Valentine’s Day is just around the corner. For some, it’s an over-commercialized holiday, hyped up primarily in the U.S. Others will mark the occasion with a small gift for their significant other, while some go all out with grand gestures. And, of course, there are those who would rather ignore the day entirely.
Whether you love it or hate it, there’s no denying its impact—restaurants will be fully booked, cinemas will be screening the latest Bridget Jones movie, and stores will be raking in profits. But beyond the modern-day commercialization, Valentine’s Day has roots dating back to at least the 6th century BCE, originating from the Roman festival of Lupercalia, celebrated annually from February 13-15. The tradition of exchanging Valentine’s cards became widespread in the mid-19th century, thanks to Esther Howland, often called the “Mother of the American Valentine.”
Personally, I believe any reason to celebrate is a good one—so why not embrace it? At its core, Valentine’s Day is about love, and that includes all kinds of love. Some of my fondest memories come from the first Valentine’s card I ever received—from my dad. Even now, it brings back the feeling of something special—roses, chocolates, and that little extra magic in the air. In Finland and Estonia, Valentine’s Day is actually celebrated as Friendship Day, which sounds wonderfully heartwarming.
If you don’t have any extravagant plans, don’t feel like you’re missing out—there’s no right or wrong way to spend the evening. Instead, why not check out this year’s Oscar nominations? Some of the films are already available on Netflix or Amazon Prime. Make a big bowl of popcorn or whip up some loaded nachos (I love mine with black beans, shredded cheddar, guacamole, salsa, Greek yogurt, coriander, and pomegranate seeds) and settle in for a cozy movie night. Anora or Emilia Pérez are great picks to start with.
If you’re in the mood for a light, binge-worthy read, I recommend Icebreaker by Hannah Grace. This college romance novel made it onto The New York Times bestseller list and has become a huge sensation on TikTok—perfect for a long, relaxing evening.
So, whether you’re celebrating love, friendship, or simply enjoying some well-deserved me time, make the most of it. After all, any excuse to enjoy something special is a good one.
Remember No rules – Just LOVE
The Snob