I understand completely.
There’s no question that Valentine’s Day can be rough for a single mom. Not only are we bombarded with images of hearts and flowers from the day after Christmas on, but we find usually find ourselves standing in the pink and purple bedecked aisles of Target spending money we don’t really have on cards for classrooms of kids who will most likely throw them away only to go home to moms who are updating Facebook feeds filled with “my lovey hubby is the most amazing man” gushiness.
It’s enough to drive a single mom to drink.
While I know it’s important to recognize the love surrounding us on a daily basis—and truly, my love for my children is deeper and greater than any love I’ve ever felt—there are many, many single moms (and dads!) out there who just want the month of February to be done. On the plus side, this year, Valentine’s falls on a Friday and for many of us precedes a Monday holiday. I propose that instead of celebrating Valentine’s Day, single moms out there decide to celebrate President’s Day.
Does the idea intrigue you?
• Imagine waking up to a Presidential Breakfast of beans and toast. After all, the reason we celebrate President’s Day on the third Monday of the month is because of British tradition.
• Bake a cherry pie while telling your children how George chopped down a tree. Or, better yet, tell them the real version.
• Wear a top hat and update your penny collection.
Wait. That’s not nearly as tempting as a pound of chocolate…Sigh.
Let’s be honest. We can try to incorporate ways to celebrate V-day with our children. We can rent sappy movies and drink a bottle of while while eating popcorn coated in chocolate. We can distract and distance ourselves while the 24-hour love-a-thon continues. But for that day, while our co-workers receive bouquets and our married friends glow with love, it’s going to be rough.
One of my fellow Momtastic bloggers wrote some tips to celebrate that have nothing to do with pretending it’s not a holiday. Another Momtastic writer shared some recipes to help us feed our feelings. And the Momtastic editors gave us some tips to work those feelings we ate off our hips.
This year, for the first time since my separation, I have a Valentine. But I’m with you in spirit, single sisters! I remember all too well how my last three Valentine’s Days felt.
How are you surviving February 14th?
