A Valentine’s Veto: Fun February Holidays to Show Appreciation
As January comes to a close, every store endcap is overrun by stereotypical pink and red heart-shaped boxes of chocolate. Even some who have found their soulmate admit Valentine’s Day is a shallow representation of American consumerism and a criticism of singleness.
However, there are many ways to show appreciation beyond the lovey-dovey store bought gifts in light of the current season. In fact, February holidays provide several opportunities to appreciate the specific people that make our lives so much better!
February 4 – National Thank a Mail Carrier Day
Receiving a package can brighten almost anyone’s day. This is thanks to our excellent mail carriers who are recently both overworked and underpaid.
Coronavirus conditions have undoubtedly led to an increase in online shopping, supplemented by the convenience of services like Amazon Prime’s two-day delivery. As college students, we rely on mail carriers to bring gifts and kind words from our loved ones living in different cities, states, or even countries.
If you pass a mail carrier this week, whether USPS, FedEx, UPS, or Amazon, stop to say thank you! Even better, leave a small batch of cookies in your mailbox as a sweet surprise!
February 7 – National Send a Card to a Friend Day
Over a hundred million Valentine’s cards are sold each year, making the holiday only second to Christmas, but who said you needed a holiday to show love to a friend?
As we grow older, many of us find loved ones living in places other than our hometown. Cards are an inexpensive way to remind a great friend how beautiful they are inside and out. Don’t want to buy a card? Make one! Anyone can learn to cut construction paper and write an endearing note to brighten someone’s day. Our friends are such a gift!
February 13 – Galentine’s Day
This holiday is for the girls! Celebrate your girlfriends and their talents with special plans to make them smile.
To celebrate Galentine’s, leave behind the gift-giving mentality and plan a new bonding activity. Some great ideas include paint parties, tie-dye, and baking together! These memories will last much longer than anything you could buy.
February 17 – Random Act of Kindness Day
Random Acts of Kindness Day is such a unique opportunity to love on people you may not even be close to!
This holiday inspires the habit of searching for ways to serve others. Do the dishes for your roommates, bake cupcakes, or write notes. There are so many options! You may just discover a new love for making people smile.
February 20 – National Love Your Pets Day
Oh, how we adore our furry companions! Whether you are a dog or cat person, we almost all have a fur-baby at home who is there for us on even the worst of days.
While your four-legged friend might not understand the meaning behind a holiday, they are so easy to make happy! Excite them with an extra treat or a little playtime.
Ultimately, even if you do not have a special person this Valentine’s Day, there are many ways to show love towards others. If one of these holidays does not fit your needs, then make your own! We are called, as servants of Christ, to “keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins” (1 Peter 4:8).
