I love people, not Valentine’s Day. In fact, I kind of hate the holiday. That makes me a scrooge and I’m ok with it.
Valentine’s Day puts unnecessary pressure on people to adequately express their love for each other. It makes single people feel sad. And turns mothers of young children into lunatics.
When my husband and I were dating we decided to boycott Valentine’s Day altogether. Why pay the 300% markup on roses one day out of the year? He shows up with flowers on random days, for no particular reason. I love that. He’s thinking of me when he’s not expected to do it.
The holiday has also turned into a competition between mothers of small children. Those of us less-crafty-types feel so inadequate on Valentine’s Day. My first mistake was looking at my Facebook newsfeed last night. My friend, Polly-the-Pinterest-Addict, made these:
I have NO idea what they are, but don’t they look fabulous? Don’t you think the kids will love them? Do you feel as lame as I do? I love Polly to pieces. She inspires me to be a better mom. But that photo made my Valentine’s Day treats look like they belong on the loser mom wall of shame. I did manage to use food coloring to dye the kids’ milk pink. Yay me!
On to the crafts. Check out these gorgeous card boxes by two first graders in my son’s class.
The boa! The glitter! The ladybugs! I have box envy. I simply love it. I simply can’t do it. And nothing says “my kid’s box is better than your kid’s box” like lace:
I know you’re dying to see my son’s box, so without further delay…
Um, yeah, that is the reverse side of some leftover Christmas wrapping paper.
Then there were the beautifully crafted hand-made cards and gifts. I was proud of our store bought cards. Hec, I call it a success if I can get my kids to write their own name 22 times. I don’t bake and I don’t make elaborate doo-dads. Who has the energy? I’m still so tired from that stupid Elf on the Shelf implementing all my fun, creative Elf on the Shelf ideas in December! Can we take a break please? I’m saving up for April, when I have Easter and both kids’ plus my husband’s birthdays all in one week. Pray for me.
Don’t worry. I have a good attitude about Valentine’s Day in public. I even smile, wear a red sweater and hug people. But to be serious, here are three lessons about love we can learn from this holiday:
- Tell people you love them. Not just on Valentine’s Day. Tell them every day.
- Show people you love them. Do something unexpected for a friend. Send a card for no reason. Make your husband his favorite meal on a Tuesday night.
- Reach out to those who might not feel loved. Chances are you know someone who is hurting over relationships in their life. They’ve lost a parent. They’re the new kid at school. They’re going through a divorce. Notice them. Befriend them. Invite them to lunch.
I encourage you to focus less on the performance aspect of Valentine’s Day. Of course if you’re a talented baker or crafty-type and you enjoy those things, rock on! (And will you make some things for me next year, please? I’ll pay you.) But for those like me who are self-critical on a holiday like today, keep in mind it doesn’t matter if yours is the best gift, most delectable treat or embellished card. Take the pressure off yourself and do one thing. Love others. Every day of the year.
