If you love the day of love, don't let me bring you down and don't think that I'm telling you you're silly for indulging in the love-fest. Have at it! I've been called a fun-hater and even "weird" (by a former high school student) for not liking Valentine's Day. I've never been a girl jilted or a woman scorned, I simply do not like this holiday and I don't remember ever really enjoying it. Here's why:
1. I want to be loved outlandishly and sweetly and thoughtfully 365 days of the year. On a random day in February? Not a big deal.
2. A bouquet of flowers or a special dinner on Valentine's Day pales in comparison to my husband buying me a paperback book he heard me mention that I wanted to read. On a random day in November. For no reason at all. That is love and thoughtfulness.
3. I don't get it. The historical facts are slim. There are a few "Valentines" who were martyred in AD times. Attaching these people to romantic love came somewhere in the Middle Ages. Legends and lore abound but even those don't relate to chocolates, pink hearts, and professions of mushy gushy love. I know you can celebrate something without knowing its historical significance, but a holiday like Independence Day is just a little more direct for me to appreciate fully.
4. Does it really mean something special when someone tells you they love you on Valentine's Day, the obligatory day of love? It might... but I am too much of a Scrooge to think the February 14th "I love you" is better than the February 15th "I love you".
5. If someone wants to give me chocolate (or anything sweet, really), they best not be waiting until February.
That said, my Scrooge-y ways are changing. When my husband and I were first married, we would totally even forget to make fun of Valentine's Day on February 14th. Days would pass and we would remember that we forgot. Now I'm making fun home made valentines for Mini Me's preschool class!
Who am I kidding. I'm "doing" Valentine's Day this year.
One thing is for sure, however: No holiday will ever prompt me to give my children more hugs, kisses, snuggles, smooches, and special expressions of love than I already do. You know those kids who flirt with the line of sweet versus annoying by always wanting to hug and kiss other kids? Those are my kids. We've had to end play dates because of my children hug-tackling other children.
I suppose while I don't need to be the recipient of Valentine's Day love and feel like it's sometimes too stilted to go all out, it might just be sweet to show a couple special little ones that they have my heart... so you can think of my big step of love this year as we celebrate with a $1 balloon!
Love this post! My hubby and I don't do much either. All of your examples and points are wonderful!
ReplyDeleteI love love love Valentines Day...but I am a lover all year. I even made my own love holiday...in November that we celebrate our families love again. Now tell me that's not silly! :)
ReplyDeleteBut I have to agree with your points...if your only a 1 day a year hugger or kisser...well, that's not love!
Yesterday my husband said, "I don't have any Valentines Day Plans!"..with a frown. My reply..."That's okay, you treat me like a queen 365 days a year!"
Happy Valentines Day!!!! :)
Sherri, that's cute about your own love holiday! You're right, Valentine's Day can be a nice supplement to other meaningful love gestures throughout the year.
ReplyDeleteI've become more appreciative of Valentine's Day in recent years - since I started seeing it as more of a reminder to make the most of time with loved ones instead of focusing on the trappings.
ReplyDeletePlus, my kids are SO excited about it this year, it's contagious =)
I dislike Valentine's Day for all the same reasons. But I do enjoy the opportunity for lovey-dovey crafts and candy with the kids (and loved it with my mom).
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