Why I Love Valentine's Day

"Offering to Venus," by J. W. Godward

I'm not sure if I know anyone else who really loves Valentine's Day.  Those without a significant other feel left out of all the hoopla, and those who are attached are either nonplussed or stressed about the holiday.  For me, it's a stepping stone that helps me through the dourest part of the winter.

New England seems to be tailor-made for Christmas.  We have crisp, cold days and snowfalls that paint the branches of our bare trees white.  Our evergreens look as though they've been drizzled with icing.  Our landscapes sparkle in undulating drifts of white or blue or pink, depending on the hour.  Indoors, we deck the halls with garlands and swags, and we dress ourselves in our cheeriest berry red or forest green.  On New Year's, we might even wear sparkles.

Then, we seem to remember that our states started out as Puritan colonies.  We revert to greys and browns, and occasionally navy blue.  The landscape is still beautiful, but the roadsides grow dull with dirty snow, and even a fresh snowfall might not be quite so cheerful without the contrast of vibrant greens and reds.

"Pink Rose," by Jonathan E. Russell

We wouldn't dream of wearing pastels before Easter, but Valentine's Day, that dear Hallmark Holiday, gives us permission to break out the bold pinks and purples, and to give red another go.  All the gaudy advertising (with its pressures to make sure our partners receive the most expressive card, the sweetest chocolates, the biggest bouquet) is packed full of these colors.  And flowers!  Cut flowers may be the most frivolous indulgence on earth, but in mid-February, I can't help but be happy for the sight of them.  So, while I've never been one for big, expensive gestures on Valentine's, I revel in the brilliant hues that it throws my way.

I think Valentine's Day should be a day of frivolity.  Pink hearts and Victorian cupids aren't the symbols of fully realized love or devotion.  They're the symbols of fresh affection, of new found delight in each other's company.  So if you've someone to celebrate with, forget expensive celebrations and do something silly and fun.  If you're on your own, celebrate your own company with an at-home spa treatment.  Either way, consider celebrating Valentine's like the kids do:  Give a little platonic love to everyone you meet.  One year I signed and sealed a whole basketfull of cheesy kiddie Valentines and handed them out to everyone I saw that day.  People were delighted.  When I handed out the last few cards of the night at the local pub, I had one friend give me a big hug and break into tears.  I'll never forget that, and I'll never forget what it taught me:  Even a seemingly insignificant gesture - so long as it's made out of love and kindness - is worth making.

PS:  Next year, I'm hoping to have Glitter Dragons Valentine's to hand out...