I have always loved Valentines Day!
When we were kids my mom would always surprise us with little baggies full of pink and red goodies. In elementary school I enjoyed bringing valentines to class and putting them in everyone’s little bags or boxes. In middle school I remember the flower fundraisers with carnations or roses that you could have delivered to teachers or friends.
Have I mentioned that I’m a gift person?
Of course it’s a romantic holiday for the most part, and I think that’s great too, but I’ve always appreciated Valentine’s Day as an opportunity (and an excuse!) to show love to anyone and everyone at a time they might appreciate it even more than usual.
Who doesn’t want to feel a little extra love some days?
Old friends and new family like to feel loved. Kids. Parents. You might even find it’s a great day to love on people you’ve never met, like the residents of a local retirement community or a daycare center. Can you think of a group in your community that would be thrilled to have a little extra attention on a special day? Bring goodies or send a note. It doesn’t take much, and they might never forget it.
Whether you’re celebrating the day with your sweetheart or family or the gals, I hope you can enjoy the day as an opportunity for a little extra sweetness for you and those around you.
If you’re looking for a last-minute gift idea, here’s my gift to you!
I created these printable Valentine “coupons” for you to share some customized love with all of those special people in your life.
Use the pre-typed coupons to get yourself started, and create your own customized future treats with the blank coupon sheet. You know what your people really want – might be a thing, a special meal, or just time together.
I hope you enjoy the coupons – and the Day!
Would you be willing to share your Valentine’s Day traditions with the community? Stories from your own childhood or special things you and your sweetheart do for each other? Please share in the comments below, and thanks!
2 COMMENTS
Hannah, those coupons are a wonderful idea! I like the “use by” date. More likely to get used!
I loved Valentines Day in school. We’d make mailboxes as a craft project, and the class would fill each other’s boxes with cards. Then, on V-Day proper, at the end of the day, the PARTY, where we’d open our mailboxes, read the cards, and eat wonderful goopy sweets. Happy memories.
I like your perspective of thinking how to bless people on that day. It’s gotten a little weird in our culture expressing appreciation for people. I think you are helping push back against that constraint and discomfort by offering good, practical, appropriate ways to be more attentive, alive, and appreciative, and to keep kind awareness alive.
Thanks much for your articles. Lovely, and well done!
BLESSINGS!
-D
Thank you sir! Many details inspired by my upbringing I’m sure. 😉 I think you’re right that our culture hasn’t provided a broad vocabulary for expressing appreciation, and I hope to give people more of those words! It’s so cool to love people. Always has been, always will be. Love YOU!