Valentine's Wishes!

No one knows exactly the history of Valentine's Day, but the celebration of love in early spring goes back to at least the era of the Roman empire. However, I have noticed that the legacy of Valentine's Day has become somewhat tarnished with excessive consumerism, much like Christmas has.

I have had many people, men and women alike, have come into my store in the past few days desperately looking for a present for their Valentine. They are worried if they're spending enough money, if the restaurant they chose is nice enough, and if they are picking out presents that their significant other will like. Wanting to find the right present for that special someone isn't a bad thing, but the stress that I see these people feeling is not what Valentine's Day is about.

Valentine's Day is about showing your loved one how much they mean to you, and spending a lot of money doesn't necessarily do that. Several women have told me that a card and a simple bouquet are enough, because it is enough that their boyfriends or husbands remembered the holiday and thought of them. There are alternatives to expensive dinners and gifts. My husband and I celebrate by doing something we don't normally do, even if it's something simple like just the two of us going to a movie. If you don't want to go to a restaurant and your spouse usually does the cooking, make him or her a romantic dinner at home and make sure you do the dishes.

Also, it's important for people to show each other how much they care more than just one day a year. If you don't appreciate someone all the time, a few gifts on a holiday aren't going to make up for that. So, celebrate Valentine's Day and make it special, but bring a little Valentine's celebration into every day!