Valentine's Day is coming...

[missy]

We don't do anything special for VD anymore just because honestly every single day is special and we show each other how much we love each other with all the little things we do and say every day. And we have run out of gifts to get lol. We don't celebrate VD anymore like we did when the relationship was newer and younger. Is that sad? I don't feel it is. But I know many do celebrate and I would love to hear all about it. It can be anything from gifts you are giving and getting to where you are going to celebrate etc.

In the past we used to go out on the weekend before or after Valentine's Day to avoid the crowds. Though when we were dating Greg insisted on the day of celebration and paid through the nose for the markup the fancy restaurants made on that day. I remember some very outrageous meals. However the mood was always romantic and butterfly flutter inducing and I have some very sweet happy memories from VDs past. But I digress. Please share your romantic memories of VDs past and of Valentine's Day coming if you feel like sharing that is

We always gave each other gifts in the past (but not for a very long time now)
One gift I remember was very sweet and I still enjoy wearing them. Vintage heart dangle earrings




Please share your VD memories or VD to come.

 

[pearlsngems]

Our first VD, my husband gave me a silver marcasite heart locket; the next year, a tall fluted cranberry glass vase full of red roses.

Pretty soon after that we just switched to giving each other cards. He knows I like cards with moving elements, pop-ups etc., and funny cards rather than sentimental ones. He likes cute/funny cards, too. Last year he actually made me a pop-up card for my birthday (which is very near VD) and this year he has some big project going on with paper and cardboard that I am not allowed to see yet.

 

[Arcadian]

The very first year he gave me a Vermont teddy bear which I still have.

We don't do much with V-day, we don't exchange gifts anymore either. This year, probably just go to whole foods and get some steaks for the grill, if we remember.

 

[Matata]

I think VD is one of the most painful days for those who have lost loved ones and those who are alone. I dislike it for that reason and also because it morphed from its Christian and Pagan roots into yet another commercialized way to guilt people into spending money on shallow gestures of love.

 

[missy]

I think VD is one of the most painful days for those who have lost loved ones and those who are alone. I dislike it for that reason and also because it morphed from its Christian and Pagan roots into yet another commercialized way to guilt people into spending money on shallow gestures of love.

Yes agree. But also think most of our holidays fit that category. Missing loved ones and for those alone many holidays can be painful. Life is not easy so I guess we take joy when and where we can and no one size fits all. Commercialism has affected most holidays. Including Christmas

 

[Matata]

Missing loved ones and for those alone many holidays can be painful.

For sure. It's just that those holidays don't accentuate the loss of a romantic partner or the lack of one in the in-your-face way VD does with all the balloons, cards, candy, etc., specifically targeted to romantic partnerships. A couple of years ago when I was at the grocery store on VD the cashier told me it was her worst day to work because people were either grumpy/sad because they procrastinated about buying something for their partner or were grumpy/sad that they had no one with whom to share the day. I asked her was it worse than Christmas, etc., and she said yes. I was surprised by that and then felt bad that I was surprised by that.

 

[missy]

For sure. It's just that those holidays don't accentuate the loss of a romantic partner or the lack of one in the in-your-face way VD does with all the balloons, cards, candy, etc., specifically targeted to romantic partnerships. A couple of years ago when I was at the grocery store on VD the cashier told me it was her worst day to work because people were either grumpy/sad because they procrastinated about buying something for their partner or were grumpy/sad that they had no one with whom to share the day. I asked her was it worse than Christmas, etc., and she said yes. I was surprised by that and then felt bad that I was surprised by that.

Yes I see that. Tbh I find holidays depressing in general. Not sure why. Maybe the expectations so many put onto the holidays. Lot of pressure. I’ve never felt more at peace now that we don’t do holidays for the most part. No obligations. lol I sound like a cranky old man


Or maybe I’m just an antisocial beaatch

 

[stracci2000]

We make homemade cards for each other. Fun, easy and heartfelt!
No presents anymore.

 

[Matata]

Yes I see that. Tbh I find holidays depressing in general. Not sure why. Maybe the expectations so many put onto the holidays. Lot of pressure. I’ve never felt more at peace now that we don’t do holidays for the most part. No obligations. lol I sound like a cranky old man


Or maybe I’m just an antisocial beaatch

I'm on the same page as you about holidays. This past New Years Eve, for the first time in decades, I hosted 10 friends for dinner and, to my surprise, it was great. All but 3 of them are alone and were depressed and I just couldn't let them face the new year that way. Maybe I'm getting soft in my old age.

