Happy February!
When we were down in Bremerton for Adam's hockey tournament, I made a quick stop at a Jo-Ann's fabric and craft store. Of course there was all sorts of seasonal stuff out next to the Christmas clearance section. A young woman and her mother walked by and she said in a very loud voice, "I HATE Valentines Day." It made me sad and it made me think.
I can appreciate the opinion that Valentines Day is just a Hallmark holiday and that it is a marketing scheme for retailers, chocolate companies and florists to pick up some sales during the post-Christmas blahs.
I think it is a lovely little holiday for children to celebrate friendships at school and to consider others' feelings and I appreciate that teachers now make sure that all children receive Valentines cards if they are doing a card exchange at school. At the school I am at this year, there are many students that are Jehovah Witnesses so I am wondering how the teachers manage being inclusive in this situation.
Although I agree that we should let those that we love know how we feel about them all year round, I like having a special occasion to make a point of creating something special for Neil and the boys. I usually make some sort of special mini-book or card with special messages about my love for them. I also usually make something small for friends and those I work with. Projects from 2009 are blogged about HERE. I am a giver and will embrace all sorts of reasons to let others know what they mean to me. Last year, I posted some of our 2010 Valentines Day ideas HERE. This year, I am taking part in a little CK crafty blog hop on February 11 and 12. It will be starting HERE on Amanda's blog. I'm not sure what I'll be sharing yet but I have a few ideas percolating ;)
I agree with you, it's nice to have a day to be special. I think people who say that they should show love everyday and therefore hate Valentines probably don't do something special to show their love everyday. It's fun and maybe the teacher in me that likes themes and events. People could also see Mother's Day in the same way but I like having one day to make sure mothers get a pat on the back.
I wish I had the energy to try all the fun ideas online. Alas, I bought dollar store Valentines for my kids to give out. :-(
Posted by: Christy | 02/02/2011 at 04:38 PM