Do you remember when Valentines Day revolved around a trip to the store with Mom to pick out the valentines you would 'deliver' to your classmates in elementary school at the long awaited "Valentines Day Class Party?" All the time spent at the kitchen table writing, To: Blank From: Blank, sometimes even a sweet note to go with the seasonal sentiments? Or was it the week before valentines day when your daily schedule included an arts and crafts time to design the perfectly decorated 'valentine mailbox?' There was always something when we were younger to get excited about; all the red white and pink, the sweet heart conversational candies, the sweets you may or may not have received from your classmates depending on the type of valentines they handed out, there was always something around February 14th to be enamored by.
Starting from a very young age, to some extent, we all experience and are influenced by the sweet and dazzling aspects of this Hallmark created holiday, but what is it about getting older that causes for some to develop a serious disdain for this heart filled holiday? Is it the preconceived notion of feeling as though the occasion is saved for those in relationships, or only to be celebrated by those with a significant other? Of course the conventional theme of Valentines Day revolves around love and relationships, the childhood idea of having a crush on someone, but thats not all it has to be.
During years spent at South Elementary School, in the days surrounding Valentines Day, teachers read children's books like Biscuit's Valentines Day to their classes. Helping to spread the Valentines spirit, and teach their students about what Valentines day celebrates, right down to the handing out of "secret" valentines. I have to admit, I am quite a fan of this hallmark Holiday, but when I was growing up it wasn't always just about the secret crush, or the boy in your class you liked and gave a special valentine to. My most vivid memories of Valentines Day include running to the mailbox with my brother to collect the Valentines Day cards my Auntie Eileen would send us, or waiting for my Dad to come home with a beautiful bouquet of flowers for my mom and watching as her face lit up, and every now and then a small bouquet for me. Valentines Day to me, was never just about my crush at the time, it was more about celebrating- in a somewhat silly and fun way the people in my life who I cared about.
Sweet and silly, non serious sentiments to makes someone smile, to me thats all Valentines Day really needs to be about. Your best friend, cousin, sister or brother, mom or dad, grandparents- anyone can be your Valentine, your not restricted to just a romantic significant other. So for all of you out there who are somewhat jaded when it comes to the topic of this lovey dovey holiday, make this year different. Indulge in some sweet chocolate covered strawberries or a fun night out with friends- after all Valentines Day is what you make of it!
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