Today I was thinking about Valentine’s Day. When I was young, I could hardly wait to make a box at school on that special day. Cutting hearts and using crepe paper was probably the start of my interest in crafts. I loved how different and creative everyone’s boxes were. This was a time to see what guys “liked” you. Even though the cards were the same…some were better than others and then there was the word “love” written by the name of the sender. Of course if you didn’t like the boy…then if grossed you out! If you received one from the “popular” boy, then you were one cloud nine! It was a day of treats and not much schoolwork. My Mom was a school teacher and told me that the two holidays she didn’t like were Halloween and Valentine’s Day. I could never understand why?
My teenage years meant dances. I was lucky enough to go both my Junior and Senior Year, so I enjoyed Valentine’s Day. College was different. All of a sudden I was alone and didn’t have dances or "special" cards from friends (BTW: my family was great). I felt lonely and I didn’t look forward to that day. It caused pain and I wondered how many other people felt that way.
Now I view this day differently. It is not as “fun” as it was in my youth (even though I’m married and have kids). I guess I have grown up and can see how expensive things can be. My daughter believes that this holiday is for the card making industry to make lots of money. I have a friend that owns her own business selling candy bouquets. She mentioned how busy the day before and the day of Valentines is. Does that mean that there is too much pressure to buy loved ones presents? How much thought is in it, if we have to hurry and buy something so we won’t get in trouble or make them feel bad. Wouldn’t a note of appreciation or an unexpected phone call be just as good? I have these same thoughts for Mother’s Day. Shouldn’t we spend more than one day or two days showing how much we love or care about someone?
I’m not downing those who love this holiday. Obviously this is a time to reflect how much we love that special someone. Hopefully we show it as often as we can. BUT, sometimes I just miss being a child and feeling that excitement for this holiday.
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3 comments:
Amen! And I still believe it's (as janel would say) a holiday with strong commercial overtones. :) But, I love you anyway!
I love you, Mom, and I know you love me. The thing with our family is we have never waited until February 14 to show our love to each other. Thankfully, we were raised by parents who weren't afraid to show how much they loved us. Thanks for being such a great mom!
I agree with both Annie and Ryan's comments. I don't really care for Valentine's Day, but I think it's because of what you said; that we should show our love to one another all year round. When I worked at the flower shop, the only holiday busier than V-Day was Mother's Day. We used to joke that not everyone has a sweet-heart, but everyone has a mother. We really should show our love and appreciation to everyone we love more often than many of us do. I love you Mom!
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