It was supposed to be a time when people show feelings of love, affection and friendship. It is celebrated in many ways worldwide and falls on February 14 each year. Many people see Valentine’s Day as a special day to express one’s love for another.
Today is the day before the most romantic “holiday” of the year! Panic, fear and thoughts of not doing the right thing pile up. Papers from school with detailed instructions on how to send the balloons, flowers, or stuffed animals flood children’s backpacks. The hues of reds, pinks and bright white bows vie for attention in the checkout stands. Husbands and boyfriends wander the aisles of jewelry stores, flower shops and department stores with anxiety of the day to come tomorrow! Will I fail? The frenzy has begun!!!
We have a family tradition that I think is the best part of Valentines, and can bring JOY for your family for years. It doesn’t take a whole lot of planning, and it is free. Each Valentines, at 5pm, we (was just my husband and I for years, but now the kids come with us) find a bench or comfortable place that sells Valentine gifts. We have chosen Walmart, and in the front in the main aisle of Valentines. It must be 5 pm, to get the full effect of the frenzy. Men, women and some dragging tear stained children fly into the store and begin grabbing items for their significant other or child. We usually get an ice cream or lollipop to enjoy while we watch the harried shoppers trying to fulfill the dreams of someone they care for in 15 minutes before they get home.
NOTE: I have tried this at 8am on the same day, and it is frenzied, but not to the panic mode later on in the day.
My point is, that Valentine’s Day, has become a day of pure tension and trepidation. My boys used to love writing each name on their Valentine cards, and making a box. The fun of reading them that evening was great. Now, life size unicorns and teddy bears are delivered to the classroom, with envelopes of “we are going to Disneyland”. The competitiveness is off the hook!
The day has origins in the Roman festival of Lupercalia, held in mid-February. The festival, which celebrated the coming of spring, included fertility rites and the pairing off of women with men by lottery. At the end of the 5th century, Pope Gelasius I replaced Lupercalia with St. Valentine’s Day. The holiday has origins in the Roman festival of Lupercalia, held in mid-February. The festival, which celebrated the coming of spring, included fertility rites and the pairing off of women with men by lottery. At the end of the 5th century, Pope Gelasius I replaced Lupercalia with St. Valentine’s Day.
Remember, Valentine’s Day is not a public holiday. Government offices, stores, schools and other organizations are open as usual. Public transit systems run on their regular schedule. Restaurants may be busier than usual as many people go out for an evening with their spouse or partner. Don’t let Valentine’s Day be only an annual show of your love and affection. Do that all year round. You’ll have a much happier, healthier relationship if your actions and words convey your love, care, respect, lust, and genuine friendship every day. Valentine’s Day is to a large extent a “Hallmark” holiday.
But, go, enjoy and participate to your hearts content, but take a look over to the nearest bench and see if there is a family eating popcorn watching those around you filling their carts with hearts, candy and smiling. It may be us! ♥♥
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