Valentine’s or Galentine’s? Do you even have to choose?

Valentine’s Day. A lot of people say that it’s a “made-up holiday created by Hallmark.” My dad says it’s a holiday created to separate men from their money (you know, roses, chocolate etc?)

Personally, I like it. It’s a fine holiday. But as with everything in my life, I make it work for me.

You see, I don’t believe that Valentine’s Day is reserved solely for couples and people in love/dating. In my world, celebrating love isn’t restricted to just romantic love. If I feel like celebrating my friends or family, then that’s what I do.

I’ve sent Valentine cards to my women friends. I’ve made cakes and cookies for my nephew. My best friend and I always call each other on Valentine’s Day. And my mom often has chocolate treats for me (and her other kids and their partners). So you see-in my world, love really is all around (to quote that wonderful movie Love Actually).

The way I see it, if you’re celebrating a day of love, celebrate it in a way that suits you.

In recent years Galentine’s celebrations have become a thing. Instead of focusing on romantic love, some ladies are choosing to celebrate their female friends.

Galentine’s celebrations have also started as a way to rebel against the notion that women have to be in a romantic relationship. When I was single, lots of women I knew hated Valentine’s Day, and the pressure to be in a relationship.

And I have to admit: the idea of a Galentine's celebration has a lot of appeal. At my age-middle age-girlfriends become very important. Because when you’re middle-aged your friends are often the ones you turn to. The ones that come running when you’re in a crisis. So why not celebrate them on February 14?

Being over fifty brings with it a lot of wisdom. At this age, we get to celebrate however we want.

• Do you love big, showy, public displays of devotion? Great! Do that.
• Do you love a cozy, intimate dinner at home with your partner? sounds awesome.
• Or is this a special day with your kids, when you get to eat pounds of chocolate together? Fabulous!

Regardless of how you celebrate Valentine’s, I hope you’ll do it up YOUR style and have a great time!

(photo credit: Walls.io)