How Will You Show Your Love?

“Shop in the name of love.” “Best flower deals here.” “Don’t just send a card for Valentine’s Day.”

The country has barely closed out its MLK day celebrations (this year it coincided with Blue Monday- see my post on 1/29) when these electronic reminders snuck in between important emails. As I delete the capitalistic pleas, I think of the boxed Christmas decorations languishing on the steps to the attic. Another commercialized holiday on the heels of the last set.  Trudging up to the attic, I stow the holiday stuff. Then I scrounge the storage shelves for the wreath with its crimson wire ribbon and dangling pink hearts.

Valentine’s Day. Love.  Amore.  

I straighten the wreath’s dusty red ribbon and hang it on the front door. All the while, a Scrooge-like voice rails between my ears. Do we really need prompts to express our love to the people we care about? The hype for Valentine’s Day feels like the pressure to celebrate New Year’s Eve.  Book an expensive dinner. Resurrect or buy a fancy new outfit.  Buy chocolates, flowers, and a gift.

Why can’t a card be enough? 

Every year, I tell my husband to forget about the flowers, chocolates and gifts.  He needs this encouragement because my birthday precedes Valentine’s Day by a few days.  I am clear in my expectation that one bouquet or present can suffice for both occasions.  Yet, I do expect a card.  Then again is a card even necessary, really?

What about a penning a love letter or poem and slipping it under my pillow or under that first cup of morning coffee?

I am reminded of the scene from the movie, Little Women, when Jo puts a note in the mailbox in the woods expressing her love for Lawrence.  Like Jo, I like handwritten notes.  I’d like to hear from my loved ones whether they consider me cool, neat, special; why I’m important to them; how I’ve made a difference in their life.  Tell me what I do to make you laugh, how I’m silly, and when I’m irresistibly absurd.  Help me remember why we are friends, family, or partners for life.

Forget about gift cards, spa dates, expensive chocolates and fancy dinners. Simple is good. It resonates. Feels genuine.

This year, I plan to make a simple, yummy dinner with a very chocolatey extravagant desert and dine with my husband in the dining room.  Just the two of us! Before Valentine’s Day arrives, I plan to craft handmade valentines and mail them to my adult children and grandkids.  All the other special folks in my life will get a phone call or a personal text or email.

How do you plan to spend or recognize Valentine’s Day?

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