ToT: Valentine's Day: Do You or Don't You? What Do You Do?

This week's topic: Valentine's Day-what does it mean to you? Do you give/receive Valentines? Do you go on a date with your significant other? Do you do something special with your kids? Do you do something special with your friends? Do you have any Valentines traditions? And my all-time most famous question: Why or why not? :)












Personally, I can go one way or the other with Valentine's Day. I can take it or leave it.  I would say throughout my lifetime, I would probably admit that I've taken it, or celebrated it. My mom always tried to make a special gesture on most major holidays. I always received a little something on Valentine's Day, St. Patrick's Day, Easter, 4th of July,-you get the picture.  It never had to be anything big.  I was just happy to get something.  It was usually a card, or candy, or a stuffed animal.  One year, I remember getting an outfit. That was an exception though.  I've tried to pass on this tradition to my children.  For some reason, this year, I felt a lot of pressure to give them something that they would like (that was not just candy-lord knows we have enough candy between Christmas, school parties, and a recent birthday party) but that wasn't over the top. 

The kiddos opening gifts from their Gramma Q.

So, what did I end up with-well, I actually already had part of their gift.  Last year Hallmark had these cute little "love bugs" out for Valentine's Day.  They are plush bugs that have a zippered pouch that you can put a note, or a treat in.  Their arms are also bendable so they can hold a note or item, too.  The advertisement on them says, "Bug them a little each day."  I thought they were cute, but overpriced, so I waited until after Valentine's Day and bought them on sale.  It's a miracle that I remembered them.  They kept getting caught up in with the Christmas gifts, so that's probably why I remembered them.  I put one M & M covered chocolate pretzel in each "bug" and a handmade card in each one.  I also bought the kids a movie (Madagascar 3) as a joint gift.  I thought this would be a great gift for the entire family to enjoy on one of our "movie nights."

Love Bugs with treats & a movie

My husband always says that Valentine's Day is a holiday made up by card companies, so they can earn a little extra dough.  I don't really care where the tradition started-any day designated as a day to celebrate love and showing love to those we care about is okay in my book. I fondly remember passing out Valentines to my friends at school, and I've enjoyed watching my kids do the same. I also like being on the receiving end of their Valentine's gifts and handmade cards. My son was so excited to give me my Valentine this morning, he woke me up and handed it to me in the dark while I was still in bed.  It's a memory that I will treasure for years to come.  Another special Valentine was the gift my daughter made my husband.  She wrote her name for the first time on the card she made him.  So special!




As for the gifts and traditions my husband and I have for this holiday, well, let's just say that some years they can be huge and grandiose, while other's they may be a last minute thought.  Either way, we always make a point to remind each other about how much we love each other, and celebrate our love.  Am I one of those people that expects flowers, candy, jewels, etc? No.  Would I like to be acknowledged in some form or fashion on a day designated to show those in your life how much you love them-absolutely! Would I feel remiss if I didn't return that show of love-definitely.  This year, Jake and I are getting away for a night to see one of our favorite bands.  It was part of my Christmas present, and it just happens to occur around Valentine's Day.  Double bonus.  I thought that would be the only part of our celebration, but then he surprised me with a box of chocolate covered strawberries.  I would say he's a keeper for sure, but I already knew that.  It's why I married him.

How do you celebrate Valentine's Day? Or do you celebrate at all? Check out what the other ToT'ers have to say...

The yummy Shari's Berries the hubs got me. Caution-eating more than one berry may be a little too overwhelming. I did it anyway. :)