The magic of Valentine’s Day. An excuse to pause and, quite literally, smell the roses. For all the consumerism around any widely celebrated occasion, Valentine’s Day is a beautiful excuse to love on your favorite person in the world and do something special with them.
Yes, every day should be special with the one you love and blah blah blah. But life is busy and complicated. Having a day set aside to stop and celebrate love, that’s worthwhile.
I’ve always enjoyed celebrating Valentine’s Day with my wife. We used to have one person plan it and then switch roles the next year, which is a fun way to take turns in surprising each other. The last two years though have been a lot more low key with a little one. This year we ordered some sushi and feasted under the shadow of my wife’s large flower bouquet after the little one went down.
Having a daughter is giving me reason to consider this day more carefully. As her father, I am setting the example of what she will expect from the man in her life. Not only how I treat her mother and celebrate her - which I always want to do exceptionally well - but also how I celebrate her on these days. It will put a standard in her heart and mind of what is acceptable or not. I want that standard to be exceptionally high.
Not in the sense that she should feel entitled to exorbitant gifts or exotic shows of affection, but that she is worth taking the time to celebrate and love on. That Valentine’s Days for her are special memories with her parents before she falls in love.
My mom often used to get me a card and chocolate growing up, which I did not appreciate enough - thanks mom! My wife’s mom did the same. Maybe that’s why we both like celebrating this day. My hope is that we can pass on a tradition of celebrating love rather than cynicism.
I hope your Valentine’s Day was fun. If not, take solace in the fact that heart shaped chocolates will be on sale this week.
