Happy Valentine's Day! Since you're reading this, you've most likely survived Christmas and made it to another year (unless you're Headless Nick... can ghosts read?) Speaking of Christmas, this holiday always seems to get the lion's share of the attention, while Valentine's Day is often overlooked, or relegated to the back burner. I've never understood this, and earlier this week, while comparing the two, I realized that this is one holiday which deserves much more attention than it often receives.
Let's think about this for a moment:
What really makes Valentine's Day so special, along with the fact that there aren't very many expectations (except getting your spouse or boyfriend/girlfriend a special gift), stresses, or predictability, is that this holiday is about one thing only: LOVE. And because it's about love and doesn't come with all the trappings that Christmas brings, you're free to show love to the people you truly care about, in the ways you consider to be special.
My favorite way of sharing the spirit of the day? Index cards that offer something. To me, love isn't words, or chocolate (although I love chocolate!) or paper hearts or cards. Love is shown in deeds and actions. I look around at the people who mean so much to me, and make them an index card, at least one (but often more than one) personalized for each individual, offering to do something I know they'd like. For my grandma, the card says “Good for one dish washing.” For mom, “Good for one cooked meal.” For my best friend: “Good for one Saturday of movies – you select the movies.” For my busy sister, “Good for one evening of babysitting.” These cards are redeemable whenever the receiver likes, and I never turn them down (unless I'm already obligated to do something else). While you may be thinking that people can simply ask for help when they need it, some people feel guilty asking for help, or they don't want to be a burden and admit to how much help they really need. This way, I'm volunteering, and since I give out lots of cards, it helps people who would not ask otherwise feel more comfortable. .
Not that I'm knocking chocolate. Did I mention I love chocolate? Chocolate is always welcome in my house.
Let's think about this for a moment:
- In my part of the world, we hope for a White Christmas. Sure, snow is pretty, but it's stressful to drive the car in, and it's COLD. Plus, I feel let down if I don't get to see lots of white, fluffy snowflakes on the Big Day. But there's no weather expectations for Valentine's Day, and, in fact, Spring is only 35 days away - just a little over a month. Warm weather will be arriving soon, along with sunshine, blue skies, and green grass. You know it's going to happen. It's a given.
- Let's not forget the music. Don't get me wrong; I love Christmas Carols. What could be more exciting than listening to the latest celebrity attempt (which then ruins, in my opinion) “O Holy Night?” I do have to admit, though, that since the Christmas season seems to begin earlier and earlier every year, Christmas music also begins early, and by mid-December I'm usually looking for my “Horror Movie Themes “ album. But Valentine's Day? There are very few songs related specifically to the holiday. The day only revolves around one theme: love. And Love Songs are wonderful all year round, and there are so many that it fits every musical taste. As an added bonus, you usually don't hear the same song attempted by seven different celebrities, since they each have their own song.
- Christmas means decorating. Sure, I love Christmas trees. Who doesn't? But Christmas trees have to be assembled, and then taken down. Stockings have to be located, along with all the other trappings. Valentine's Day? Did you decorate? Or are you planning something simple, like candles?
- Baking. While I love to eat, I really don't like to cook. Those of you who do are often expected to bake huge amounts of cookies and candies. Many also have huge family dinners, where even more cooking is required. With Valentine's Day, you can usually get away with purchasing one box of chocolate.
What really makes Valentine's Day so special, along with the fact that there aren't very many expectations (except getting your spouse or boyfriend/girlfriend a special gift), stresses, or predictability, is that this holiday is about one thing only: LOVE. And because it's about love and doesn't come with all the trappings that Christmas brings, you're free to show love to the people you truly care about, in the ways you consider to be special.
My favorite way of sharing the spirit of the day? Index cards that offer something. To me, love isn't words, or chocolate (although I love chocolate!) or paper hearts or cards. Love is shown in deeds and actions. I look around at the people who mean so much to me, and make them an index card, at least one (but often more than one) personalized for each individual, offering to do something I know they'd like. For my grandma, the card says “Good for one dish washing.” For mom, “Good for one cooked meal.” For my best friend: “Good for one Saturday of movies – you select the movies.” For my busy sister, “Good for one evening of babysitting.” These cards are redeemable whenever the receiver likes, and I never turn them down (unless I'm already obligated to do something else). While you may be thinking that people can simply ask for help when they need it, some people feel guilty asking for help, or they don't want to be a burden and admit to how much help they really need. This way, I'm volunteering, and since I give out lots of cards, it helps people who would not ask otherwise feel more comfortable. .
Not that I'm knocking chocolate. Did I mention I love chocolate? Chocolate is always welcome in my house.