Saturday, July 5th, 2025 Church Directory

Valentines ‘Just Because’

Although there’s no avoiding it, I’ve never been a huge fan of Valentine’s Day. There’s too much pressure to have a ‘perfect’ date with the ‘perfect’ person, and to give/receive the ‘perfect’ gift.

It was even that way in elementary school. When I was growing up it was still acceptable to celebrate Valentine’s Day in school. Everyone would make a homemade Valentine’s box for classmates to put their Valentines into. 

There was even a contest to see who could make the most creative box. My maternal grandparents were always crafting, so my sister and I would head over to their house to create our masterpieces. One year I was sure I had the winning idea; I was going to make “The Love Boat.” 

I designed my creation out of a shoe box and it turned out pretty cute, however to my dismay, it didn’t win. Instead, my sister won with her May pole Valentine’s Day box. I was devastated that the idea I thought was a shoo-in didn’t cut it, but I was also secretly proud of her. Of course, I didn’t tell her that.

The other big deal at the time was to get unsigned Valentines asking the recipient to “be mine,” because it indicated that person had a secret admirer. I wanted to receive one of those unsigned Valentines so badly, but alas, it was never to be. Once I came close, however. There was always a party at the end of the school day so everyone could open their Valentines, and that year I couldn’t find a name on one of mine.

I was thrilled and wondered aloud who my secret admirer was. I wasn’t one of the ‘popular’ girls so no one would believe me, and a few of the boys came over to examine the Valentine. My happiness was dashed when they laughed meanly and showed me the sender’s name written in tiny letters inside the Valentine’s artwork. 

I didn’t have to worry about those kinds of issues when I got older, but I still never became a big fan of the holiday. Along with the pressure for everything to be perfect, everything is twice as expensive. And if you want to go out to eat, you’d better have made a reservation far in advance.

One year my husband and I went out to eat at a local establishment and discovered we couldn’t order off the regular menu. Instead, we had to choose from a special menu where everything was more expensive than the meals they offered every other day of the year.

Roses are beautiful, but they don’t last long and are at least twice as expensive in February as they are during the rest of the year. I’d rather get a bouquet of colorful flowers that will last a couple of weeks, or even better, a new plant to add to my ever-growing collection that will last for years.

I like ‘junk’ jewelry, I don’t need diamonds. I really like chocolate, but I definitely don’t need it.

Instead of focusing all their time and energy on one day, I think people should practice Valentine’s Day all year around and show their love and appreciation for others ‘just because.’ Why do we need a special day to show someone we care about them?

February 14 is about warm feelings, love, and showing kindness to people who are special to you. Why not show warmth and kindness every day, and to all the people in your life?

If you see an inexpensive item you think someone would love, buy it and give it to them ‘just because.’ If a coworker looks down, show them warmth ‘just because.’ Show kindness to a stranger by letting them go in front of you in line ‘just because.’

I tell family members I love them every day, I don’t wait until February 14. I try to show kindness whenever I have an opportunity to do so, I don’t save it for one day of the year. I express gratitude whenever I feel it.

Take the time to spread kindness, warmth, and love to others. You’ll be paid back threefold.

I believe Valentine’s Day should be practiced and celebrated every day of the year, ‘just because.’ And we don’t need expensive cards, flowers, and candy to do it.