Holidays have always played an important role in celebrating special moments throughout the year. Some holidays originated not from tradition or history, but were created or heavily marketed by companies, particularly Hallmark. These Hallmark holidays often focus on expressing love, appreciation, and joy, encouraging people to celebrate in ways that may not have been common before.
As unique as they are commercial, these holidays often provide new ways for people to connect and share sentiments. They aim to enhance relationships and create memorable experiences, bringing people together for special occasions. The influence of Hallmark in shaping modern celebrations shows how holidays can evolve and adapt over time.
Sweetest Day
Sweetest Day is a unique holiday celebrated in the Midwest. It falls on the third Saturday of October each year. This holiday focuses on showing appreciation for loved ones through small gifts and acts of kindness.
Though often compared to Valentine’s Day, Sweetest Day was not created by Hallmark. The company began producing Sweetest Day cards in the mid-1960s. Their cards quickly became popular among those looking to express affection.
The origins of Sweetest Day involve random acts of kindness. It encourages people to share love and positivity in their communities. Many choose to give cards to spouses or significant others.
While it began in the Great Lakes region, Sweetest Day has spread to other parts of the country. This holiday offers a lovely excuse to celebrate loved ones and spread joy. It remains a fun way for people to connect and share their feelings.
Friendship Day
Friendship Day is a special holiday celebrated on the first Sunday in August. It was created by Joyce Hall, the founder of Hallmark Cards, in 1919. The day is meant to honor friendships and the special bonds people share.
The idea behind Friendship Day was to give friends a chance to show appreciation for each other. People often exchange cards and gifts to celebrate their friendships. This holiday helps remind individuals to cherish their friends.
In 1935, the United States officially recognized Friendship Day. It became a day where people could connect and enjoy time with friends. In 1998, Winnie the Pooh was named the Ambassador of Friendship at the United Nations, which added a fun touch to the celebration.
Many countries now celebrate Friendship Day in their own ways. This holiday is not just about sending cards but also about spending quality time with friends. It encourages people to express their feelings and strengthen their friendships.
3. Grandparents Day
Grandparents Day is a special occasion that honors the important role of grandparents in families. It is celebrated on the first Sunday after Labor Day.
The holiday was first proclaimed by President Jimmy Carter in 1978. Since then, it has become an annual celebration of love and appreciation for grandparents.
Hallmark started making cards for Grandparents Day back in 1978. While the holiday never reached the commercial success of others, it still holds a meaningful place in people’s hearts.
Many families use this day to spend quality time together. Common activities include sharing stories, making crafts, or enjoying a meal.
It’s a perfect time to express gratitude and show love to grandparents. Small gestures, like sending a card or a thoughtful gift, can mean a lot.
Boss’s Day
Boss’s Day is celebrated on October 16 each year in the United States. It started in 1958 and was created to honor bosses for their guidance and support.
The holiday was first registered with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce by Patricia Bays Haroski. She chose the date because it was her father’s birthday and he was a remarkable boss.
In 1979, Hallmark began selling cards specifically for Boss’s Day. Now, many people express their appreciation with cards, gifts, or special gestures.
Despite its positive intentions, some employees view Boss’s Day as a commercial event. They believe it adds pressure to show appreciation when they feel it should be genuine and not forced.
Regardless of opinions, Boss’s Day provides an opportunity to strengthen workplace relationships. It reminds everyone about the importance of respect and gratitude in professional settings.
5. Administrative Professionals Day
Administrative Professionals Day is a special occasion that honors the work of administrative staff. This holiday was first celebrated in 1952 and has grown in importance over the years.
In 1973, Hallmark began producing greeting cards specifically for this day. The holiday is celebrated on the last Wednesday of April each year. It gives people a chance to recognize the efforts of secretaries, assistants, and other support professionals.
The event was created to highlight the importance of these roles in the workplace. Mary Barrett, a key figure in this movement, helped establish the National Secretaries Association, now known as the International Association of Administrative Professionals (IAAP).
With the changing job titles and responsibilities, the holiday was renamed Administrative Professionals Day/Week in 2000. This reflects the evolution of the administrative field and its growing significance in business environments.
Celebrating this day can include giving cards, flowers, or small gifts to show appreciation. It’s a wonderful way to say thank you to those who contribute so much behind the scenes.
Valentine’s Week
Valentine’s Week occurs each year from February 7th to February 14th. Each day has a special theme, creating a fun and romantic atmosphere leading up to Valentine’s Day.
The week starts with Rose Day on February 7th, when people give roses to express love. Each day that follows features gestures of affection, such as Chocolate Day and Teddy Day.
These celebrations help couples connect through thoughtful gifts and shared experiences. Many people use this week to plan surprises or romantic dates.
While Hallmark is known for its greeting cards, it also plays a role in promoting Valentine’s Week. This marketing encourages people to celebrate their relationships more openly.
As Valentine’s Day approaches, excitement builds with heartfelt messages and gifts exchanged along the way. Each day serves as a reminder to appreciate loved ones in various ways.
Clerks Day
Clerks Day is a special celebration that honors the hard work of clerical professionals. This day is observed on the last Wednesday of April each year.
