The third Saturday in October goes by Sweetest Day. It's a super special day full of sugar, spice, and all things nice. We don't care if it's a commercial holiday made up by suits a century ago to further the business interests of candy conglomerates. It's become a part of Midwest and Great Lakes culture over the last hundred years and radiates good vibes.
We love that it extends beyond romantic love to random acts of kindness. Here's how you can celebrate Sweetest Day, wherever you are.
Be neighborly
We're all guilty of this. A family moves in next door or across the road from you, and you promise you'll buy a gift and formally welcome the new folks to the neighborhood. But months have passed, and you just haven't gotten around to it yet. Life's been so busy that every time you get a moment to relax, the last thing you feel like doing is socializing.
Well, Sweetest Day presents you with a unique opportunity to turn intention into action. Don't overthink it. Buy a box of Krispy Kremes or a low-maintenance plant and get over there to exchange numbers. We promise that your neighbors will appreciate the gesture, no matter how late it is.
Take your longtime partner on a date
When's the last time you and your sweetheart went on a romantic date? Let Valentine's Day 2.0 break the rut for you if it's been a while. You can go somewhere nostalgic for old times' sake, or book a trip somewhere you've never been, and make new memories. Minimize screen time, have phone-free chats, and reconnect.
Binge-watch a baking reality show
Binge-watching TV is free and fun every once in a while. It's the ultimate lazy day in, and you can honor Sweetest Day by firing up The Great British Bake Off or Zumbo's Just Desserts on Netflix.
The 2015 GBBO season is a classic if you want to explore the archives. Make popcorn and throw in candy-coated chocolate for a salty-sweet treat to round off the couch session.
Purchase or produce goodies to give away
After all those episodes of Bake Off, you might be feeling inspired. Dust off your apron and plonk an imaginary chef's hat on your head to whip up a batch of cupcakes or cookies for your loved ones.
Don't know your corn flour from your icing sugar? No problem. You can rope in friends or family members to make peanut butter and jelly sandwiches for local residents who could use a meal. Or head for the shops where you can buy bulk batches of discounted groceries to assemble food hampers. Sharing is caring.
Organize a charity bake sale
Those baked goods you made? You can hawk them at a charity cake sale. Band together with your buddies ahead of the third Saturday in October. Organize the logistics and marketing, pick two organizations you'd like to send the proceeds to, and hey presto. You've got the best plans ever with a cherry on top. Gestures like these mimic the ones that took place back in 1922 on the very first Sweetest Day.
Help your parents
Show the two individuals who called you honey before anyone else some love. For starters, call your mom and dad if you live far away. Ask them if they have tech trouble and magick away their IT woes.
Find out how else you can assist them and make it happen—charity begins at home.
Picnic in the park
Pack a tote or basket with crackers, cheese, fruit, and crudités, and head for the local park. Green spaces offer fresh air, walkways, and carpets of grass ideal for you to kick back, relax, and enjoy the excellent fall weather, wherever you are.
Take a mat, sunblock, a book, and a pair of earphones to listen to your favorite songs and podcasts. If you're going with some company, a deck of cards or board game should be a hit.
S'more s'mores
Camping is another way to check in with Mother Nature and let her refill your cup. There are loads of outstanding national parks in the Midwest—you're spoilt for choice—but even if you celebrate Sweetest Day somewhere else, there are always options.
You can go dark sky gazing and stare at the twinkling stars light years away while you gobble down ooey gooey s'mores, all while the toasty fire's going in the background.
Volunteer in your community
If you could use a pick-me-up on Sweetest Day, a bonding session with the bundles of joy at the ASPCA should put a smile on your face. Animals don't judge, so you can come as you are. You can also offer your time at a shelter's soup kitchen or visit someone you think could be lonely.
Indulge in a spa day
You do it best when you do nothing at all—nothing but succumbing to the life-affirming ministrations of a massage therapist, that is. Back, neck, and shoulder rub, check.
Facial, check. Mani-pedi, check. Now all that's left to do is sip on this deliciously sweet artisanal drink. Sweetest Day is one week after Parks and Rec's Treat Yo Self Day—perfect timing, if you ask us.
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