Valentine’s Day gets a bad rap.
When February 14 arrives, people roll their eyes, furrow their brows, and poke fun at anything V-Day related. But I say Valentine’s is to be adored, not detested.
Let’s face it, February sucks. It’s cold, grey, often rainy, and always unpleasant. What better time to celebrate a holiday dedicated to love and intimacy? Valentine’s Day is a welcome reason to cuddle up and forget your February blues. And if you don’t have a partner, don’t sweat it. Valentine’s Day doesn’t have to be just for couples. In fact, it’s a great excuse to get your friends together and celebrate singlehood. Remember the innocent days of childhood, when we exchanged pun-laden Valentine’s cards with our classmates? The feeling of that hand-decorated paper bag heavy with messages of friendship was sweeter than any box of chocolates and had nothing to do with coupling up.
Valentine’s Day has no shortage of critics. They are keen to point out that big business uses Valentine’s to hock goods; in this case, goods like chocolate, flowers, and heart-shaped pot holders. There is no denying that, for many, this day has become a commercialized mess that over-emphasizes the importance of gift-giving and being in a romantic relationship.
Then there are those that proclaim we should treat every day like Valentine’s Day. It would be nice if every day could just be one big love-fest, but that’s not how things are. In reality, maybe we need a so-called “made-up” holiday to remind us to get out of our February funk and show a little affection.
Yes, Valentine’s Day is commercial, but it doesn’t have to be. Skip the obscene restaurant scene and make a special home-cooked meal. Instead of roses, give someone a homemade moss terrarium. Bake a tray of heart-shaped cookies, carefully ice each one with delicate pink icing, and eat them all while watching Dexter.
So, this year, do anything to make an otherwise sub-par month a special one; rekindle your love of February 14.