Traditions have always been a huge factor in my life. We used to gather around my grandfather’s kitchen table every Sunday after church to eat a smorgasbord of breakfast foods. Every Christmas Eve, we drive around different neighborhoods in our pajamas to look at everyone’s festive decorations. During the weekend after Thanksgiving, we head up the mountains and cut down a Christmas tree. On the last Saturday of July, we throw our annual family reunion, a day full of finger foods, grilling, alcoholic beverages, attempting to gather everyone for a decent family photo, and throwing each other into the pool.

I relish in all of these moments; without them, life wouldn’t feel right. So when I was in 9th grade and given the assignment of writing a “bucket list,” one of the items on my list was to “start a tradition.”

And I did just that this past weekend. I threw a girl’s only Valentine’s Day party with three of my closest friends.

The idea was simple: why only celebrate the holiday of love with your romantic interest? I love these girls something serious, so why not have a girl’s night to celebrate just being together? Greasy appetizers, decadent desserts, plenty of chocolate, and glasses full of wine added to a night of conversation and staying up until 2 AM to watch the gorgeous Ryan Gosling sweep Rachel McAdams off her feet in The Notebook.

I never have to dread being single on Valentine’s Day again.