“All We Need Is Love,” “Love, Love Me Do”… there are so many song titles with the word love. We’re used to singing about love all the time, and with Valentine’s Day coming up—there’ll be lots of chocolate and fancy dinners to enjoy. Such fun!

When I was growing up, my family loved celebrating Valentine’s Day.

One occasion I remember quite clearly: we had a big picnic in the woods, with trees decorated in red and white. Naturally, we dressed in those same bright colours! There was a picnic table overflowing with all kinds of food, and it turned into a day to remember. It was a wonderful time for all our aunts, uncles, and cousins to catch up.

To be honest, I think the real reason for this occasion was simply for us to spend time with each other. As an only child, I was especially delighted to see everybody. I loved the fact that our family took every opportunity to be together—it almost felt like I had brothers and sisters I only saw now and then.

Looking at the calendar, we’re about to celebrate another grand demonstration of love. Easter is fast approaching, and as we get closer, the stores are filling with hot cross buns and chocolate bunnies in all shapes and sizes.

Of course, Easter is the time when we celebrate the most powerful and life-changing demonstration of love: when Jesus offered Himself as a living sacrifice, giving us the choice to accept the gift of eternal life. This is an occasion truly worth celebrating.

But it made me think—what happens after Easter? Why do we have to wait for specific dates to celebrate?

As far as I know, there are no rules when it comes to celebrating! We can celebrate whatever we like, whenever we like, and however we like. Here’s a great example:

My mother would often leave a gift on my bed with a note that said, “Just because” (which meant, “Just because I love you”).

Your celebration could be a simple token of love for someone you appreciate, especially if they’re having a bad day. When my daughter isn’t feeling 100%, I sometimes email her an Uber Eats voucher so she doesn’t have to worry about making dinner. By celebrating someone, you’re showing that you’re grateful for them. You could leave a note in your child’s lunchbox or buy your husband’s favourite dessert and pop it in the fridge for him to find (just because!).

Can you imagine what life would be like if we took more time to celebrate the people around us? We don’t have to wait for official events to prompt us. Our lives are filled with people whose spirits would be lifted if we took the time to remind them that they are important. Sometimes it’s as simple as a phone call; other times, it might be as fancy as taking someone out to lunch.

So… what are you waiting for? Go and find someone or something to celebrate.

When you’re at a store and someone provides great service, ask their name and send a thank-you to the store praising them. That recognition could mean a promotion for them—or it might just make their day.

If we all tried harder to celebrate and appreciate the people around us “just because,” I think we’d see the world shift, even just a little. There would be more joy, love, and happiness in our lives.

I reckon the Beatles were right: All you need is love.

Written by: Laurel Mac from Mornings with Laurel