Happy Valentine’s Day

It’s the big day for sweethearts.

Fewer people are celebrating Valentine’s Day this year, 50 percent which is down from 55 percent last year.

Of those celebrating, 18 percent are giving the gift of jewelry; 34 percent, an evening out; 18 percent, clothing; 35 percent, flowers; 52 percent, candy; 15 percent, gift cards; 44 percent, greeting cards; and 25 percent, a gift of experience, such as an event or a trip to a spa.

Although fewer people are celebrating Valentine’s Day, totally spent is more. It’s $20.7 billion this year, which is an increase of 6 percent over last year’s $19.6 billion and breaks the previous record of $19.7 billion, set in 2016.

So, it’s a big day for retailers and Amazon. But not as big as other holidays. Valentine’s Day is fourth among American holidays, topped by Easter, Mother’s Day, and winter holidays.

Last night, I heard about Galentine’s Day on television. It’s Feb. 13 and celebrates female friendships the day before Valentine’s Day. It originated on the TV program “Parks and Recreation,” when Amy Poehler’s character, Leslie Knope, arranges a breakfast outing with her friends and mom, and she shows her appreciation with presents and essays.

If you’re single today and you're feeling lonely, see if you can think positively.

Plan a nice, fun treat for yourself. Go to a movie or find a good book. Visit with your single friends or family members. Buy yourself some beautiful flowers, even a bottle of champagne. See “Single With Valentine’s Day Blues?” for additional suggestions.

And remember you’re not alone. There are 20 million single baby boomers in the U.S., according to an AARP study.