Valentine's Day- Anxiety or Excitement?

Valentine’s Day became commercialized in the 1800’s. As with most holidays, February 14th has now exploded into a gift giving frenzy. I don’t know about you, but it gives me a lot of anxiety.

In elementary school it was being embarrassed by the boy who brought you flowers and a box of candy hearts in front of the entire class. To make matters worse the poor boy, who got the courage to do so, was punished because he didn’t bring enough for the whole class.

In middle school it was trying not to look like a total outcast when you didn’t get called to the office because no one got you a red "Love" carnation, or worse, you got a "Friend" color from the boy you liked.

Then in the dating years it was toiling over whether your gift would give the wrong impression because you’d only been dating for a month. Let's not even talk about the years when you weren't dating anyone at all on Valentine's Day.

Now that I am married I have a hard time even wrapping my brain around what to give to my husband with whom I’ve devoted my entire life and love to eternally. What could I possibly buy someone that could remotely equate to the feelings I have?

What does Valentine’s Day mean to your children? What has the media taught them to expect on this special day?

If you let the media teach your children the meaning of Valentine’s Day then they will be expecting gifts, candy and flowers from all their loved ones. A prosperous day of love! We all know that while these thrills may be felt momentarily, they will not last. Why would the merchants want them to last? They want you coming back for more because Easter is right around the corner!

Take back your teaching powers from the media and teach your children to show gratitude to the people they love.

This Valentine’s Day give your children something that will last. Give them the gift of gratitude. Have them write a note and show their siblings, family, teachers, and friends, the gratitude and appreciation they all deserve. Your children will learn to slow down and recognize how much the people around them influence their lives. This will be your everlasting gift!

“We tend to forget that happiness doesn’t come as a result of getting something we don’t have, but rather of recognizing and appreciating what we do have.” Frederick Keonig