Valentine's Day is essentially a made up holiday, one that many hate because of its tradition of celebrating couples and love. But I would like to make the case that it isn't that bad of a holiday, and is at least something to look forward to in the middle of winter. As I get older, I find that celebrating the little things and even having small holidays can break up the monotony of work and school.
1. It's not just for couples
Valentine's Day is starting to be accepted as a day to celebrate your friends just as much as your significant other, a.k.a., "galentines" day (thanks to Parks and Rec). It can also be a time to celebrate your family in addition to a significant other. If you are single on the holiday, it doesn't mean that you have to be bitter about it being a holiday for couples, since it is supposed to be about love, and love is not just reserved for individuals who are romantically involved.
2. It is something to look forward to in winter
One of the most depressing parts of the end of the holiday season and the beginning of the year is that there is nothing left to look forward to for the rest of the winter. For those of us in Cleveland, winter is often a struggle because of the frigid temperatures and snow storms, making everyone want to stay inside. Valentine's Day gives everyone an opportunity to go out to dinner and do something during the winter with a loved one or friends, even if that is just staying in together and watching Netflix and drinking a bottle of wine together.
3. The Chocolate
Chocolate is a classic staple of Valentine's Day, and all of the special heart shaped versions of your favorite chocolates will go on sale right after February 14th. Plus who doesn't like getting a box of chocolates as a gift from a friend?
4. Nostalgia for childhood
One of every millennials' favorite memories of elementary school is the holiday parties, which included a Valentine's Day party where you made a mailbox for all of the foil valentines that you had to give to each person in the class. What was even more exciting was when some included a toy or a pencil, and the process of creating a special meaning out of the valentine your crush decided to write your name on, even though their parent probably wrote them out for them that morning. If you want, you can still pick up a box of valentines to give out to your friends, family, and classmates.
5. It's a simple holiday
In the end, it is just a holiday that is associated with love and the celebration of those in your life that you love. It doesn't have to be complicated with expensive gifts, dinners, and plans. It can be as simple as giving a friend a card or buying them their morning coffee, or giving a small gift to show your appreciation to either a friend or a significant other.
