Singles should celebrate

It seems singles everywhere have survived yet another Valentine's Day. Some dressed in black and sneered at lovers drawn into the magic of the celebration. Some curled up alone on couches, watched romantic comedies and wondered if singleness would plague them forever. Some of us dressed in red, danced with our friends all night and celebrated our freedom.\nIt was brought to my attention that the acronym for Singles Awareness Day, as Valentine's Day has been so affectionately nicknamed, spells S.A.D. What an appropriate title for a day that brings so many down!\nFor as many young lovers were seen carrying roses and heart-shaped boxes of chocolate, there were just as many people protesting the day of love. While some preferred to keep to themselves, others let their voices be heard, claiming the holiday was created by Hallmark in a marketing scheme to sell cards between the Christmas and Easter seasons.\nIn some respects, they have a point. Sure, Valentine's Day is the second leading gift-giving holiday in the U.S., behind Christmas www.ecommercetimes.com/perl/story/2470.html. And sure, the charm of the holiday has been overridden by commercialization. But what holiday hasn't?\nLet's not forget either that there is a rich history and tradition surrounding Valentine's Day that began with a saint and a martyr. There are at least three of these legends named Saint Valentine or Valentinus recognized by the Catholic church. One is believed to have performed weddings in secrecy when marriage was illegal in Rome. In another popular tale, Valentine signed a letter "From your Valentine" to a woman whom he loved www.historychannel.com/exhibits/valentine/".\nBut Valentine's Day shouldn't be a holiday reserved for lovers. From the pile of Cinderella and Hello Kitty cards left on my desk, to the dozen red roses I found waiting for me downstairs with a special note, I felt the excitement that Valentine's Day can bring … even though I'm single. \nAmong my favorite gifts were the homemade valentine from my niece and nephew and the pajamas my parents bought for me (even if they are covered with hearts and teddy bears). I can't wait to use my new candleholder from one of my best friends that says, "I love you." I am thankful I have so many people who care so much about me.\nWhether it's a heart cut from construction paper or a three-karat diamond ring, Valentine's Day is about showing your friends, family and yes, even your significant other, how much you care.\nIt's fun to receive, and give, candy, cards and flowers. Whether valentines are homemade or elaborate, the message will be the same and will almost always bring a smile to someone's face.\nEven if you don't like the romanticized perception Valentine's Day holds, you can still appreciate it as a day to let your friends and family know how much you love them.\nAnd the best part is happening now. The stores are having clearance sales on the leftover merchandise, and you can get some great deals on candles, candy and toys. \nSo, go shopping and buy some fun gifts for yourself. Even if you don't have someone to call "sweetie," you can still get into the Valentine's Day spirit and let it be a day reserved for loving your friends, your family and yourself.\nStill insist upon wearing black and hiding out on Feb. 14? Lighten up and celebrate the people you have in your life, instead of pining for the ones you don't.