Originally called Secretary’s Day, it recognizes the important roles that administrative staff play in businesses. These individuals manage tasks that keep operations running smoothly.
Hallmark played a key role in promoting this holiday. The company aimed to highlight the valuable contributions of secretaries and administrative assistants.
On Clerks Day, people often express appreciation through cards, gifts, or small gestures of kindness. It is a simple way to say thank you for their dedication and support at work.
Each year, many employers take time to acknowledge their staff. Celebrating Clerks Day helps to boost morale and strengthen workplace relationships.
Cousins Day
Cousins Day is a fun holiday that celebrates the special bond between cousins. It takes place on the fourth Sunday in July. This day is a great opportunity for families to connect and appreciate their cousins.
Many people use this day to reach out to their cousins, either through calls, messages, or even get-togethers. It’s a chance for families to strengthen their ties and create lasting memories.
Hallmark played a role in promoting this day to highlight the importance of family relationships. By having a designated day, it encourages people to recognize and celebrate their cousins.
Some families enjoy planning reunions or small gatherings. Others might send cards to let their cousins know they care. This holiday is about enjoying the time spent with family and creating closer bonds.
Cousins Day reminds everyone that these relationships can be just as meaningful as those with siblings or close friends. It’s a light-hearted way to show appreciation for family in a unique way.
9. National Thank You Note Day
National Thank You Note Day is celebrated on December 26 each year. This holiday encourages people to show gratitude by writing thank you notes. It comes right after Christmas, a time when many gifts are exchanged.
The day highlights the importance of expressing appreciation. Handwritten notes are a personal way to thank someone for their kindness or a gift. They often feature a simple “thank you” on the front.
While the exact origins of this day are not clear, its purpose is obvious. It serves as a reminder to slow down and acknowledge the thoughtfulness of others.
Getting a thank you note can brighten someone’s day. It fosters connection and goodwill during the holiday season. People can grab their favorite stationery and take a moment to write heartfelt messages.
Celebrating this day helps keep the tradition of gratitude alive in a fast-paced world. It is a small yet meaningful way to spread joy and appreciation.
Card Reading Day
Card Reading Day is celebrated on February 21 each year. This holiday invites people to take a moment to enjoy the greeting cards they have received over the years.
Many find joy in looking through boxes or drawers filled with these sentimental items. Each card often carries a special message or memory that can bring a smile.
This day is not just about reading cards; it’s also a chance to express gratitude. People can reach out to their friends and family, sharing the love found in those written words.
Card Reading Day encourages reflection on meaningful relationships. It highlights how simple gestures like a greeting card can brighten someone’s day.
Sharing a card can strengthen connections. It can also inspire others to create or send cards, keeping the tradition alive.
Origins of Holidays Invented by Hallmark
Hallmark has played a significant role in shaping modern holiday celebrations. By introducing new holidays, the company has not only created new traditions but has also transformed existing ones, making them more commercially viable.
The Role of Hallmark in Popularizing Holidays
Hallmark has been influential in popularizing several holidays, especially those that are now perceived as “Hallmark holidays.” These include Valentine’s Day and Mother’s Day.
In the 20th century, Hallmark recognized the potential for creating special occasions focused on consumerism. By producing cards and gifts related to these days, Hallmark increased their visibility and emotional significance. This strategy led to a boom in sales and helped many people celebrate these days with their loved ones.
Their marketing campaigns often emphasize feelings of love and appreciation, connecting emotionally with consumers. As a result, many holidays gained a strong cultural foothold in society.
Motivations Behind Creating New Celebrations
The motivations behind Hallmark’s creation of new holidays are primarily commercial. The company aims to boost sales during specific times of the year. By inventing holidays like Boss’s Day or Secretaries’ Day, Hallmark has tapped into various themes of appreciation.
Another reason for these creations is to fill gaps in the holiday calendar. Hallmark identified opportunities for celebrations that focused on relationships, gratitude, and love. Each new holiday allows for unique expressions of these sentiments through greeting cards and gifts.
This approach not only encourages consumer spending but also shapes social norms around celebrating diverse relationships. Because of this, Hallmark has effectively carved out a niche in the holiday landscape.
Impact on Society and Culture
Holidays invented by Hallmark have significantly influenced consumer behavior and stirred various opinions in the public sphere. These holidays are not just days on the calendar; they shape traditions and spending patterns across society.
How These Holidays Influence Consumer Behavior
Hallmark holidays drive consumer spending each year. For instance, celebrations like Valentine’s Day and Mother’s Day encourage people to purchase cards, gifts, and flowers. This pattern boosts sales in multiple industries, from florists to greeting card companies.
According to research, about 85% of people send cards during these holidays. Consumers actively plan and participate in these celebrations, which can lead to increased spending on meals, decorations, and gifts. This illustrates the strong link between holiday marketing and economic activity.
Criticisms and Support in Public Opinion
These manufactured holidays often face scrutiny for their commercialization. Critics argue that they pressure individuals to spend money unnecessarily. This concern raises questions about the authenticity of celebrating these occasions.
On the other hand, many people enjoy these holidays as a way to express love and appreciation. Supporters believe that Hallmark holidays bring joy and social connection. They foster traditions that encourage people to gather and celebrate, strengthening relationships in various communities.