Whether you have a sweetheart this year or not, this Valentine’s Day will be a holiday to remember.  Why?  Because you’re going to take this holiday opportunity to do something special for someone else.  There are varying opinions as to the origin of Valentine's Day.  Some experts state that it originated from St. Valentine, a Roman who was martyred for refusing to give up Christianity.  He died on February 14, 269 A.D., the same day that had been devoted to love lotteries.  Other reports indicate St. Valentine left a goodbye note for someone he loved and signed it "From Your Valentine".  Other aspects of the story say that Saint Valentine served as a priest at the temple during the reign of Emperor Claudius.  Claudius then had Valentine jailed for defying him.  In 496 A.D Pope Gelasius set aside February 14 to honor St. Valentine.  That’s not really relevant to anything unless of course you want to impress your friends with your Valentine’s Day trivia!  Just remember the golden rule: do unto others as they would do unto themselves.

If you have opted to be alone (by choice or just by circumstance), here are a couple of suggestions to help someone else celebrate the occasion.

• Family members are great recipients on this holiday.  Buy mom a card or a bouquet of flowers.  A niece or a nephew would appreciate a couple of free iTunes downloads.  Visit an aunt or an uncle just to say “I haven’t seen you in awhile” let’s have some tea.  You get the idea.
• Marking this holiday at work can be a little tricky because you don’t want to get slapped with a sexual harassment suit.  However, an innocuous gift (if it’s allowed) can usually bring a smile to someone’s face.  A Starbucks gift card is always a nice option.
• If you choose to target just one person this year, then why not choose a person (preferably not at work) who routinely performs a service for you.  Mail carrier, guy at the deli, your housekeeper, your super superintendent etc.  A nice card to say “you’ll always be my housekeeper valentine and a $25.00 Visa Card can help make their entire week!

If you have a sweetheart, here are just a few suggestions from the extravagant to the simple.

• Whisk away to a far off romantic destination where they pamper your every moment with lavish opulence.  Get some ideas from Priceline.com where you can save up to 50% on your hotel stay.  May I suggest an all-inclusive as a nice stress-free romantic getaway?!  Sandals is always a great option, and you'll find great value.  They have some great promotions going on as we speak.  It's never too late to book a last minute getaway. Expedia wants you to treat yourself (and your sweetheart) with unbelievable last-minute trips.
• Stay closer to home by indulging in sensory overload in Hershey, Pennsylvania.  If your special someone loves chocolate, this will be a Valentines they won’t soon forget.
• Bed & Breakfasts are a nice touch if you are looking for something a little romantic and “off the beaten path”.  Have a look at www.bedandbreakfast.com for ideas.
• Even closer to home, organize a babysitter for the kids (as a surprise) and check in to a local boutique hotel.  Stop by ahead of time, check in and jazz up the room with all the usual suspects.  Champagne, chocolate covered strawberries, rose pedals on the bed, and whatever else.

If your sweetheart would appreciate it, write them a poem or a song, paint them a picture, or give them a homemade coupon book for things they love (foot rub etc).

With or without a sweetheart, you can make someone else very happy this year by taking the time to show them how special they are to you. Good luck you old softy!