By Dana Mietus
Let’s start with some good news you might not know: No matter what way you choose to spell the Jewish festival of lights – you won’t be wrong. Of course, you could also see it as you can’t be right, but as someone who regularly spell-checks the word ‘restaurant’ (no I did not get it right the first time writing this) I prefer to choose the never wrong option.
With Father’s Day just a few days away, it’s nice to take this time to think of all the special men in our lives. They certainly don’t need the title of dad or father to be thought of at this time of year. Especially if they hold a special place in your heart and life, no matter the type of relationship. We have fathers, grandfathers, brothers, uncles, godfathers, cousins, and friends that we are blessed to know and be surrounded by. They deserve to be recognized and celebrated, for more than just one day!
It’s a perfect time to let these special guys know what they mean to you. What you admire most about them and what you treasure about your relationship. Tell them thank you and how they’ve made your life brighter. Whether they’ve provided you with strength and courage, protection and love, or just endless support. Don’t miss out on a moment where you can express to them all that they are to you.
The day may also bring challenges for those who are mourning and remembering the men in their lives whom they’ve lost. It can be a difficult time for the men waiting and hoping to become fathers, or for those who have lost a child. But the day can be spent honoring and recalling special moments and memories too. To have faith and keep hopes that future Father’s Days may look different.
Wishing everyone a wonderful day!
She is your mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, godmother, cousin, or friend. She is a woman you have been able to rely on throughout your entire life. No matter the type of relationship, there are women we have been fortunate enough to have in our lives that care about us unconditionally. They support and motivate us to be better people and are our angels here on earth that we’re blessed to know. The women who influence our day to day should be celebrated, and Mother’s Day is a great outlet to do so.
The day doesn’t have to look a certain way either. If you’re celebrating someone who is not ‘technically’ a mother in the traditional sense, that’s perfectly fine and good! Mother’s Day is about acknowledging those who are significant to you. The women who’ve surrounded you with motherly qualities, kindness, compassion, and strength. Celebrate her. Talk to one another, visit if you’re able to, send a card or note, flowers or gift. Just saying thank you to her is a wonderful gesture.
I want to recognize that it may also be a day that is difficult for some. For those who have lost and mourned important women in their lives. Those struggling to become mothers or who have lost a child. The day may be one of remembrance and somberness at times. But it can also be a beautiful day where you can honor someone and recall fond memories. A day where you can hold onto hope that things may look brighter for future Mother’s Days to come. And to celebrate those in your life who have made a difference.
Wishing everyone a beautiful day filled with light and joy.
The annual holiday that celebrates the expression of love with tasty treats and heartfelt greetings actually has a bit of a mysterious origin. There are different notions and theories that describe this lover’s holiday that have been depicted throughout ancient times, though its actual history is still undefined. To learn more about some of the history associated with Valentine’s Day and its legends, see http://www.history.com/topics/valentines-day/history-of-valentines-day.
No matter its origin or historical connotation, Valentine’s Day remains one of the most celebrated holidays in our history. It is the second largest card-sending holiday behind Christmas, with women purchasing the majority of the greetings sent. Candy hearts, chocolates and flowers are exchanged to signify the celebration and have been widely 
recognized as hallmarks of the holiday. But these gifts aren’t the only way to express your gratitude and love for another person. Spending quality time with people you love, whether it be family, friends, or a significant other, can show how much you appreciate someone.
Here are some tips on how to celebrate the upcoming holiday:
However you plan to celebrate Valentine’s Day, think of its mystery and indefinite nature, as this provides opportunity for you to find your own niche in making the day special!