Through the years my view of Valentine's Day has changed. As a kid I would be all excited to turn a shoebox into a brown paper wrapped mailbox adorned with heart stickers. I was always proud of my creation and could not wait to have it filled with candy, treats, and character themed boxed valentine cards.
Fast forward a couple of years and you had the era of hoping to have a boyfriend or date on Valentine's Day. Someone to give you chocolates in a heart-shaped box and roses. This of course evolved over the years to nicer chocolate, a delicious dinner out, and roses from the florist. The more memorable Valentine's Day really didn't occur until I met the one and it was true love that we were sharing. Now, there were many valentines days spent with girlfriends and enjoying being single. Yes, I enjoyed it. I know not everyone does but I embraced it and viewed it as one day not a forever statement.
Now, I have my forever valentine and we have three of our own little loves. With this, Valentine's Day has taken on a whole new meaning. It has become a holiday of slight stress. No more of the simple valentine boxes and cards from a box. It's all about being crafty and using Pinterest to the best of your ability. And heaven forbid if my kids have a hand in making up any of it. One year I let my oldest take control of decorating her box and it was a sad state compared to the elaborate and themed boxes that lined her schools hallway. That was when I knew I had to have a hand in it. I don't mind having a hand in it but my oh my has it become a big deal holiday. With many trips to the craft store running into the other school moms all venting about the same thing, this is consuming my weekend! I now view this holiday differently than when I was a kid, a teenager, and the young married wife. I want to go back to the simplicity of it all. Let's go back to the little notes and chocolate that filled the simple brown wrapped shoebox covered with heart stickers. A day to enjoy others and just spread love. It all can be done with simplicity.
Kristen