A Valentine Rant …

February 10, 2010

Let’s talk about V Day. I don’t think I too often get on my soapbox on leShrimp, but you’re just gonna have to bear with me today (or run screaming in the other direction)!

Valentine’s Day seems to have just always managed to become this crazy, silly, epic, massive IhatemylifebecauseIdon’thaveaboyfriend or mymanandIaresoinloveit’snotevenfunny, and I just don’t get it. Yeahhhh – there’s some legit history behind the holiday, I suppose, but let’s face it, ladies and gents (are there any gents out there?) – it’s a retail-fest more than anything else.

All I’m saying here is that all I really see the whole shebang as is another reason to make something epic for dinner, go on a fun date maybe, and get a little something special for your someone special. Don’t be broken-hearted because you don’t have a Valentine, either. He wasn’t there last week, either, and most of you were pretty okay with that.

Let’s make it lighthearted fun – the way it is for the niños – and just exchange those cute little tiny cards that come with a sucker and a clever little phrase.

What’s your take on the whole mess? Am I being entirely too dramatic?!

14 comments

  1. This is a great post. I remember having a lot of fun with v-day when the children were young—and I have to admit, heart shapes make me happy. Jeff and I have never spent a lot of money for this holiday and also believe that it is a bit silly to do so, but the sweet message of love that this holiday spreads is never lost on us.
    Have I told how much I love your blog?

  2. My best valentines memories are with my mom and sister. We would get flowers, chocolates, pink and red things for each other and just have fun us girls.
    When I got a boyfriend that didn’t change. Although now he gives me hand made things and extra lovin which is alright with me.

  3. I agree, I love presents, but we don’t do that round here. I give Chucky(my son, and sadly{sometimes, not so sad on other times} the only man in my life)a card and a fun treat- I HATE stuffed animals and fake flowers and it annoys me when I receive those from Chucky or anybody for that matter.

    Okay I just went all out there;}teehee
    I think that it is another way of squeezing our hard earned pennies out of us, why can’t people just make a card and give it everyday, make a special dinner everyday, etc?

    Happy V-Day!

  4. Well, this year, my guy is going to be inaccessible… he is in the Army. You are right though, it is just a spend fest. I am wanting to make Valentines day less of a pressure creator and more of a light hearted fun day where you do exactly as you said… exchange a small card. 🙂 So sweet.

  5. I feel that way about pretty much all holidays, it’s supposed to mean “Holy Day” not spend tons of money on things no one needs so that they will feel loved day. I think we need to focus on the positive things about each holiday and lose our obsession with consumerism.

  7. Bethany and Lindsey – I couldn’t agree more. My guy and I are doing a cute little brunch, and then I’m cooking a really nice dinner at home, and we’ll exchange small presents because I definitely do love any break from the ordinary.

    I suppose my main point is just that people put so much weight on a relatively trivial holiday and then get overly-disappointed if things don’t pan out. I’m more for anniversaries, myself!

  8. I think I agree with Bethany. I spent most of my life hating vday with a firey passion, but recently in my relationship I’ve taken it as a day to indulge. I send cards to my bf throughout the year, and I don’t really like the Hallmark Holiday – but it can be an excuse to go on an adventure.

  9. I think that most people can agree our society has a way to materialize and commercialize most holiday celebrations. Valentines day is absolutely full of crappy things to buy, but so is christmas, easter, etc.

    Last year my husband and I stayed the night in a random hotel that was cheap and in a part of town no one cares about. We had fun going swimming in the tiny pool and watching cable (which we didn’t have at home). Even if it is a silly holiday that people made up to sell greeting cards….it can still be a great excuse to indulge.

  11. I’m with you, though it is nice to have some kind of celebration during the what always seems to me to be the loooongest month of the year (President’s Day just doesn’t give me much of a thrill). My anniversary with my boyfriend also just happens to fall on V Day, but we normally celebrate by going halvesies on a fancy dinner.

  12. I have to agree. My husband and I don’t really celebrate it. I make heart shaped cookies for our kids, but that is it. I especially hate those Jewelry ads with that horrible tacky jewelry of the moment. They are trying to convince our men and us that their 3 circles necklace of tiny diamonds is the truest expression of love. Do the f’n dishes a few times without being asked is my greatest gift of love!

  13. I hear ya. LOL Valentine’s day has become so commercialized.
    I have an 8 yr old and I like how she does V-Day.
    We get construction paper, doodads and she makes special ones for those she loves.
    She also makes “not as special but still good” ones for those she likes but have cheesed her off during the year.
    It’s rather funny.

  14. I think Valentine’s Day is silly too. I love my hubby just as much every other day and see no need to go all out for a Hallmark holiday. All we ever do is make a nice dinner at home, which is perfect.

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