Do you recall celebrating Valentine’s Day back in the ‘80s and ‘90s? It was a delightful time filled with Hershey Kisses, heart-shaped candies, and adorable store-bought cards proclaiming “I Choo-Choo-Choose You” for your classmates. It was all about sugary treats and sweet interactions with friends. Although the holiday has its share of complexities—too many to unpack in a brief article—Valentine’s Day was a treasure trove of joy for young children. I cherished receiving conversation hearts and Lisa Frank stickers. However, time has changed, and now, it seems Valentine’s Day has morphed into a mini Christmas.
It’s important to recognize that Valentine’s Day was never intended to be Christmas 2.0. You might be thinking, “Who is this person dictating how I should spend my money and celebrate?” Maybe you view me as bitter or unkind. But my intention is to bring this up in the spirit of love—let me explain.
The True Meaning of Valentine’s Day
Regardless of your feelings about the holiday, Valentine’s Day is fundamentally about romance and affection. While its origins are somewhat grim—St. Valentine was beheaded by Roman Emperor Claudius II—the modern celebration is meant to honor those we love and hold dear. Toys like video games and LOL dolls, while enjoyable for my children, are merely material objects, lacking the depth of true affection. I would rather teach my kids about meaningful relationships through genuine connections rather than through material gifts.
We embrace love through simple acts: kissing, baking cookies, coloring, dancing, singing, and hugging. We discuss what it means to love someone, recognizing that love is not merely material. It embodies kindness, respect, empathy, and support. Spending quality time together aligns with the essence of the holiday.
Practical Reasons to Simplify
Moreover, there are practical reasons to dial down the extravagance of Valentine’s Day. Gifts can be expensive, and not every family can afford a holiday that resembles Christmas. Children who don’t receive gift bags might feel inadequate compared to their peers, leading to feelings of unworthiness. No child should ever feel unloved for receiving a simple gift instead of a more extravagant one.
Additionally, Valentine’s Day should be simplified to teach children about humility and gratitude. Often, the smallest gestures provide the greatest joy. The stress of another high-stakes holiday—complete with purchasing, wrapping, and planning—can be overwhelming. The expectations are simply too high.
Celebrating Without Opulence
Valentine’s Day is just one day, and it’s crucial for children to learn that holidays can be celebrated without opulence. The most profound acts of love stem from the heart, not from a store.
And let’s not forget that children already accumulate plenty of toys and things throughout their childhood. They receive treats at restaurants and lollipops at banks. My kids certainly don’t need another toy that will end up forgotten. So, please, save the extravagant goodie bags for another day. Homemade or store-bought Valentines are perfectly acceptable, with perhaps a sticker or a lollipop for a touch of flair.
Call me the grouchy relative of Cupid if you wish. Label me bitter or unpleasant if you must. But consider scaling back for the sake of our children; they need love, time, and the presence of their family more than they need material items this Valentine’s Day.
Further Reading
For more insights on navigating relationships and understanding love, check out one of our other blog posts at Home Insemination Kit.
If you’re interested in at-home insemination options, Make a Mom is a reliable source for information. Additionally, Women’s Health offers excellent resources regarding pregnancy and home insemination.
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Summary:
Valentine’s Day should focus on love and meaningful interactions rather than extravagant gifts. It’s essential to teach children the value of affection, humility, and the joy found in simple gestures. By scaling back on material expectations, we foster genuine connections and ensure every child feels valued and loved during this holiday.
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