When people ask me what my favorite holiday is, they most likely expect the stereotypical Christmas or Thanksgiving answer many give in response to this basic icebreaker. When they hear me say Valentine’s Day, I mainly receive a raised eyebrow and a look of pure confusion. Part of this confusion is due to the fact that Valentine’s Day might be the most random holiday to deem as the best, maybe just one step above Labor Day. The other part is the fact that I am as single as they come. How can a holiday celebrating couples be my favorite if I am companion-less? Simple — I love love. As cheesy as that sounds, I believe that love is the best thing this world has to offer. It has the ability to heal any wound, bring anyone together and outshine hate in every situation. With that being said, Valentine’s Day is the one occasion where we can fully recognize love — whether that is in a partner or a family member — and celebrate it with tons of heart emojis and sweetheart candies.
Part of my love for Valentine’s Day stems from my childhood, as I remember the excitement and anticipation I felt on Feb. 14 each year. Whether it was filling out those second grade Valentines you bought the night before during a Target run or being treated by your Valentine (in this case, it’s my mom) to a delicious dinner, Valentine’s Day traditions always bring a smile to my face.
Also, the timing of V-Day is always perfect. Around this time, there always seems to be a desperate need for a break from reality. For college students, February commences the weeks of long hours dedicated to studying. For Penn Staters, there’s the frantic rush to prepare for THON. Plopped right in the middle of the month, Valentine’s Day can remove us from the stress of life and remind us what is really important: LOVE!
My spiel on this holiday ranking supreme is almost over, but before that happens, I want to challenge you this Valentine’s Day to forget the bitterness of the day and instead embrace the beauty that lies within these 24 hours. Spend the day with the person you love the most. Wake up with a thankful heart for those you have in your life — those who bring meaning to this day specifically. Refocus your mind on what is really important and get excited about the love that you will welcome throughout the year.