It’s not that I don’t like Valentine’s Day. I do. It’s a wonderful holiday. Bright. Colourful. Full of warmth and happiness. Perfectly situated in the middle of what would otherwise be another dull winter month. And an excuse to stuff our faces with chocolate without feeling guilty (okay, maybe just a little). So this mid-February holiday is definitely all that and more. And like very year, there will certainly be an exchange of heartwarming cards, chocolates and little gifts in our home.
But I don’t view it as extraordinary because I don’t think we should wait until this single day arrives to celebrate love. Or show appreciation to that special someone in our lives. And I don’t want to lose sight of what’s important and get caught up in all the commercialism that has come to define this holiday, and every other holiday, for that matter.
What my daughter will come to understand as she gets older is that sincere and unconditional love is not defined by a box of chocolates or a Hallmark card or an expensive gift or dinner at a fancy restaurant. It’s defined by the small, daily gestures of thoughtfulness. Affection. Simple things. And kind acts. That’s what strokes our heart and feeds our soul. That’s what reminds us how fortunate and blessed we are.
So why am I not planning anything really special for today? Because people who love one another treat each other special all the time, not just on February 14, which makes every day Valentine’s.
Have a lovely Valentine’s, everyone. Be good to one another today, tomorrow, and every day after that...
I feel the same - we do nothing to celebrate V Day and my Mr and I treat each other to little surprises all through the year.But I can understand why some people do see it as a Special Day.
ReplyDeleteIt's a sweet holiday, for sure, but I don't think it should be the only day to remember someone we love. Year round random acts of love are what I truly enjoy.
DeleteO this is so wonderfully written -- I totally agree with you. This makes me think of that one line in the song My Funny Valentine: "Each day is Valentine's Day"; every day with those we love is special :)
ReplyDeleteThat line is perfect! Every day with the people we love is special. And your truly understand that when someone you love is gone.
DeleteGreat post. Thanks.
ReplyDeleteYou are welcome!
DeleteYou're absolutely right, of course. My Rare One and I don't make a big to-do out of Valentines Day but we do celebrate it quietly. I make heart-shaped blueberry pancakes for supper and we exchange cards. No roses because of the outrageous (!) prices and no chocolates because who really needs those extra calories?
ReplyDeleteThat sounds wonderful, Debra, and if you hear someone banging on your front door, don't open --- that's my husband trying to mooch supper! LOL... He loves pancakes!!! Sometimes I make them for supper. The only thing I do different is add raspberries instead of blueberries.
DeleteBeautifully said, Martha! I so agree. I'm going to show your post to my hubby tonight ~ because it expresses so eloquently exactly how he feels. We going out to my favorite place for dinner and drinks tonight. We always split the entree, and it's happy hour house wine. But I am thrilled! Terry said we could go tonight and skip tomorrow's Friday Nigh Date Night at the same place. I gave him The Look, and he beat a hasty retreat from that stance! Isn't marriage fun?! Have a happy day!
ReplyDeleteHahaha...'The Look'!! Yes, that would certainly do it. I've used 'the look', too, but not very often. My husband is a sweetheart and we get along so wonderfully.
DeleteHave a wonderful time tonight! Sounds like fun.
My sentiments exactly Martha. Ron and I usually go out to lunch somewhere (like we just did) and spend a quiet evening at home....like we do most days. Every day is Valentines around here!! lol
ReplyDeleteThat's so funny, Jim, because that was our day. My hubby and I went out to lunch and had a quiet evening at home.
DeleteJudging from how happy your posts are (both blogs), it certainly is Valentine's day every day at your place. That is really nice.
Valentines Day can be brutal when you are young and don't understand what true deep devoted love is all about.
ReplyDeleteI am glad you have someone in your life that has taught you about real love. xo
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Happy Valentines Day!
It sure can be brutal. With age comes wisdom --- and smarter choices in partners :)
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