
So, here’s the thing—National Fruitcake Toss Day. Sounds kind of silly, right?
NATIONAL FRUITCAKE TOSS DAY
You might be thinking, “Why on earth would anyone throw a fruitcake?”
But stick with me, because I promise, you’re about to be convinced this is one of the most underrated holidays that deserves a spot on your calendar.
What Is National Fruitcake Toss Day?
Every year, on January 3rd, people gather in various spots around the country and toss fruitcakes as far as they can. Why? Because it’s fun, it’s weird, and it’s the perfect way to get rid of those fruitcakes that somehow always end up in your house.
Now, I know what you’re thinking. “But… isn’t fruitcake, like, the joke of the holiday season?”
Yep, it definitely has a bad rep. But that’s kind of what makes tossing it such a great idea. It’s all about letting go of the ridiculousness and embracing the silly joy of tossing a dense, candied cake into the air.
The History Behind Fruitcake Toss Day
So, where did this strange holiday come from?
It actually started in Manitou Springs, Colorado, where they hold an annual Fruitcake Toss event. What began as a small-town tradition has now spread across the U.S. and is gaining momentum as more people find out just how fun it can be.
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People participate in different tossing events. Some use slingshots, some throw by hand, and others even have a designated spot for “target” tossing. The goal is simple: throw the fruitcake as far as possible and enjoy a good laugh with friends and family.
Why You Should Celebrate National Fruitcake Toss Day
Here’s the thing—sometimes life gets too serious.
We all need a day where we can just unwind and do something silly without caring about the outcome. National Fruitcake Toss Day is the perfect excuse to do just that. Tossing a fruitcake is a quick reminder to embrace the ridiculousness in life and not take everything so seriously.
If you’re already planning to host a party or get together, why not incorporate a little toss into your fun? It’ll be something your guests will never forget!
How To Celebrate National Fruitcake Toss Day (Even If You Don’t Have A Fruitcake)
Don’t have a fruitcake? No worries, I’ve got you covered!
Here’s what you can do:
- Get creative with your tossing object. Use something else that’s equally dense or a little odd. Maybe a brick of cheese or a loaf of bread.
- Host a competition. Set up a line and see who can toss the item the furthest.
- Post it on social media and share the laughs with your friends! You’d be surprised how many people will appreciate your sense of humor.
5 Creative Ways to Make the Most of National Fruitcake Toss Day
Alright, let’s take things up a notch. You don’t just want to toss a fruitcake, you want to make it an event. Here are five fun ways to celebrate that will have you and your friends talking long after the fruitcakes have landed.
- Create a Fruitcake Tossing TournamentIf you have a competitive streak (or you just want to see who can throw the furthest), why not make it official?
Set up a fruitcake tossing tournament in your backyard or local park. You can create divisions for different tossing methods—one for those tossing by hand, another for those using slingshots or homemade contraptions.Award silly prizes like “The Longest Flight” or “The Most Dramatic Toss.” Bonus points if you name your competition something wild like “The Great Fruitcake Throwdown.” - Host a Fruitcake-Themed PartyNational Fruitcake Toss Day doesn’t have to be all about the throw. You can add some flair by making the event into a full-blown fruitcake-themed party.
- Decorations: Think fruitcake colors—reds, greens, and golds. You can hang fake fruitcakes or even make DIY fruitcake centerpieces.
- Food: Obviously, fruitcake should be the star, but don’t forget fun snacks like fruitcake-flavored cupcakes or even fruit-filled jello molds.
- Games: Alongside the tossing event, include some fruitcake trivia, fruitcake-themed charades, or a contest to see who can come up with the most creative fruitcake recipe.
- Share the Fun on Social MediaIf you’re already planning to throw fruitcakes, why not show the world how fun it is?
Post videos of the toss and share them on Instagram, TikTok, or X (formerly Twitter). Use fun hashtags like #NationalFruitcakeTossDay, #FruitcakeThrowdown, or even create your own signature hashtag to track the fun.Invite friends to join in on the fun and share their own fruitcake toss moments. It’ll get more people talking about this silly holiday and might even inspire some of them to start their own traditions. - Try New Tossing TechniquesGet creative with how you toss your fruitcake. I mean, tossing it by hand is fun, but why not make it a little wilder?
- Use a catapult or slingshot (safely, of course!) for added drama.
- Set up obstacle courses where people have to aim for targets or dodge challenges while tossing.
- Make it a relay event where each person has to toss the fruitcake a certain distance before passing it on.
- Incorporate Local TraditionsNational Fruitcake Toss Day isn’t just about throwing cakes—it’s about community. Take the time to celebrate the day with your neighbors or local friends.Many communities hold official toss events—sometimes even with a charitable twist! Find a local event near you or, if you’re feeling extra adventurous, organize your own!You could even partner with a local charity and donate fruitcakes to those in need, turning the day into a fun, community-building activity while spreading holiday cheer.
Benefits of Participating in National Fruitcake Toss Day
Still not sure if you want to toss a fruitcake? Here’s why you really should:
- It’s Stress-Free Fun
Forget about the daily grind and let yourself be a little ridiculous. Tossing fruitcakes offers a perfect break from life’s more serious moments. Whether you’re throwing or watching, the goal is simple: have fun and laugh. - It Brings People Together
There’s something about a weird, shared activity that creates memories. Whether it’s with family or friends, the fruitcake toss becomes something everyone can bond over. Even if you’re the only one tossing, it’s a great way to laugh and share a unique experience with others. - It’s Affordable
You don’t need to spend a lot to celebrate National Fruitcake Toss Day. In fact, it’s the kind of event that can actually save you money. If you already have a fruitcake, the only thing you need is a little imagination and maybe a space to toss it. - It’s Memorable
Trust me, after National Fruitcake Toss Day, you and your friends will remember that day for years to come. The laughter, the surprise, and the joy of seeing that fruitcake fly will be a core memory you’ll keep forever.
The Best Part About National Fruitcake Toss Day
One of the best things about this quirky holiday is that you don’t need to spend a lot of money or effort.
It’s all about having fun and being a little ridiculous. And trust me, the joy that comes from hurling something through the air just can’t be beaten.
So, the next time January 3rd rolls around, don’t let it pass by without giving it a try. Whether you’re tossing a real fruitcake or just something weird from your pantry, you’re going to have a blast. And who knows—you might just start a new tradition that’ll stick with you for years to come!
I’m telling you, you’re going to wish you’d joined in on the fun earlier. Don’t miss out.