Well, it’s Valentine’s Day. I considered writing today's blog about the history of the holiday, but here’s a good piece from NPR
on that topic. I thought maybe I’d share my thoughts on how florists,
retailers, and restaurants have turned a simple day of celebrating love into an
opportunity to market to everyone, from seniors to preschoolers. But I guess
you can probably figure out my opinion on the subject from that statement alone.
Honestly, though, I have nothing against Valentine’s Day—we send
our Grandboy a greeting each February 14 because the cards and the kid are both
so stinkin’ cute, and I’ve made construction paper valentines for Husband and
even spent money on romantic cards. This morning, we’ll have mimosas at breakfast
and tonight, we’ll make an especially nice dinner, open a bottle of wine, and
probably light a candle between us on the table. But we do that pretty
regularly anyway.
It’s just that we don’t break the bank on chocolates,
flowers, or a fancy dining experience. I always resented the whole valentine
exchange thing when I was in school and I hated my kid having to do it. To me,
Valentine’s Day is a lot like wedding anniversaries--private--and I appreciate
how the French reserve the day exclusively for lovers. They don’t make their
preschoolers sign twenty-five cards for their classmates, they don’t expect to
send flowers and gifts to their moms or grandmeres
. . . instead, it’s a day for lovers to celebrate their relationships. A time
for two people who’ve committed their lives to each other to show a little
extra care without any expectations or demands for jewelry or pricey lingerie or ski weekends.
A little extra care—mimosas for breakfast or dessert for
supper when dessert isn’t usual or a bottle of wine you’ve been saving for a
special occasion. Or maybe just a couple of special kisses before you go to sleep
on February 14.
Happy Valentine’s Day, everybody.
I loved that it was party time at school in the eary elementary years, but it was the 1st party to be given up as we aged into the upper grades. I remember that my mom didn't because, of course, it was Alway Something. We are like you and Jim only less so--it's more of a smile and "you're still my Valentine" and going on about our business. It doesn't bother me at all, but I think it's more of a holiday for retailers than for lovers. Have a happy one, though.
ReplyDeleteYou, too, Liz! Happy Hearts!
DeleteI told hubby very early on in our relationship that Valentines Day was a Hallmark holiday. Now, we usually stare deep into each other's eyes and reaffirm our sacred commitment: "I didn't get you anything for Valentines Day." :-)
ReplyDeleteFunny, as we were purging in Husband's office yesterday, he ran across an Valentine I'd made him many years ago. When he showed it me, I handed it back and said, "Happy Valentine's Day, my dear." And in turn he handed it back to me with the same greeting. After 44 years, we do know how to make one another smile.
DeleteI think I (and many) would appreciate Valentine's more the French way! RadioMan bought me roses for the first time in years over the weekend, because he thought they looked pretty...and I ordered him some Omaha Steak stuff because he likes that kind of thing.
ReplyDeleteNice, Kristina!
DeleteVery well said Nan! The few times I did receive flowers they died the next day. Way to expensive. We spend time together nothing fancy. I used to send grandkids pictures to color but they are too big now. I think it's a private holiday
ReplyDeleteFunny how that happens, huh, Patrice? Thanks for stopping by and Happy Valentine's Day to you and yours!
DeleteI am finding that for Pack Rat and me we enjoy a great dinner together cooked at home. We may include some wine and just enjoy each other. I am way past the candy/flowers/dinner out phase. Like you I do send something to my grandson.
ReplyDeleteWe all seem to outgrow the candy and flowers after several years of marriage--seems like a needless expense when just reaffirmations like, "I love you" work just as well. Thanks for coming by!
DeleteWe've even given up all cards because I know he loves me and he knows I love him. Hallmark doesn't need any more of our money to prove it. LOL
ReplyDelete