Sweetest Day Date Ideas
An Escape room- a perfect Sweetest Day Date
What is Sweetest Day?
I'm realizing more and more that this is a Midwest holiday- a lot of the nation does not know about it. Here’s a brief history of it. Sweetest Day is a day to be sweet by sharing a kind thought, a small gift or a gesture of kindness. (National Today). The holiday is observed on the 3rd Saturday in October. Originally the holiday began in Cleveland, OH when local candy stores joined forces to hand out candy to the city’s less fortunate and senior populations to help brighten their day. As the holiday grew in popularity in the Midwest, it took more of a nod to romantic appreciation. However the heart of the holiday still has a focus on cheering up and showing an expression of love to those in your community.
I knew about the holiday ever since I could remember- I was born and raised in Cincinnati, OH and now live in Columbus, OH. True OATW (Ohio Against the World) vibes, after all the holiday started in Ohio. Yet did not know the original purpose of the holiday until recent years. For years, I would plan a date on Sweetest day and Justen would do Valentines. Its important to schedule regular date nights, so if you haven't scheduled one recently, take this holiday as an opportunity to do so.
Pre Date Prep:
Before you plan a date, do a deep dive into what you like to do as a couple. Think of things that you haven't done in awhile or at all. What's the nature of your relationship? Are you a traditional couple, adventurous, playful,etc. What is the love language of each person? Take some time to jot down the answers to these questions will help you develop new ideas for date night. This process will take a little longer but will help you further down the line with future date nights ideas ready to schedule.
Some ideas:
A game night
We love playing the card game 5000. We love games in general but 5000 reminds us of how we would spend time together often in our broke college student days. All it requires is a deck of cards, pen and paper to keep score. You can google for the deets on how to play. This is also a great idea for a date night if you are unable to get a babysitter for the night. Put the kids to bed early- at least an hour earlier. Order from a restaurant that will deliver to the house and enjoy game night.
Activity based game night
My hubby and I love games-yes and we are competitive. So the majority of activity based date nights are our jam. We love going to escape rooms. If you haven't tried one, now is the time. Just google an escape room near you. They are popping up nationwide. If you love puzzles, mysteries and a humorous plot, you will enjoy. Some other activity based date nights include Top Golf (game based golf with music and yummy food), laser tag, go carts, axe throwing.
If you are more of a traditional couple and just like dinner and a movie for date night. Try this to spice it up. Do a jar for different restaurants you haven't tried before. Open your mind to new options. Don't put a seafood restaurant in the jar if one of the partners is allergic to seafood. However, if you haven't tried sushi before, pick an Asian restaurant with this as an option to try. Put those options in a jar and draw at least 2 weeks in advance to schedule the date. No day of decisions and no backing out. This will help with a commitment to trying new things and learning more about each other.
I suggest to do the same with movies but do 2 additional jars. One for going to the movie theater to see the movie and one for movies on Netflix. Write a movie that you want to see or that is something you don't typically watch and place into jar according to where you will view the movie. Pull one from both jars that way of the day of the date you just feel like going home and watching a movie in your pjs the movie is already selected. No wasting an hour to decide what to watch only to fall asleep 10 minutes later.
Although the focus is on Sweetest Day, take this as an opportunity to start having unique and consistent date nights. After having a fabulous Sweetest Day date, set up a date night jar. Put strips of paper next to it. Write down date ideas on the strips of paper and fold up place in the jar. Take turns drawing ideas from the jar. Do this at least 2 weeks prior to date night to allow for scheduling and preparation of the date. Set a date night at least once a month.
How do you celebrate Sweetest Day?