Hallmark holiday
Encyclopedia
"Hallmark holiday" is a disparaging term, used predominantly in the United States
, to describe a holiday
that is perceived to exist primarily for commercial purposes, rather than to commemorate a traditionally significant event. The name comes from Hallmark Cards
, a privately owned American
company based in Kansas City, Missouri
, that benefits from such manufactured events through sales of greeting cards and other items. Holidays that have been referred to as "Hallmark Holidays" include Grandparent's Day, Sweetest Day
, Boss's Day
, and Secretary's Day
. Some people also consider Valentine's Day
such a day.
Hallmark corporation deny that they create such holidays and claim that they "wish it were so easy that we could dream up products and people would flock to our stores to buy them." That they only do it when there is "a real consumer need that we meet with our products."
In 2009, David Axelrod
, Senior Advisor to US President Barack Obama
played down the significance of the "first 100 days of presidency
", which receives much mainstream media news attention for new US Presidents, as a "Hallmark holiday".
Related to "Hallmark Holiday" is the pop-culture term "Hallmark Moment." It can suggest either a serendipitous event or encounter, or a sappy emotional appeal, including appeal for financial gain.
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
, to describe a holiday
Holiday
A Holiday is a day designated as having special significance for which individuals, a government, or a religious group have deemed that observance is warranted. It is generally an official or unofficial observance of religious, national, or cultural significance, often accompanied by celebrations...
that is perceived to exist primarily for commercial purposes, rather than to commemorate a traditionally significant event. The name comes from Hallmark Cards
Hallmark Cards
Hallmark Cards is a privately owned American company based in Kansas City, Missouri. Founded in 1910 by Joyce C. Hall, Hallmark is the largest manufacturer of greeting cards in the United States. In 1985, the company was awarded the National Medal of Arts....
, a privately owned American
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
company based in Kansas City, Missouri
Kansas City, Missouri
Kansas City, Missouri is the largest city in the U.S. state of Missouri and is the anchor city of the Kansas City Metropolitan Area, the second largest metropolitan area in Missouri. It encompasses in parts of Jackson, Clay, Cass, and Platte counties...
, that benefits from such manufactured events through sales of greeting cards and other items. Holidays that have been referred to as "Hallmark Holidays" include Grandparent's Day, Sweetest Day
Sweetest Day
Sweetest Day is a holiday celebrated primarily in the Great Lakes region, and parts of the Northeast United States, on the third Saturday in October...
, Boss's Day
Boss's Day
Boss' Day is a secular holiday celebrated on October 16 in the United States and Canada. It has traditionally been a day for employees to thank their bosses for being kind and fair throughout the year...
, and Secretary's Day
Administrative Professionals' Day
Administrative Professionals' Day is an unofficial secular holiday observed in several countries to recognize the work of secretaries, administrative assistants, receptionists, and other administrative support professionals. In North America, it is celebrated on the Wednesday of the last full week...
. Some people also consider Valentine's Day
Valentine's Day
Saint Valentine's Day, commonly shortened to Valentine's Day, is an annual commemoration held on February 14 celebrating love and affection between intimate companions. The day is named after one or more early Christian martyrs named Saint Valentine, and was established by Pope Gelasius I in 496...
such a day.
Hallmark corporation deny that they create such holidays and claim that they "wish it were so easy that we could dream up products and people would flock to our stores to buy them." That they only do it when there is "a real consumer need that we meet with our products."
In 2009, David Axelrod
David Axelrod (political consultant)
David M. Axelrod is an American political consultant based in Chicago, Illinois. He is best known as the top political advisor to President Barack Obama, first in Obama's 2004 campaign for the U.S. Senate in Illinois and later as chief strategist for Obama's 2008 presidential campaign. Following...
, Senior Advisor to US President Barack Obama
Barack Obama
Barack Hussein Obama II is the 44th and current President of the United States. He is the first African American to hold the office. Obama previously served as a United States Senator from Illinois, from January 2005 until he resigned following his victory in the 2008 presidential election.Born in...
played down the significance of the "first 100 days of presidency
First 100 days of Barack Obama's presidency
The first 100 days of Barack Obama's presidency began with his inauguration on January 20, 2009 as the 44th President of the United States. The first 100 days of a presidential term took on symbolic significance during Franklin D. Roosevelt's administration, and the period is considered a benchmark...
", which receives much mainstream media news attention for new US Presidents, as a "Hallmark holiday".
Related to "Hallmark Holiday" is the pop-culture term "Hallmark Moment." It can suggest either a serendipitous event or encounter, or a sappy emotional appeal, including appeal for financial gain.
See also
- Anna JarvisAnna JarvisAnna Marie Jarvis is the founder of the Mother's Day holiday in the United States.-Biography:...
and Mother's Day - Father's Day