Some insight into my favorite holiday

It's Valentine's Week! I have mentioned to you all before that Valentine's Day is my favorite holiday but I wanted to share why it's my favorite. 

It's kind of weird / funny how it all came about. See, I went to a Bible school back in 2003 - 2005. Of course, it was a big deal for the couples and yada yada but I distinctly remember two girls on campus. They didn't have boyfriends and instead of just being normal they would wear black and gray to protest the holiday. No offense to them, but I thought that was so lame. So, because of their black gloom and doom I decided to do quiet the opposite. Instead of pouting about my singleness during Valentine's Day I would buy myself a new Valentine's Day outfit. Then, somewhere the idea came to me that I wasn't the only single girl but had lots of friends who where single too and I thought we should all celebrate together. I would host a big get together to eat, we would exchange gifts and I'd try to have some type of hostess gift for each person. 

Last year in Korea I thought we should host a Valentine get together and so Alisha and I did. Korea has this awesome felt that sticks to a canvas. So, I bought a bunch of it, some canvases and all of us girls created away. I loved seeing the creativity and cultures from everyone. 

So, if you are single, my advice is don't pout! Enjoy the season of life God has for you and make the best of it. Here are 5 ideas of fun things you can do whether single or married. 

1. Cards - Send cards to friends and family. Snail mail is something we all love to get. 
2. The Elderly - I know lots of old people who have lost their spouse. Although I've never been in their shoes, I know they would love a card, a visit, or a little Valentine Day craft. 
3. Your Parents - I don't know about you but the older I'm getting the more I appreciate my parents. This is a perfect day to do something special for your parents to let them know you love them. 
4. Celebrate Yourself - Buy yourself some flowers. I've done it and love it. Buy yourself a fun outfit, decorate your apartment / house. Have fun! 
5. Host a Party - You won't regret it! I loved doing that and I'm sure when I live around all of my girlfriends, I'll do it again. 

Can I just take a moment to share a picture of these flowers? Dave dropped these off at my work back in February of 2011. That was long before Dave and I started dating and long before I admitted that I even wanted to date. That little note meant so much to me and I still have it. Also, after we were married, Dave told me he drove to several places in town and bought different roses and then arranged them himself. Isn't that super thoughtful? These flowers are some of my favorite that I've ever gotten, mainly because of the kindness and thoughtfulness that went behind them. 

So, tell me, how do you celebrate Valentine's Day? Do you enjoy the holiday? Despise it? Got any other clever ideas on how to celebrate?