For those who do practice Valentine's Day celebrations, try this: eat out for 1/2 price +/-

I do love things like Valentine's Day, but I agree...without falling for all the commercialized stuff (similar to how I feel about Christmas). I try to pre-plan a really nice homemade dinner. We get each other cards and I am blessed with flowers. We just take the evening to talk and enjoy each other. Sometimes I get crazy and send a million little hearts in his lunchbox, some with sayings. Or spray paint a huge red heart in the snow if the weather allows. It all depends. Of course, we've only been married 3 years....still in newlywed phase!

Anne, that really struck me about your mother's final condition, and how a color can cause a shiver up the spine. I'm sorry for this sadness. Gims, I'm with you. You know when I really enjoyed Valentines Day? When I was young enough to make cards for my mother. Last year, when I was visiting my 101 year old Grandmother, she gave me a box of cards to look through, and there, from about 1935 was a Valentines' day card made by my mother for her mother. And all their lives, neither mother or daughter thought they loved each other. All their lives, still to this day. I still make Valentines day cards for both of them, but not for my husband. Go figure!

Thinking of the elderly on V-day, years ago when our sons were small. They were making out their little valentines for school. My dad's X brother in law - who lived with him at the time (2 old fart bachloers LOL a real ODD couple!) anyhow he stopped by & the boys gave him a Valentine. HE was such a Dear to them. He went home fine, planning to go to a dance later that evening, he laid down for a nap and passed away. Why is this important..when he was found he was holding the little Valentine, smiling..I still have it in an evvelope with his obit.
QB

Anne, I am so sorry, really. That is something I never thought of: bringing Valentine cards to the elderly, or just anyone who would smile. I think based on LJ's post I might make an effort on Valentines Day, although we are not newlyweds! My MIL sent me a card every week while I was going through cancer. It just occurred to me that she might get a kick out of Valentines Day. I did not do cards at Christmas this year. Maybe I can get in the spirit for Valentines Day. Gimster, I have told my husband if he needs to run by Walmart and pick up a tacky vase with an old rose, then don't bother! He'll never do that again!

Anne, I'll add an additional 'so sorry you had to go through what you did.' That had to be tough, truly tough.
QB, I love that story.
PL, we've been round and round over this one. He once brought home an eternity ring. I hurt him so badly when I took it back. 1st, I don't wear jewelry (besides my wedding band), and I'd rather put the money toward bills (being very practical, and somewhat a money worrier). I don't even want flowers. One year, he signed up for me to receive a bouquet a month, starting with VDay. They were gorgeous, each month bringing a different type. But, it really was a waste. I'd much rather him scooch over and peck me on the cheek, or give me an unexpected wink, or put what he calls "our song" on the CD player when I don't expect it. I like that kind of love making. Obviously he doesn't - I could tell you a good one, but this is too public a forum... and I'm so lol...

Aw, gimster! It sounds like you have a guy that a lot of ladies would die fore. Some women receive nothing...ever. Practical is good but in this life we only go around once and it's nice to enjoy SOME nice things.

Dotsie..my partner and I try to get away for an overnite a few times during the year, too. Well, one or 2 overnites per visit . It´s a wonderful idea to get away from it all with the one you love. We have this luxury hotel that we usually go to..that has normal rates because it´s become part of a chain of hotels now.Hotels are VERY expensive here in Sweden..so that´s such a treat!..and we play chess the WHOLE time and discuss politics...



I love extra holidays like Valentine´s Day..just another reason to celebrate. It can be done very modestly..but just the fact that the day is alittle special is nice... of course, I work with kids..so maybe that´s why I like Valentine´s Day A box of chocolates in the shape of hearts are very popular here.

Gims, I am a total money worrier, which theoretically repels money! Even though you are practical, your hub did choose some great gifts. I have not been lucky in the gift giving department lately. I run out of ideas. He'd be happy if I watched a football game with him, and actually got into it.

Humlan, that's exactly how I feel...."another reason to celebrate." One of my goals for the new year was to not see so much in a negative light...things that are meant to be nice but because of my thinking, turn into a hassle. It's usually because I try to do too much which causes me to be negative. I want a better attitude. Valentine's just gives me a reason to celebrate love for a man that I was blessed to find, "warts and all" (after all, I have some, too!!)I realize that at any moment he could be taken away from me and I would have the "if onlys." So I choose to celebrate love and commitment. I don't know what we'll do but it will be low key. And so what if he comes home with grocery store flowers? It will be something that he stopped, perused for the best he could find and has joy in giving. We can hurt feelings so easily by rejecting someone's giving. I wouldn't treat a friend that way, so why would I treat my mate for life that way? Life everyday can be difficult enough. I look forward to celebrating for any reason this year!