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There's so much more to holidays or celebrations than the giving of "stuff." Christmas isn't just about presents and cookies. Easter isn't just about eggs and bunnies. Yes, love and romance abound on and near the month of Valentine's, but it's much more than flowers and candy.

According to one legend, Valentine sent the first valentine greeting to a young woman he fell in love with. While in prison and just before his death, he sent her a greeting and signed it, "From your Valentine." Though this is one legend and one story of how Valentine's Day began, the symbolism of this day is about romantic love.

Do you have to have a loved one, a romantic partner to celebrate the day? No, not at all. Valentine's Day is a day for people to show their appreciation to all of their loved ones including family, friends, and colleagues.

Flowers represent more than just love: blue flowers represent tranquility and harmony; green flowers represent a zest associated with harmony and stability; pink-colored flowers suggest an emotional healing, friendship, and romance; red flowers represent peace and purity; and yellow flowers represent happiness, courage, and cheerfulness.

So giving flowers can be sent because you want to show appreciation, wish someone peace and harmony, or feel their day with happiness.

Cards are notes of endearment to be given all year long. Valentine's Day has been celebrated with the passing of love notes, cards, and letters of fondness. But cards shouldn't be just for a loved one, they should be for everyone. Give a card to say, "Thank you," or "Nice to have you in my life," this Valentine's.

Candy is a sugary treat to show how sweet your love is for that person, and chocolates and candy hearts are the most popular treats on Valentine's. However, candies aren't just for a lover. They say, "You're special to me," and "I care about you" to children. They say, "I was just thinking about you," to a friend.

But there is more to Valentine's than giving these flowers, cards, and candies such as, making crafts and showing heartfelt appreciation by giving these handmade gifts to loved ones. Valentine's Day is about everyone offering to do something out of love and appreciation for a special someone.

Valentine's Day is about families volunteering their time at a local homeless shelter. And it's about buying a goat to feed a village or donating to a favorite charity that is dear to your heart.

A family favorite of ours is to decorate heart-shaped sugar cookies with pink, red, and white frosting. Adding sprinkles or chocolate drops to add to the flavor and show our love. And the kids writing little messages to family and friends, personalizing each cookie and satisfying the heart, mind, and tummy of each recipient, which is the best gift of all.

The most important notion for Valentine's Day is to show love and appreciation to self so that you may truly love others and show your gratitude to them. If there isn't a special significant other in your life, for Valentine's love your family and fiends, and more importantly love yourself.

As we see ourselves as special, as a blessing, and as a gift, we can do for others and appreciate Valentine's Day as a Heart Day - giving and caring about our world, other people, and the blessings we have.

Learn more about this author, Lili Melton Ph.D..
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