Let’s make Valentine’s Day a celebration for everyone 

When you think of Valentine’s Day, big bunches of roses, sparkly jewelry and lovers holding hands come to mind. But shouldn’t love be celebrated by everyone?  

A bit of history  

According to Wikipedia, Valentine’s Day, also called Saint Valentine’s Day or the Feast of Saint Valentine, is celebrated annually on February 14. It originated as a Christian feast day honoring one or two early Christian martyrs named Saint Valentine. Through later folk traditions, it has become a significant cultural, religious, and commercial celebration of romance and love in many regions of the world 

In the early 19th century paper valentines became popular in England and mass-produced versions became popular in the U.S. around 1847. Today, The U.S. Greeting Card Association estimates that approximately 190 million valentines are sent each year in the U.S. Half of those valentines are given to family members other than husband or wife, usually children.  

Candy hearts with little messages started around the same time as the Civil War in the U.S., around 1864. The commercially made hearts that resemble what we see today have been on the market since about 1902.  

Giving chocolate to your sweetheart for Valentine’s Day is attributed to candymaker Richard Cadbury who in 1861 packaged his treats in heart-shaped boxes decorated for the special day. By the 1930s, American chocolate makers were selling Valentine’s Day merchandise and the commercialization of the holiday grew. Today, it’s a big business and seems to grow larger every year. In 2022, $23.9 billion was spent on Valentine’s related purchases.  

Love and kindness for all 

While Valentine’s Day will always be thought of in a romantic way, it’s really a great time to celebrate all the love and kindness in your life. Telling someone that they are special to you or acknowledging their kindness is a wonderful way to show you care. Some ideas include: 

• Best friends 
• Neighbors
• Your children 
• Grandchildren
• Co-workers
• Caregivers 
• Mail delivery person 
• Favorite grocery check-out person 

Try Galentine’s Day 

Thanks to a fictional character, Leslie Knope from the television show “Parks & Recreation,” people have also embraced Galentine’s Day. In the episode which ran in 2010, Leslie wanted to honor her girlfriends. So, on February 13 she made a big brunch and they celebrated each other.  

Try your own Galentine’s celebration by getting a group of ladies together and sharing good food and beverages. Or invite everyone to come over to your house and have a pot-luck dinner. And you don’t have to just keep it to the women. Anyone who is important to you is worth celebrating on this day of love.  

This year, expand your celebration  

Think outside the box of chocolates or beyond flowers and jewelry. Try one of these ideas that are fun ways to show you care, no matter who your special people are:  

• Have a family Valentine’s Day party with red and pink food 
• Write personal notes to special people 
• Reach out to someone you miss by calling them or visiting them 
• Make small bags of cookies or candies and pass them out as you go about your day
• Put a bowl of treats on your desk to share with co-workers
• Plan a walk or hike and look for heart shapes in nature 
• Find a movie that celebrates love, kindness and friendship and pop some popcorn 
• Volunteer at your favorite non-profit organization, local senior living community or other charity

No matter how you decide to observe Valentine’s Day this year, have fun spreading love, kindness, joy and gratitude to your family, friends, co-workers, and communities.  

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