same stuff everytime.  I love going to TGIFriday's on a date night, but we go there so much that I'd rather plan a more special or unique restaurant/date for our anniversary.  Plus it gives me the excuse to dress up which I don't feel like doing on a date night.  We have fun and special dates all the time - but then anniveraries and bdays are EXTRA special.

I don't think people should feel like losers on a day like Valentines.  If anyone does, then take my tips for a new lease on what V-Day could mean.  I celebrated every year even though I never had a guy to celebrate it with until 2002!  I bought little cutesy cards for my friends, made cupcakes or brought chocolates to school and work :)  I shared the love with EVERYONE, not just a guy.  Besides, everyone loves chocolate, I don't buy gifts, as I've already stated, I buy candy.

You and I may differ on the WHEN to do special things but both seem to agree that it is nice to do special things.  We just like to aim for special days because it's exciting, gives us something to plan for and look forward to, and they are the few occasions where we are willing to spend a bit more money to reward ourselves for the months of saving.

---

If I have to plan something, it makes it un-special. I have a spontaneous nature. Making a reservation beforehand is the most planning I like to do. So, I save my money all of the time for something that comes up spur-of-the-moment and we just go do it. One man's security is another man's prison.

PattyTherre said…

I never heard of Sweetest Day here in central New York thankfully. How lame.

Valentine's Day is enough and even then, we are low key. An inexpensive card ($5.00 for a card? Not a chance!), maybe a token gift, maybe dinner but not always. It's not that we don't care, it's just those holidays are so commercial! It's all to sell cards and gifts.

We care all the time, not just on February 14.

---

Isn't it ridiculous what they charge for a card these days (wow, do I sold old or what?  LOL).  I would rather spend $5 more on the gift than spend it on a stupid card.  I actually buy mine at the dollar store where I can get 2 for $1.  I have gotten some of the most beautiful cards at the dollar store!  And even our local hardware store has them.  And they're wrapped in plastic so they don't get all dirty and icky from all the people touching them.

I just don't like the idea of "mandatory romance" days. Single people always feel like losers on those days.

Yes. Tell me about it. I feel pretty unhappy on Valentine's Day when I'm not in a relationship.

pitcherday said…

---

If I have to plan something, it makes it un-special. I have a spontaneous nature. Making a reservation beforehand is the most planning I like to do. So, I save my money all of the time for something that comes up spur-of-the-moment and we just go do it. One man's security is another man's prison.

---

Well that shows why we are different :)  My husband and I aren't all that spontaneous.  If I wake up one day and think maybe let's go out and do this and that, either he or I says "but then i gotta shower, get dressed, yadda yadda".  That's just how we are.  We usually don't do much unless we planned it out before.  I enjoy planning though, so it works for us.

Well you just gotta turn it around.  Stop thinking of V-Day as a time to be with someone.  Instead show the love to your friends and family!  I remember when I was in 9th grade and I showed up with a big bag of chocolates and gave them out to my friends and classmates.  One or two girls laughed at me saying "we're in high school now, we don't do that sort of thing".  Well you know what, that bag of candy went so fast!  Everyone else was appreciative.  

So if V-Day depresses you, then start thinking of how you can show your loved ones and friends that you appreciate them!  It will make you feel better and it will make their day too.

I have never heard of it as a day or in reference to V day!