Although the first official holiday of February is a week away, old and new traditions that take place during the second month of each year are on the horizon.
Family Day in BC (February 21) will give most people their first long weekend since New Year’s Day, which is well deserved after a long, cold and somewhat snowy month of January. Prior to that, Random Acts of Kindness Week kicks off on February 14, coinciding with Valentine’s Day, and leading up to Random Acts of Kindness Day on February 17.
Some folks have no time for Valentine’s Day due to its commercial aspect, but others love to spoil someone with gifts or gestures indicating their fondness for that person. Those acts fall in line with the basic principle of Random Acts of Kindness Day/Week, which requires little explanation, the names say it all.
COVID-19 has thrown a wrench into people starting or pursuing new relationships over the past two years, but for those already entrenched in long-term commitments, who choose to celebrate the Feast of Saint Valentine, Valentine’s Day has been one of the few annual traditions untouched by the pandemic. Significant others were always close by, inside everyone’s “bubble” of safety.
But not everyone is fortunate enough to have a special someone thinking of them, regardless of the time of year. With isolation taking a toll on some people, job losses affecting others and COVID restrictions causing friction between those in support of them, and others who are demanding they be done with, kindness is occasionally on the backburner, when it should be front and centre.
Kindness can be contagious, starting with one act by one person. Calling a friend to check in, or taking the time to consider someone else’s opinion, or, of course, sending flowers or chocolate, can have a snowball effect. And who knows what that can lead to?
One thing’s for sure, Cupid would appreciate the civility.