 

[pearlsngems]

A friend of mine who was married on VD is now a widow. I don't imagine it's her favorite day, either.

When I was single (married at 36) my mother used to send me a VD card every year. After she was widowed I sent her one every year until she passed away.
It doesn't have to be just for romantic partners. Send a bit of love to someone who is lonely.

 

[YadaYadaYada]

We don’t really do VD (can’t see those letters together without thinking of the other VD ). However he knows that I will never say no to a marked down box of candy a few days later. It’s not a requirement though, I think the stress of expectations of holidays is what takes all the joy out of them.

 

[nala]

Call me commercialized but I am a fan! I prefer VD to commercialized Xmas bc the day is all about me! Lol. Seriously. I am fortunate that DH knows that VD is an excuse for him to shower me with extra specialness! Flowers, dinner, a bauble….always fun!

 

[Daisys and Diamonds]

i have a question
why do you guys call this and some other random (to me) days holidays ?
do you get a day off ? paid aka a public holiday ?
that is what we call a holiday in that regard

 

[AprilBaby]

i have a question
why do you guys call this and some other random (to me) days holidays ?
do you get a day off ? paid aka a public holiday ?
that is what we call a holiday in that regard

Holidays are generally “special” days and we don’t get them all off. Usually it is celebrated somehow by most folks. Kids at school might have a party. Federal holidays are days off aka New Years, Christmas, Thanksgiving, Memorial Day, Labor Day, Juneteenth, MLK day (for some people). The rest are just random “ holidays” such as Valentines, St Patrick’s, Columbus Day, Mothers Day, Grandparents Day, Pulaski Day, Ash Wednesday, Good Friday, Veterans Day….

 

[seaurchin]

I love Valentine's Day. It's optional and easy and I like the prettiness of it. Some years we don't bother with it. But when we do, I usually pick out a restaurant and order a gift for myself, then thank my hubby, and we are both happy.

 

[sweetpea&babycorn]

We used to do gifts and nice dinners out. Then we naturally transitioned to just a nice dinner. When my first son was born I was 2 weeks postpartum and had no interest in going out so we did take out which wentcold because my MIL said she wanted to come over and do our dishes. Instead she talked about herself for an hour, and didn’t do our dishes. It wasn’t funny at the time but it is sort of now.

Last year was the very first time I told my husband I really wasn’t up for doing anything at all for VD. I was 37 weeks pregnant with my second and had a difficult pregnancy. To my utter surprise, I went into labor the morning of VD and gave birth to my second son 7 hours later. So now every VD I get to celebrate him and that’s a lot of love indeed.

 

[Lookinagain]

The rest are just random “ holidays” such as Valentines, St Patrick’s, Columbus Day, Mothers Day, Grandparents Day, Pulaski Day, Ash Wednesday, Good Friday, Veterans Day….

Yes and no. At least in the U.S., Veteran's day is a Federal holiday. And Columbus Day ( Indigenous People's day in some states) is in some states, a State holiday. I don't believe that's true for St. Patrick's, Mother's, or Grandparent's Day but perhaps they are in some states. Ash Wednesday and Good Friday are religious days. Perhaps if you work for a religious organization, or your kids got to a religious school, you and/or they would have the day off. I can't speak to that. I'm not sure about Pulaski day, but I do believe it is a state holiday in Illinois. I always think of Mother's Day, Grandparent's Day, Father's day, and yes, Valentine's day, as "Hallmark Holidays" and ones that are really just to boost sales of one thing or another.

 

[Lookinagain]

I should have said that Columbus Day/Indigenous People's day is a Federal holiday although I don't think that all states or employers treat it as a state holiday or a "day off".

 

[kenny]

We don't do anything special for VD anymore just because honestly every single day is special and we show each other how much we love each other with all the little things we do and say every day. ...

You two remind me of us two.
We don't do ANY holidays.
We recognize them to be the money grabs they are.

I say every day is equally worthy of celebrating and showing love to our special people and other fellow humans.

No-one, no culture, and no business, should manipulate and guilt us out of our money.
But alas, for the vast majority that is the status quo.

Kudos to Nancy Regan for her simple yet powerful mantra, Just say No.

