Dear Valentine’s Day,
First off, I apologize on behalf of the humanity who will inevitably poop all over you. Jealousy that nobody bought them pink chocolates or ruffled cards? Can’t celebrate a holiday without involving massive amounts of panic and stress?
Oh, it doesn’t matter. No, you aren’t everyone’s cup of tea. Some prefer other holidays to you. But you deserve a little love, too.
Valentine’s Day, you want to know a secret?
I’m not a big anniversary person. Or a holiday person. This is how I planned my eight year anniversary with my master. “Hey, since we’re gonna have some free time around the time we met, can we do a special dinner at our favorite Italian restaurant?” He responds with, “Yes, of course.” We’re so very romantic, aren’t we?
I’ll confess the first time I celebrated you was an accident.
But now? I like you.
I like to make sure that I have a day where I do Something Special.
Something we may not always have time to do. Plus, with how hectic life is right now, it was the one day this month I had to do anything at all. You bet I wanted it special.
I may not always be traditional about it.
Not all of us can afford to make “every day a holiday.” No, telling us that “we’re always loved” doesn’t cut it. Yes, I appreciate your little tokens of love, every day. Yes, I want to show you my love through my consistent words and actions.
But sometimes I just want a day set aside for an extra burst of love and attention.
It doesn’t have to be super fancy and expensive.
What comes to your mind? A special trip out to the city, a box of chocolates? Flowers, if that is your taste. Me? I like to plan a little outing. A place I haven’t gone to before. Or maybe a favored place that I’ve not had a chance to visit in a long time. Or maybe you have something in mind. I just want a day with people I love.
A tradition does not need to be elaborate to mean something. Choose your poison, no?
For you and everyone who honors you,
I raise a cup of hot chocolate with pink heart shaped sprinkles and extra whipped cream. Feel special. Today and every day, yes, but if you haven’t felt extra special in a while?
Take today and seize it!