Valentine's Day

It is a weird holiday. I realize it has become a Hallmark marketing machine. It is another holiday for the candy manufacturers. There are a lot of expectations around this day. It is a loaded holiday for some. Nothing for others. The best time of the year for those newly in love, or maybe not. What is it about this day that makes us go crazy?

Some teachers yesterday were bugging a male teacher who did not have anything planned for his pregnant wife. The women were convinced he would be in the doghouse if he did not do something special for his wife this Valentine's Day. He seemed to disagree with them, saying he knows what she likes, and what her expectations are.

I did not say anything because I do not know these people (I was subbing), but I kept thinking how I would not really care if my husband did not acknowledge the day. It is on a Thursday. Our children still have swimming lessons at 5pm, and I still have dance class at 7pm. We do not have time to go out. The coming weekend is Family Day weekend, and we are going away to Blue Mountain for three days. Not much time for a romantic date, even if my parents watch the kids Saturday night.

My main concern is making sure my daughter has all of her cards labelled and signed and her treat bags ready for her classmates. It just happens the one day this week my son is at daycare is Valentine's Day, so we need to get his cards ready for the other kids at the daycare. Normally, I would not be bothering, and he would probably still end up will a pile of cards and treats from the other kids. We got treats today from other kids at playgroup. I had not even thought about giving stuff today!

The meaning of Valentine's Day, and how much joy you get from it depends on your stage of life. In elementary school, you give cards to everyone in your class. You even give cards to the kids you don't like that much. You just pick out your least favourite card, and give it to this person. As you get older, if you have a crush on someone, they get your favourite card. When you leave elementary school, however, it is rare to receive Valentine's cards from anyone, unless you have a special someone.

This is the time when Valentine's Day begins to suck. Single people, no matter how old, hate Valentine's Day. It is a reminder that you are single and have not found someone. If you are lucky enough to have friends who love Valentine's Day, you might still receive cards and treats, but it is less likely the older you are. I loved Valentine's Day in Mexico because it was a friendship day. Everyone was passing the love around, and it was not just couples rubbing it in the noses of singles. It felt like Valentine's Day used to be, before you liked someone.

I have never been the type of person who expects the romantic gesture. I suppose there are people out there, in budding relationships, trying to figure the perfect gift for their new love. Nothing too overwhelming, but something thoughtful. Here's a hint, do not buy mundane household goods, no matter how useful they seem. Probably not small appliances either, unless you know it will be appreciated.

When you are married with kids, Valentine's Day becomes important in that you have to make sure you do not forget to help your child so he or she can give out cards and treats to everyone in the class. This is my main concern this year. I do not care if we cannot get reservations for dinner tomorrow night. I have to make sure I send my kids to school with all of their Valentines.

Actually, the romantic gesture...my husband took the kids to Dad's night, and gave me an evening to myself to do anything, or nothing. Perfect Valentine's Day gift.

By the way, the Jell-O marshmallows did not work. Not enough gelatin, I guess. They kind of ooze. The marshmallows made with red juice taste awesome, and have great texture, but were not pink. I would have to use beet juice next time. I sprinkled them with candy hearts to make them festive.

 

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