When the inaugural Thomas Day was celebrated in the mid-1990's my family and friends (mostly my family) was skeptical about my motives. Some thought I had gone off my rocker and others looked up the phone number for the nearest psychologist. I assured them that my intent was not to accumulate more gifts or to prop up the falling stock price of Hallmark corporation. In fact, I wanted Thomas Day to be outward instead of inward facing. Rather than looking for the gifts we, as Thomases, could expect to receive, the celebration was about the gifts that we, as Thomases, could give. Neither was this orientation and attitude to last for one day of the year but this one day became a moment for us to contemplate what we had done for the past year and resolve to do more in the coming year. It was, and is, a day for us to close ranks, to rally the troops and to gear up to do our part with all the other Tom, Dick and Harry's with whom we share this old world. It is also a time to gather and recognize the great diversity that is/are Thomas. We are old, young, white, black, furry, rich, poor, alive, dead, yet to be born, from all nations of the world...
Many questions have come in over the years, this FAQ section is an attempt to answer the most common questions:
Question: Are you nuts?
No. This, however, has been a common accusation made toward great Thomas inventors, thinkers and visionaries of their day. We might be a bit odd, but we are not crazy. To prove the point -particularly in relation to establishing a day to celebrate our common name- we offer the following website which illustrates that Thomases are not alone in our desire to celebrate: www.mynameday.com
Question: Should friends of Thomas give gifts to their favorite or known Thomases?
Only if you feel inclined. Gifts are certainly not expected but they will be graciously accepted if given. A hug, a kind word, a handshake or a warm chocolate chip cookie are the best gifts.
Question: Why is Thomas Day only celebrated on odd numbered years?
To show deference to the annual holidays (Christmas, Independence Day, Memorial Day, Mother's Day, individual's birthdays and anniversaries), Thomas day celebrations take place every other year. We recognize that there are some who consider this celebration an odd thing (some have used stronger pejoratives like silly, self-aggrandizing, narcissistic, ridiculous, etc.) so it was decided to embrace the epithet and hold it on odd numbered years rather than even numbers.
Question: How can I (as a fellow Thomas) get involved in planning or marketing a future Thomas day?
All such volunteers are welcome. You can begin now by spreading the word to fellow Thomases. Simply direct them to this website and invite them to put future Thomas Day celebrations on their calendar. If you have a desire to become more involved, please register as a follower or send the current committee chairman an email: thomaswicke@hotmail.com
Question: What type of activities take place on Thomas Day
Due to the geographic diversity of Thomases, the day is celebrated largely on an individual level. In prior years, groups of Thomases have met together and enjoyed food, conversation and revelry. Thomases are encouraged to reach out to those in their local area and engaged in a shared celebration. Many Thomases enjoy playing games or other activities. Greetings are often sent electronically, by phone or by written card. In 2011 some participants introduced a tradition and invited all Thomases to engage in an act of service toward a non-Thomas during Thomas Day. This served to demonstrate to those known and loved by Thomases that this celebration was, at its core, focused on the impact of Thomases. While this tradition is definitely not mandatory (nothing is officially require on this day), many Thomases mark this day with gestures toward those who have contributed to their lives but they should also feel free to engage in much deserved recreation. Massages, fine dining, cruises, a hike or walk on the beach, movies and even a well deserved siesta are appropriate activities for this day.
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