Valentine’s Day Alternatives

Not really feeling Valentine’s day this year?  Well, you’re in luck.  Today also coincides with the Chinese New Year and the American Presidents’ Day, ensuring that no one the US will be able to eat out or get anything done until Tuesday or Wednesday at the latest, unless, of course, you made your plans beforehand.  I think we can agree that “making plans beforehand” and “feeling apathetic towards a holiday” don’t relate well.

Lets take a look at these other options. 

Presidents’ Day

Presidents’ Day is an American holiday that was originally celebrated on February 22nd, the birthday of our first President, George Washington.  Then, in the 1970’s, Congress came up with the (srsly) Uniform Monday Holiday Act, making sure that all federal holidays never occur on the day they’re actually supposed to occur on.  The holiday now nominally honors the office of the president, rather than Washington specifically.  Americans generally celebrate by taking the day off work.  Unless they work retail, in which case they have to work the enormous sale.

But honestly, who cares about Presidents Day when the Chinese New Year is going on?

The Chinese New Year

Based on lunar time, rather then the Western world’s pedestrian solar calendar, the fifteen day celebration of the Chinese New Year begins today.

Things the Chinese New Year has in common with President’s Day:

• Ancestor worship?

Things the Chinese New Year has in common with Valentine’s Day:

• Red envelopes
• Traditional food

Things the Chinese New Year does not have in common with Presidents’ Day (And usually doesn’t have in common with Valentine’s Day):

• Lions

• Lanterns

• Fireworks

• Parades

• Fourteen more days

The Chinese New Year is pretty much what it sounds like.  A thousand year old tradition of celebrating a new year, involving legendary stories, gifts, food, and explosions.  Happy Chinese New Year, everyone!  We hope everyone has an excellent Year of the Tiger.