All In the Name of Love: The Case for Valentine’s Day
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I was never one to make a big to-do about Valentine’s Day. Until I was engaged to my now husband, I never had a valentine ON Valentine’s Day. I mostly celebrated what is now humorously known as Single Awareness Day (S.A.D.). As fate would have it, I married someone who also doesn’t make a big to-do about Valentine’s Day. The discussion of how commercialized this made up holiday frequently comes up in a discussion, really discourages any romanticized feelings about Valentine’s Day that may have existed.
You might be as surprised as me to know that consumers spent over 20 billion dollars last year (2018) for Valentine’s Day.
And while that is A LOT, A LOT, A LOT of money mostly due to stores jacking up the prices on everything from greeting cards to fine jewelry, I still think Valentine’s Day gets a bad rap. I mean this was a day created to celebrate love. How can any day create to celebrate love bring about such negative feelings in people across the world?
Well, my friends, I am here to turn that frown upside down and give you the warm and fuzzies and rethink the whole Valentine’s Day thing.
“It’s sooooo commercialized!”
Yes, this is true. Many businesses make a lot of money on Valentine’s Day, and while some of them are huge corporations, many of them are small business owners just trying to feed their families. Those roses that cost $50 a bouquet were probably grown by a local gardener, and they were likely delivered by a trucker who spends many nights away from home. While the local grocery store you bought them from makes millions of dollars the check-out clerks do not. When you purchase those flowers, you are not only bringing a smile to the recipients face, but you are helping no less than three other people take care of their families.
Do good, buy flowers. Even if they are terribly overpriced.
“Valentine’s Day is just for couples.”
False. Not true. At all. There was a day in time I use to say that. I found myself sitting on the couch watching Trading Spaces while my friends were out with their boyfriends. Some years I gathered with other single friends and went to dinner. Valentine’s Day is a great day to show special people in your life how much you love them. If you have kiddos find a unique tradition. For us, it’s going to Build-A-Bear and letting our daughter pick out her own bear and then off to a family dinner. Maybe yours is a special breakfast or special treat. There are so many ideas out there that I know you can find something your family will enjoy.
15 Things You Can Do on Valentine’s Day if you are Unattached
Bake some yummies and take them to an assisted living facility.
Just think how happy it would make someone who may not get visitors very often. Ask them to tell you about their most memorable Valentine’s Day.
Reach out to a friend who might be going through a difficult time.
Sometimes we can get so wrapped up in our sorrows of not being in a relationship that we forget there are people in our lives who might be heartbroken.
Volunteer at a women’s shelter.
Again, people are hurting, and your visit could be just what they need to bring a smile to your face.
Take a day trip.
Either alone or with some gal pals, take a day trip to somewhere drivable. Road trips are the best.
Treat yourself to a spa day.
Massage. Need I say more?
Plan a “crafternoon”.
How fun could this be? Grab some wine and some friends and do a little crafting.
Write sweet cards to your family and friends…and mail them.
Sure they may get them after Valentine’s Day, but that will just show them that you were thinking of them.
Go to a comedy show.
Laughter is the best distraction.
Babysit for friends with kids for free and have a dance party.
You may think this is a bummer but trust when I say your friends will love you forever and will likely repay the favor one day.
Go shopping.
Retail therapy is good for the soul.
Have a movie marathon.
Chick flicks, anti-valentine movies, Sex and the City, whatever your guilty pleasure spend the evening watching movies.
Explore a winery or attend a wine tasting.
With friends or solo, this could be fun.
Write yourself a letter to open on the next Valentine’s Day. You will be surprised how quickly life changes.
You may be alone this year and married the next. Write yourself a letter with a few (non-romantic) goals.
Make anonymous cards and place them around town or give them to neighbors.
These are sure to make people smile.
Read a good book.
Sometimes all you need is a good book.
“Why not just show love year round instead of just on Valentine’s Day?”
Yes. Do that! Show love year round. Tell all the people in your life how much you think about and care for them. Serve others in the community. BUT also go the extra mile on Valentine’s Day. It may be cliche but any day that you show your love and appreciation for the people in your life is a good day in my book.
