Valentine`s Day vs. President`s Day

Well, now that the two holidays are over, let me ask; which one would you prefer? I had to ask myself this question when someone at work noticed that I had not one single comment to make about Valentines Day. What’s the matter, don’t you like Valentine’s Day”? Well as a matter of fact… let’s look at the record here;

President’s day which honors two of the greatest leaders in American history, the very essence of freedom? George Washington was the first president of our country. He led the revolution against the English, among others. Abraham Lincoln held a broken nation together as we tore each other apart in the civil war. And, oh yea, he ended slavery! These were two of the most influential men in our country’s history.

Here’s another thing about President’s day; it’s a national holiday. And congress stuck the two birthdays together and put them on the third Monday of the month so we could all have another three day weekend with our family and friends. One more day of rest for the workers of America to enjoy. Let’s hear it for George and Abe!

Now Valentine’s Day; as my coworker and friend Dariya mentioned, Valentine’s Day is the second most celebrated holiday in the country to Christmas, in regards to how many holiday cards are sold. Hallmark cards, flowers (usually roses), candy, and an out pouring of love and affection for the ones we love.

My lovely wife and I, and I mean Lovely; refuse to celebrate Valentine’s Day. We both bristle at the idea that some stupid marketing ploy media machine tells us all to run out like a bunch of lemmings and pick up the appropriate item that society and corporate America tells us we must buy to show our true love our true love. Please. I had to listen to the horror stories of friends taking their loved ones out to insanely crowded restaurants’ where the love seemed to be getting lost along with everyone’s patience.

And let’s not forget all the people, who for varied reasons are not involved in a relationship right now. They get to walk around and watch all the couples expressing their hallmark love and know in their hearts they are very alone, suicide anyone? Love should be expressed every day. Life is short; life is uncertain, do not wait until February 14^th to tell somebody how important they are to you. Tell them NOW! And tell then again tomorrow!

Now which holiday would you prefer, shopping for well marketed, overpriced gifts on the way home from work or a three day weekend of relaxation to really express your love? You make the call. Happy holidays!