It says ‘I Choo-choo-choose You,’ and there’s a picture of a train! -Ralph Wiggum

Ahh, Valentine’s Day. What do you think of when you think of it? Do you think of a sweet sentiment about someone dear to you? (Song credit: If I Could by Storyhill.)

While that’s the part of Valentine’s Day that I like the least, I’ll be celebrating it anyway, and I think it’s a good idea. Why?

It’s pretty much the middle of winter across the U.S., Canada, Europe, and a good chunk of Asia. The days are short, the weather is cold, and most of us wake up to darkness and come home from work to darkness. It’s a difficult time of year in a lot of ways.

And it isn’t just you; the people dearest to you are living through the same dreary times. Valentine’s Day is a reminder to me to take some time and energy and appreciate the people who are most important to you, and to do it even during the most trying of times. How to do it?

That depends on the person you have in mind. Everyone likes different things, so make sure you choose things that the person you have in mind will appreciate.

Why? Because one of the greatest gifts you can give to someone you care about is helping them feel that they’re not in this adventure alone. Don’t just tell them how you feel about them, do something — even if it’s something small and inexpensive — to show them that you value and appreciate them.

(And if you really hate Valentine’s Day, don’t do it today, but do it, and soon.)

What’s in it for you? If there’s nothing else in it for you at all, you’ll get to see someone you love smile. It’s important to let them know that they’re important. So that’s what I’ll be doing this Valentine’s Day, and I hope whatever it is you choose to do today, you have a great one!