With February fast approaching, many of us are bracing for the flurry of pink and red hearts, candy, and stuffed animals.  For some, it’s a sweet reminder of how important and special love can be. Others just don’t understand the appeal. Unfortunately for them, it’s impossible to ignore. However, there are ways to acknowledge the celebration without the mainstream traditions. 

One common alternative to Valentine’s Day is Galentine’s Day, a celebration of female friendship that originated on a Parks and Recreation episode before migrating into the real world. It doesn’t have to be anything special. A movie night with some snacks surrounded by good friends is always a blast. Bonus points for keeping at least one aspect on theme. Local alternatives also exist. For a few years, Helen Hall Library has been hosting Anti-Valentine’s Day celebrations, where teenagers can hang out, watch movies, and be social without having to go on any dates. On a budget, board game nights and cooking a comforting meal are good options. Volunteer work can be a good way to show love to the world instead of just your friend group. And for those who are more environmentally conscious, making a challenge of handmaking something that you would normally buy can be an entertaining experiment. From baked goods to cards to candles, there are a lot of things you can do with a little creativity and a YouTube tutorial.  

Valentine’s day can be an excellent excuse to practice self-love as well. Taking the day to relax and do something fun, picking up a new skill, or finding time for an old hobby left behind in the bustle of everyday life are all great options. Spending time with a beloved pet could also go a long way in making the holiday more enjoyable. Love comes in all different forms, not just the romance that’s plastered on every TV screen and Hallmark card. Spending the day appreciating the people around you, or just bettering yourself is a perfectly valid way to celebrate. 

With February fast approaching, many of us are bracing for the flurry of pink and red hearts, candy, and stuffed animals.  For some, it’s a sweet reminder of how important and special love can be. Others just don’t understand the appeal. Unfortunately for them, it’s impossible to ignore. However, there are ways to acknowledge the celebration without the mainstream traditions. 

One common alternative to Valentine’s Day is Galentine’s Day, a celebration of female friendship that originated on a Parks and Recreation episode before migrating into the real world. It doesn’t have to be anything special. A movie night with some snacks surrounded by good friends is always a blast. Bonus points for keeping at least one aspect on theme. Local alternatives also exist. For a few years, Helen Hall Library has been hosting Anti-Valentine’s Day celebrations, where teenagers can hang out, watch movies, and be social without having to go on any dates. On a budget, board game nights and cooking a comforting meal are good options. Volunteer work can be a good way to show love to the world instead of just your friend group. And for those who are more environmentally conscious, making a challenge of handmaking something that you would normally buy can be an entertaining experiment. From baked goods to cards to candles, there are a lot of things you can do with a little creativity and a YouTube tutorial.  

Valentine’s day can be an excellent excuse to practice self-love as well. Taking the day to relax and do something fun, picking up a new skill, or finding time for an old hobby left behind in the bustle of everyday life are all great options. Spending time with a beloved pet could also go a long way in making the holiday more enjoyable. Love comes in all different forms, not just the romance that’s plastered on every TV screen and Hallmark card. Spending the day appreciating the people around you, or just bettering yourself is a perfectly valid way to celebrate.