Didn't Prepare for Sweetest Day? Here are 15 FREE Ways to make it Sweet! (A little history included)

What is Sweetest Day? 

Sweetest Day, which takes place annually on the third Saturday of October (and happens to be Today), is a holiday celebrated only in the Midwest and in parts of the Northeast. Sweetest Day, which first took place on Oct. 8, 1921 in Cleveland, Ohio, was started by a group of 12 confectioners who distributed 20,000 boxes of candy to poor people.

How has the holiday evolved into what into just another Hallmark holiday, where men and women feel obligated to buy their spouse a card and a gift? Also why has it evolved into a holiday dedicated to men?

Regardless of how you prefer to celebrate Sweetest Day, Here are 15 ways to turn this potentially sugar binge holiday into a meaningful one that you and your honey won’t soon forget. 

None of these “15 ways to be sweet” will cost you a dime, and additionally, you won’t be left with that sugar crash and those extra two pounds on Monday morning!

1. Wash his or her car (inside and out).

2. Arrange a surprise girl’s night out for her and best friend, and babysit the kids.

3. Write him or her a romantic love letter using a pen.

4. Give him or her a 30-minute back rub (and don’t keep stopping when you get distracted or tired.)

5. Put up a bunch of post-it notes around the house that explain the reasons you love him or her.

6. Ladies, put the kids to bed, and then put on your sexiest piece of lingerie and model it for him.

7. Have your kids draw a picture and then help them write your spouse a really nice note on it.

8. Go for a walk together and tell your spouse how much you appreciate him or her.

9. Send him or her a few romantic texts throughout the day.

10. Agree to watch his or her favorite movie or TV show for a week.

11. Call her mother, wish her a happy Sweetest Day and tell her you appreciate her.

12. Wake up early, make the coffee and bring it to her in bed.

13. Clean out the garage for her.

14. Tell him to invite his friends over for pizza and beer during a Browns game, and take the kids and go somewhere for a few hours.

15. Put on your favorite song and ask him or her to slow dance.

Another idea for turning this universally unlikeable holiday into a significant day is to return to 1921 tradition, and donate candy (or anything else) to a well-needed cause, just like the guys from Cleveland did.

A hospital or a non-profit organization that helps children would surely appreciate the sweet gesture, and I guarantee, the act of giving will make you feel really sweet about yourself.