I love Valentine’s Day. I also love St. Patrick’s Day, Mardi Gras, Cinco de Mayo, April Fool’s Day, birthdays at any age and even the occasional Flag Day. The popular, overrated holidays that many love to hate have a dear spot in my heart. We see monotony, routine and schedule too much in our lives that our true selves are intrinsically begging for spontaneity. I have my fair share of calendars, assignment notebooks and color-coordinated folders. I understand the comfort that comes with consistency and the responsibilities we are consequently accountable for. However, when a day comes along that allows some kind of celebration, a deviation from the norm is exactly what we should allow. Rejecting celebration is never an option on my end of town. So celebrate we will.
Valentine’s Day is an extra special Hallmark Holiday. Working in the restaurant business, I have learned that the past four days and Valentine’s itself are the busiest we will see. Pretty reds, whites and pinks take on a season of their own, and chocolates line the grocery store. In school, we especially see a heightened sense of spirit. And all of this for who the heck knows why. I’ve done my abbreviated research and learned that something about a saint and a massacre gave us a holiday about love. OK, whatever. We may not understand why, how or when the obsession came into place, but I commend all those who take advantage of Valentine’s Day and the other forgotten holidays worth celebrating. I’ve been known to share a few margaritas, chips and guacamole on Cinco de Mayo, pinch those not wearing green on St. Patty’s Day and pull harmless pranks on April Fool’s Day. All for the mere reason of ‘why not?'
I know a handful of those who commit themselves to celebrating anti-whatever day. Drinking into oblivion and cursing all the love birds on Valentine’s Day has become a holiday in itself. I say it’s a recipe for depression, and Scrooges aren’t just for Christmas. I can recall several Februarys when my mom, dad, dog and closest friends were whom I had to call my valentines. They were probably the best and most loyal I’ve had. The chocolate tastes just as good. Being miserable is an option, not a requirement.
Throughout the past four years, my love has only multiplied after meeting new people in college and beyond as well as grown for those I miss back home. I am fortunate enough to have a handsome man to call a Valentine this year, and I truly enjoy making the day special for the sake of love. I am also lucky to spend the day in middle school where the magic still lingers.
“Be thankful for what you have; you’ll end up having more. If you concentrate on what you don’t have, you will never, ever have enough”
Oprah Winfrey
Happy Valentine’s Day
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