Newsflash: today is February 14. And you know what that means. It's two days past Abraham Lincoln's birthday. On this very day, except two days earlier, Honest Abe reached his 119th year. Let's break out the cake and candles.
I know you were expecting me to say it's Valentine's Day. Which it is, but I assume you already know that. Hallmark's annual inundation of heartfelt commercials and the large displays at CVS make it difficult to forget this holiday that inspires so much love and even more loathing. There should be a poll; which is the more-hated occasion: Valentine's Day or Thanksgiving?
Whether or not you believe Valentine's Day is a manufactured holiday, you cannot deny that it is pervasive. And to that end, whether you love the day of St. Valentine or simply love to hate it, don't worry: we here at Street understand.
Is this day a guilty pleasure for you? Then it's the perfect time to enjoy one of the best guilty pleasures: chocolate (see page 6). Even if you belong to the anti-cupid contingent, there is very little that Godiva can't assuage, so hey, indulge anyway.
As for me, I am somewhat ambivalent about the holiday. Although my current status (in Facebook terms, "In a Relationship") makes Valentine's Day quite enjoyable, it seems unfair to take pleasure in a day notorious for exclusion.
Sure, it can also be about celebrating friendships, but let's be honest: has anyone felt butterflies from a card given by a friend? It's no wonder then that whether it's unwanted singledom or a second-grader who brought everyone but you a lollipop (that still stings.), we've all felt second-class on this day.
It seems ironic that this "day of exclusion" falls so close to Lincoln's birthday. After all, the man is perhaps the ultimate inclusionist, given a) his efforts to save the Union and b) his executive order known as the Emancipation Proclamation.
Which is why I propose the following: let's scrap Valentine's Day for an all-inclusive day dedicated to the man who inspired the Logs we all loved so much as children. Make sure to wear a stovepipe hat - as is fitting, they're one-size-fits-all. Happy Lincoln Day!
Here's to you,
Kerry
