One of my favorite childhood holidays was Deer Season Day. November 15 is the start of deer season (regular firearm) in Michigan. My home town was very, very into it. There were a lot of hunters, and a number of people who made their money from city folk who'd come up north for deer hunting and need guides and forest access. Dad shared a hunting cabin with some friends, and, as he drank far less than they did, he'd always come home with poker winnings that he'd share around. There'd be sales and "deer widow" restaurant specials that Mom would take me to. A lot of students, especially the boys and especially after we hit the teens, would take hunting day off with their dads' blessing, so the teachers would usually plan a slacker day with movies in class or extra-credit work for those who bothered to show up.

I love VD, but I owe that to my parents. When we were kids, we took turns decorating the Valentine Box (usually a shoe box), which we would then put the valentines we got from aunts and uncles. We were not allowed to look inside. We also all made valentines for each other. After dinner on Valentine's day dinner, my dad would bring in The Box and open it with great fanfare. We would hand out the valentines and admire them. I would often write little poems. One year my brother, who always claimed brown m&ms were the best and would trade with us to get them and sometimes steal them, made me a heart of only brown m&ms glued on a piece of paper.

It was fun and had to do with family rather than couplehood. I still enjoy it.

I'm celebrating My Taxes Are Filed Day. Soon to be followed by Spending the Return Day.

Of course the headache I have now is worth it for our return but still.

Prior to having kids, the holidays were less important, but I'm starting to enjoy their participation and fun. We still celebrate the random things we love about life like Pajama Day, Cake for Breakfast Day and the odd, Be Quiet So Mommy's Head Doesn't Explode.

I like holidays because I like celebrating, and though it would be nice if I took the time to celebrate in some meaningful way throughout the year and without commercial prompting, I don't as often as I'd like. And speaking as someone who's had a partner most of her adult life but spent most holidays and birthdays alone because of said partners' work schedules, it's nice to be reminded to celebrate on those few holidays we both manage to spend together. I have never really celebrated Valentine's Day because my birthday is so close that it always seems like an awful lot to expect from someone, but I'm certain I would under other circumstances. Sure, it's commercialized, but that doesn't mean it can't also be fun! (Don't mind me, I'll just be the schmoopy optimist about it.)

Anyway, it was moot for me anyway. First year we've both been around on Valentines, and I've spent 48 hours sick as a dog, asleep in bed when I wasn't getting sick or in urgent care. Right now is the first time I've felt tentatively normal(ish) since the 12th, and I'm still on anti-nausea meds. Ah, the romance.

What a lovely story Scrappy. Kudos to your 'rents!

ST. Pat's was a neutral holiday for me until we moved here. Now we have a friend that has a potato party every year. She cooks the corned beef -- eveyone else bring potato dishes. I think she is up to 10 corned beefs. We usually see people we haven't seen all winter - it is the beginning of spring around her.

DH is into Valentine's day, I am not. Sometimes I do silly things, sometin=mes nothing. DH does some sort of gift.

Thanksgiving is feast day and my favorite. Easter is know as Happy brunch day.

Christmas is my second favorite -- but my basic expectation is that books will be read, movies will be watched , food will be cooked and eaten, family will be spoken with and maybe we will go for a walk. I do not like the shipping of presents that happens before christmas.

Halloween really isn't a big deal, but it is silly fun.

Most other holidays are days off and excuses for paties or other gatherings.

Hec, your Valentine's Day celebration sounds sweet and wonderful. I hope someday to be able to do something similar, when TCG and I have kids.

My mother made a huge deal about every little holiday and big holiday as a kid, which is probably why I enjoy celebrating them so much. Except for Christmas, which I try t enjoy, but it tends to freak me out and exhaust me. I also don't love a holiday where I have to be out and about amongst drunk people, but I love NYE when I'm home and people come to me.

Why don't people like Halloween? It's my favorite holiday.

My mother made a huge deal about every little holiday and big holiday as a kid, which is probably why I enjoy celebrating them so much.

Same here which is why I tried to make them fun for the kids. Dad's birthday being Valentine's day made it extra special. My anniversary is St. Paty's Day, and the fun stuff is all in walking distance here so it is all good.

Yeah, my mom made holidays a lot of fun, too. She still does.