Are you sweet on Sweetest Day, October 16?

What is the difference between Sweetest Day and Valentine’s Day. The dry answer is that Valentine’s Day is always on February 14th, and Sweetest Day is the third Sunday of October. But the more fun answer is that Valentine’s Day is “for lovers,” (who do you love); and Sweetest Day is for “everyone.” YOU can be the Sweet Person spreading happiness, and/or the respondent can be the Sweet Person who receives the surprise greeting or gift.

We can give pause on this Saturday (or the weekend) and either send messages to those we care about, or we can just be sweet to those we meet on the street… the mailperson, the waiter, the cashier, the neighbor boy playing ball, or even the dog jumping in the fall leaves.

It does not have to be a physical gift (although that is precious), but it could be sharing a kind thought or story, or offering a big smile and happy greeting, or showing a random act of kindness.

But maybe you want something more permanent so that the person whose day you are brightening will remember the gesture and thought for a long time to come. So, here comes the gift ideas.

1. Take them out to a Lyons restaurant. It will bring happiness to both your guest, and the business.

2. Take a look at our article this week about some of the unique gift shops and art galleries that we have in town. Again, your sweet gesture will make your friend happy, the store clerk and the store owner happy!

3. Gift a Gift Card — we have a hair salon, flower shop, massage and Pilates businesses, restaurants, liquor stores, and more… right here in Lyons! If you are reading this ON Sweetest Day, you are only minutes away from picking up/or printing a certificate.

4. And, yes a Greeting Card is always fun! The gift shops in town have very unique ones, often by artists (and not just generic Hallmark cards). It’s a day to give a card with a sweet message to someone you appreciate. No big deal. Just a friendly Hi!

Books

Here are some books we have reviewed in the Lyons Recorder this year that make great GIFT BOOKS (table top books):

12 Days of Peace — lots of photos of the Colorado landscape by local Jimmy Lange

Historic Homes of Boulder County by historian Jane Valentine Barker (used book only)

Bears Dont Care About Your Problems — for the outdoor Colorado person, a funny book with good tips

The Aspen Cookbook — new this week! see the review. 100+ recipes from local chefs in Aspen