National Kiss the Cook Day Date in the current year: December 25, 2025

“Kiss the cook” is an American slang phrase popularized by novelty aprons, kitchen towels, and household signs in the mid-20th century. Some people believe the phrase is related to the common expression “chef’s kiss”, which originated in Italian culinary culture, where a cook or chef brings their fingers together, touches them to their lips, and releases their hand outward to signal that something is perfectly done. However, there isn’t any real evidence to support this theory, especially considering that the two phrases mean different things.

The phrase “kiss the cook” emerged in the early 1950s, when novelty aprons and other household items became common gifts. This illustrates a noticeable shift in the role of women in American society, largely shaped by the transition from wartime to peacetime. During WWII, millions of women entered the workforce while men served in the military. After the war, women were strongly encouraged to leave their positions and become full-time homemakers so returning men could reclaim jobs. This shift is reflected in popular culture, with “Kiss the Cook” aprons being just one example.

The phrase “Kiss the Cook” plays on the idea that the cook, presumably the wife, deserves affection or praise for preparing a good meal. It is presented in a lighthearted, slightly flirtatious way, but this doesn’t negate its implied sexism. The expression was further popularized in the 1980s when two major department store chains, Bullock’s in Arizona, California and Nevada (United States) and Woodward’s in Alberta and British Columbia (Canada), began selling “Kiss the Cook” aprons and other merchandise.

The phrase also had its moment in the spotlight during the season four premiere of the popular sitcom Married...With Children, which originally aired on FOX on September 3, 1989. In the episode titled “Hot Off the Grill”, the protagonist Al Bundy (played by Ed O’Neill) wore an apron stating “Kiss the Cook – Kill the Wife” during a Labor Day barbecue. Since then, the association of “Kiss the Cook” aprons with 1950s housewives has weakened, and they have become the barbecue apron of choice for men nationwide, to the point of becoming a stereotype.

Fittingly, National Kiss the Cook Day is not about the gender of the person or people who cooked Christmas dinner for the whole family. Even when everyone pitches in by bringing an appetizer, side, dessert, or bottle of wine, someone still has to coordinate everything and cook the main dish, which can be tiring. National Kiss the Cook Day encourages people to show appreciation for the hosts and cooks who ensure your Christmas dinner is perfect. The holiday’s origins are unclear, but there is no doubt that the effort put into planning, cooking, and serving Christmas dinner deserves acknowledgment.