The never-ending month of January finally came to a close, and it is quickly followed up by a “holiday,” which I don’t like. There isn’t any big salacious story that goes with it. I just don’t like Valentine’s Day. (gasp)

Of course, some people love the day and enjoy it fully, and for that group, please continue.

But then you see the people strung out in the card aisle at 6 pm on Valentine’s Day, fearing going home because the card won’t be right or the flowers aren’t quite what they should be. Those are the people I think about on days like this. Those who feel their entire relationships hang in the balance. I am not judging these people because we all landed here honestly. The moment Christmas ends, every retail location, including the grocery store, has been pushing this February delight.

My husband, who is fully briefed of my non-participation on this day, has spent time doing his best to revel in the freedom that provides him. Most years, we don’t acknowledge it at all. But he’s also handed me, with a smirk, candy, Valentine’s pajamas, and a few other things purely for the joy of trying to irritate me. If that’s not love…

Maybe I am shifting with age, but I had an epiphany this year. Maybe it’s not the holiday itself, but it simply has the wrong vibe. It needs to be more fun. Let’s nix the sappy cards and humongous bouquets of flowers. Save that for another day. Let’s decline the overpriced meal and carriage rides. We can keep the chocolates except the mystery-filled ones. Who eats those anyway? If that chocolate isn’t covering caramel, then forget it.

Ahem, as I was saying. Can we have a little more frivolity with our holidays? A little less pomp and a little more popcorn with Milk Duds?!

I am thinking of something similar to the Christmas gift my sisters got me this year.

Pretty deep into the Christmas shopping season, I shared this with them:

A few days before Christmas, I get a box from Lowi, and she alerts me that there is a gift I need to open immediately. I am all for instant gratification, so I dutifully opened it post-haste.

Inside the package was my new buddy, Llamar, the llama. That’s the goofy energy I am looking for in my celebrations. If Valentine’s Day could take on that kind of attitude, I could get behind it 100%. Until then, Llamar and I (oh yeah, and John) will see you on Arbor Day!