Valentine's Day: or Thanksgiving Spring Edition!

Those who know me, know my general annoyance with V-Day. They might say its cause I’m cheap or unromantic. The latter is certainly not true (hopelessly so) and the former is rooted in being remarkably broke for the last ten years. But my solution to both has always been my creativity. When I cared about a lady very much, I could find ways to celebrate them. I just don’t want to be told when to do it. But I’m starting to retread rants of yesteryear. Let’s start fresh. 

What I got to thinking about on the bus today was, “Why do you detest this manufactured commercial holiday more than other commercially manufactured?”

I love Christmas though it doesn’t have the same aura that it did as a child. Anxious to see what Santa brought me, I would stay up until 4am in the morning. Around then I would basically passout until around 5:30. Then I would sit awake, waiting until 6am struck and I could wake up my big sister. The toys and games were great, but as I’ve gotten older I’ve realized that it is the family part that really mattered. My mom and dad helping me put together stuff, giggling with my sis, getting to see my grandparents at noon. My family and I still do some gifts, but honestly I don’t care that much about that anymore (though my record player this year was inspired). Christmas Eve though, that’s when we would topically frost cookies (does that work as a double entendre?) then have some drinks and laughs, that’s what matters to me now.

Basically, I want Valentine’s Day to be more like that. Or more like Thanksgiving. Where we ignore the history behind why something is significant and just know it is. Where we spend time with those close to us, drink a bit too much and gorge on stuffed animal meats. “But, that sounds a lot like Valentine’s Day.” Kind of, but really it feels like a time where people get looked down upon for not buying stuff to show love. Do something. Don’t wait until the 14th. Be with the ones you love, doesn’t have to be romantic. Save the romance for April 3rd, August 12th and October 7th, when no one is looking.

My favorite Valentine’s Day ever came a few years back. It involved going to a museum and then hitting up the CC Club with several of our best friends. It was a fun day that could exist on any day, so fuck worrying about it being the 14th, it was just important being there with those that I’m close with.

Remember the feeling, not the date.

Happy Spring Thanksgiving