By Patricia Finn
I’ve heard it said that “February is the longest, shortest month.” What does happen in February? Obviously, Valentine’s Day is the month’s highlight but let’s not forget Groundhog Day and Presidents’ Day. On February 2, Groundhog Day kicks off February with a fizzle. A rodent sees or does not see its shadow and winter weather hangs in the balance. This has mild excitement and some commercial potential.
Competing with Valentine’s Day would be a difficult task for any rival but why miss an opportunity to captivate our imaginations with little toy groundhogs? Groundhog Day T-shirts would be nice; perhaps a cute furry face with a large shadow looming in the background. With the addition of a coffee flavor, Groundhog Day has a real chance to take the February holiday lead.
As for elevating Presidents’ Day to the level of Valentine’s Day – there are complications. Presidents’ Day is a sensitive issue. Which Presidents are still on the “good guy” list, and which are not? Controversy and confusion knock Presidents’ Day out of the competition.
Related: 8 Romantic Last-Minute Valentine’s Day Ideas That Won’t Break the Bank
The history behind Valentine’s Day is a little sketchy. I searched the internet to find answers to important questions such as: “Was there really a St. Valentine,” “Where’s the chocolate,” and “Who can be against love?” All this affection began in the third century when Roman Emperor Claudis II assassinated two men named Valentine. We’ve said goodbye to ancient Rome but kept St. Valentine. (Nobody will admit to being anti-love.) And as for chocolate…
Always willing to show off my DIY skills, I make my own Valentine’s Day candy. I melt chocolate in a microwave and then pour it into mini heart molds. Does it get any easier? Using a paper lace doily, I present my chocolate hearts for the world to admire. “Oooh, you made these?” I respond with a modest smile, thinking, “Well, yeah, it is one step beyond opening a bag and dumping candy into a bowl.”
Valentine’s Day is also a wonderful opportunity to be very retro and send real paper cards. Remember cards? They are sent through the mail with an envelope and a stamp. I sent my Valentine’s Day cards early this year. Real cards, especially Valentine’s Day cards, are one of life’s simple pleasures. They enable us to demonstrate our true loving dispositions. (Just try to take my Valentine cards from me.)
February may be the longest (shortest) month but thanks to chocolate and Saint Valentine we can enjoy a delicious and hard-to-beat celebration. Last year, 36 million heart shaped boxes of chocolate were sold. With its popular chocolate / love theme, Valentine’s Day easily trumps both rodent weather forecasting and Roman heritage. Am I being redundant when I say, “I love Valentine’s Day”?