 

[Daisys and Diamonds]

Yes and no. At least in the U.S., Veteran's day is a Federal holiday. And Columbus Day ( Indigenous People's day in some states) is in some states, a State holiday. I don't believe that's true for St. Patrick's, Mother's, or Grandparent's Day but perhaps they are in some states. Ash Wednesday and Good Friday are religious days. Perhaps if you work for a religious organization, or your kids got to a religious school, you and/or they would have the day off. I can't speak to that. I'm not sure about Pulaski day, but I do believe it is a state holiday in Illinois. I always think of Mother's Day, Grandparent's Day, Father's day, and yes, Valentine's day, as "Hallmark Holidays" and ones that are really just to boost sales of one thing or another.

thank you @Lookinagain and @AprilBaby
we call a holiday a public holiday what you call a federal holiday
Christmas, boxing day, New years day, 2nd Jan, provinical anniversary day specific to where one lives, Waitangi (national day - which is next week), good friday and Easter monday. ANZAC (our rememberence day) King's birthday, Matariki (Maori New year) and labor day
Matariki is a new one and we are still getting used to calling Queen;s birthday King's birthday
ive always felt you guys are short changed on actual paid days off work - federal holidays

 

[Daisys and Diamonds]

on VD i will just cook something really nice for dinner, maybe have chocolates and vino too
im thinking venison steak this year

 

[canuk-gal]

HI:

I can't remember our anniversary, NM VD. BUT if I find those marshmallow candy thingies that miraculously change into Easter bunnies I'll get a few! I looked for them today! That said, I could be mistaken but I "think" my DH just bought me some Le Labo Rose 31. He can have all the credit!

cheers--Sharon

 

[missy]

HI:

I can't remember our anniversary, NM VD. BUT if I find those marshmallow candy thingies that miraculously change into Easter bunnies I'll get a few! I looked for them today! That said, I could be mistaken but I "think" my DH just bought me some Le Labo Rose 31. He can have all the credit!

cheers--Sharon

Lol girl, same! And we got married twice so we forget both dates haha. Or we remember day of. Usually we remember the day after. Truth.

 

[canuk-gal]

Lol girl, same! And we got married twice so we forget both dates haha. Or we remember day of. Usually we remember the day after. Truth.

LOL. Get twice the gifts!!!!

 

[canuk-gal]

HI:

Winter is also coming! (OKOKOK only hijack!)

cheers--Sharon

 

[jaysonsmom]

My husband said that once you’re married, Wedding anniversary replaces Valentine’s Day. I don’t remember what we did for our first Valentine’s Day, but I do remember some of the pre-wedding Valentine’s jewelry, like a gold heart pendant, a T&C heart cut out bracelet….but nowadays I get a card and dinner cooked by my hubby (if he remembers 2/14)!

 

[monarch64]

I love Valentines Day, always have. When I was growing up, my dad always got me a heart-shaped box of chocolates, often with a doll or plush toy attached to the lid. As I got older he found simpler chocolates and cherry cordials (his favorite) to give me. When I went to college and every year after until he passed, he sent me a card with a sweet note inside.

I’ve been single now for going on 5 Valentines Days and I think because I always associated it with parental love rather than romantic love it means something different to me. I miss getting cards from my dad, but I do NOT feel like I’m missing anything bc there’s no romantic interest in my life.

I always get my daughter some cute little things as a present and will continue that tradition as long as we’re both alive. Her father takes her out to dinner to the same place every year. I also buy myself something frivolous like perfume and new undies or pajamas just because.

I think it’s a beautiful holiday whether it’s made-up or not. Who could possibly hate celebrating love?!

 

[mrs-b]

Ours vary. Sometimes we do small gifts, but mostly (like this year) just dinner out, flowers and cards. Sometimes, instead of dinner out, I cook DH's favorite meal. This year will be a low-key Italian hole-in-the-wall local restaurant that apparently serves melt in your mouth meatballs! This seems worth trying.

I like it because it's casual and warm, no more and no less. <3

 

[Ionysis]

We celebrate Valentine’s Day as a family with our daughters now - lots more love to go around! I decorate the table with hearts and everything red and make heart shaped foods, cakes, biscuits etc. it’s become a bit of a tradition every year.

 

[Daisys and Diamonds]

not sure how true this is, but its a great idea