Just on principle, really. It's not that I'm against an excuse to dote upon the people you care about, but it seems odd to me that we feel like we need a holiday to do that. Disclaimer: I realize that Valentine's Day has a historical context and background and therefore wasn't completely invented by Hallmark. But it just seems a little off that our ultimate day to show people we love them involves rushing to the store to buy mass-produced giant teddy bears holding heart-shaped pillows. Granted, I like candy just as much as the next girl, but geez.
Maybe it's just that we get so wrapped up in day-to-day life that it's good to have a reminder to tell people we love them. Like going on retreats...we need somebody to sit us down and remind us that it's not just about going to work and coming home or making straight A's or trying to save the world. I can get on board with that. Even then, I am still convinced Valentine's Day shouldn't be just red and pink stuff blanketing every store in sight. So maybe all those stores could ditch the pre-fabricated cards and light-up singing artificial roses (nice, Walgreens.) and instead have piles and piles of craft supplies. Construction paper, doilies, magazines to cut up, glue sticks...the whole shebang! Because I would venture a guess that most people would value a hand made card with your own words over a Hallmark one, even if your art skills aren't the best. Or go ahead and buy the card (there are some good ones out there), but put a mix CD in the envelope too (don't laugh, you know you love 'em). I get that not everybody's into crafting things, but there are plenty of ways to make this day (and all the other ones) personal.
I'm also of the opinion that Valentine's Day doesn't have to just be about a significant other. Remember the good ol' days in kindergarten, when everybody gave everybody Valentines? Even if you didn't like little Susie, you were going to sign your name on that little card and stick it in her decorated box. Of course there was also the strategic decision-making of who would get which card, because heaven forbid little Johnny actually discover that you have a crush on him! Anyway, little Johnny is beside the point. Think about the people in your life that you love. I'm going to venture a guess that that list contains more than one name. So today, or any other day of the year, take advice from Cool People Care and send a letter, make a phone call, or even text those people and tell them that you appreciate them. Mayyybe even take the time to wish a happy Valentine's Day to the people you have trouble appreciating, too.
So there you have it, my largely unorganized thoughts on this February holiday. I s'pose it's not that I dislike the idea of Valentine's day, just the store-bought version of the holiday. By all means take the time to celebrate, just don't forget that you're allowed to show people that you love them on other days, too.
Love (I mean it),
Allison.
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