In the face of the trending social media campaign for the recently invented holiday—National Sons Day—some choose to turn their backs to the frenzy. It’s intriguing to think about sharing charming pictures of our male offspring to join the digital celebration. Still, there are those who dare to defy the norm, standing firm against the extension of these novel holidays, especially those that seem to impose obligations on us to demonstrate our affection for our children.
It’s an interesting perspective, isn’t it? In the earlier days of social networks, users were compelled to reshare posts with messages like “like and share if you love your kids.” Nowadays, it appears it has escalated to an entirely new level where children have their own celebratory day. This isn’t to say that honoring our loved ones is a bad thing; it’s just that there are some who question the necessity and authenticity of such new-age observances.
Here are a few points to ponder:
- Why is there a need to showcase love for sons and daughters on dedicated days? Shouldn’t we express our love every day?;
- Consider the implications of these trends on children. Are we teaching them to measure love in likes and shares?;
- Reflect on the pressure being placed on parents to participate in these trends. Is it necessary to follow every new trend that crops up?
The Origin and Proliferation of National Daughters Day
Undeniably, the recent surge of designated ‘days’ allocated to virtually every category under the sun has left many of us in a state of bemusement. Over the past week, social media platforms have been flooded with endearing photographs of daughters, accompanying the proclamation of National Daughters’ Day. This prompts the question – when did National Daughters Day spring into existence? And most importantly, why?
The inception of this observance can be traced back to the year 2013, coinciding with the establishment of the National Day Calendar. Contrary to popular belief, the calendar does not operate under the auspices of a government entity. Rather, it’s the brainchild of a shrewd businessperson who marked its initiation with the creation of National Popcorn Day. Fast forward six years, and the calendar is now home to an impressive roster of nearly 1,500 celebratory days.
Of particular interest is the observation that National Daughters Day shared its date with a slew of other commemorations, including National Cooking Day, National Lobster Day, National Comic Book Day, and not to forget, National Better Breakfast Day.
Delving deeper into the process, it’s intriguing to note that most of these ‘days’ earn their spots on the National Day Calendar through applications. Advocacy groups use this platform as a means to shine the spotlight on issues warranting public attention, while individuals apply for a touch of fun and light-heartedness. The process involves applying, paying a fee, and voila—your preferred day makes it onto the National Day Calendar.
The Mixed Reactions to National Sons and Daughters Day
The social media sphere has seen a recent uptick in the recognition of unconventional holidays such as National Sons Day, which interestingly, happens to coincide with National Bunny Day, National Drink Beer Day, and numerous other festive occasions. In fact, an investigation reveals that the National Day Archives lists National Sons Day as falling on March 4th rather than the popularly celebrated date.
National Daughters Day also evoked a mixed bag of emotions from the digital populace. Some contentedly basked in the joy of having a dedicated day to appreciate their daughters, while others expressed unease at the sudden obligation to conjure heartfelt posts in honor of their children.
In a beautifully ironic twist, it appears that the age-old parental reply to the inquisitive question, “When is Kid’s Day?”—usually answered with an exasperated, “every day is Kid’s Day!”—has now been turned on its head. Thanks to enterprising individuals, our youngsters now have designated days in their honor.
However, not all are keen to jump on the bandwagon of these newly minted holidays. There’s an increasing number of conscientious objectors who raise their eyebrows at these trends, unapologetically choosing not to partake in the public display of affection forced upon them by the advent of these holidays.
These individuals espouse the belief that love for one’s children extends far beyond the confines of a social media post, and thus, they choose to derive amusement from these occasions rather than feeling obligated to participate.
In a fitting end to their stance, it turns out that October 14th is known as National Grouch Day—arguably a perfect fit for those who choose to refrain from such social media trends.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the advent of these ‘days’ has not only changed the way we express our love and appreciation for those we cherish, but it has also sparked a debate on the authenticity and necessity of such celebrations. Regardless of where one stands on this issue, it’s an undeniable fact that, for better or for worse, these unconventional holidays are here to stay in our digital era, shaping how we interact with our loved ones and the world at large.