Tie One On Day: Put the thanks back in Thanksgiving by tying one on

With Thanksgiving and the highly-anticipated Black Friday and Cyber Monday shopping events just a few days away, another special occasion is shining the spotlight on the holiday spirit. Tie One On Day (TOOD) is an annual holiday that takes place on the day before Thanksgiving.

While Thanksgiving is all about giving thanks and Black Friday is all about steals-and-deals, Tie One On Day celebrates the spirit of giving. Best-selling author EllynAnne Geisel came up with the idea several years ago to celebrate one of the world's most recognized articles of clothing, the apron, and to celebrate the spirit of the women who wore them. And with over 600 aprons under her "belt," Geisel has become a bit of apron expert over the years. Her love of the apron first began when she wrote an article about aprons in 1999.

Participating in Tie One On Day couldn't be easier. Simply wrap a baked good in an apron, tuck a note of encouragement in the pocket and give it to someone in need on Thanksgiving Eve. In an online interview, Geisel said that the more folks who participate in the event means more people will receive the small gestures of kindness.

"Writing a note and delivering it with an offering, is an expression of kindness itself," Geisel said. “Tie One On and celebrate the humble apron and the spirit of women of earlier generations who donned the universal symbol of home, family and mothering as the uniform of their daily wardrobe and helped make America the great country it is today."

As millions of Americans get ready to celebrate the Thanksgiving holiday with friends, family and loved ones, Tie One On Day serves as a reminder to remember those less fortunate.

Happy holidays!