Valentine’s Day

Happy Valentine’s Day everyone,

I do hope today is as wonderful as each and everyone of you. I hope today is spent making memories with that someone special, especially if that someone is you, after all, you are the greatest Valentine ever.

Tonight I’m spending time with John and Grant. My boys have their own special plans with the loves of their lives, and I couldn’t be happier, so as far as I’m concerned, it’s a happy day. What are your plans? I’ll be making us a nice roast for dinner and then hopefully, we can enjoy a movie.

The next couple of days promise to be super busy. I’m heading back to the lake house for a couple of days, then back to San Diego to celebrate Grants birthday with all his friends. Throwing a little party on Saturday, then Tuesday we will have a family dinner and we’ll finish off with next Saturday celebrating Grant with our lake family. I’m excited for all the fun over the next week.

As you all know, today is Valentine’s Day and it’s interesting how it became a holiday. Across the US, stores are stocked with cards, flower arrangements and lots of candy for buyers to purchase and give as gifts to their loved ones. Did you know, Valentine’s Day is based upon St. Valentine, or a St. Valentine? It’s thought one of three saints is the reason behind the holiday and two of those saints were named Valentine and one Valentinus. These three were known as martyrs. Interesting though, Valentines Day and the story of St. Valentine are definitely, covered in mystery.

The month of February has for as long as can be remembered, been a month to celebrate love and romance. Valentines Day also is intertwined with not only the Christian, but ancient Rome traditions.

It was during the Middle Ages when France and England believed the bird’s mating season began on February 14, which paved the way for Valentines Day to be a associated with a day for romance. Also, as far back as the Middle Ages, Valentine greetings were popular, however, it wasn’t until after the 1400’s when written Valentines started their popularity.

“The oldest Valentine in existence today was a poem written by Charles, Duke of Orleans to his wife back in 1415 while he was imprisoned in the Tower of London.”-History.com.

So what about all those Valentine cards and gifts we’ve come so accustomed to giving and receiving? Well, it was back in the middle of the 18th century when not only lovers, but friends of all social classes began to exchange small tokens of affection along with handwritten notes, and of course, by the early 1900’s, the printed Valentine made it’s debut. It is thought that the writers and creators of Valentine cards expressed very well what people wanted to say to each other, therefore, they escalated in popularity over handwritten notes.

Valentine cards are now, according to Hallmark, the second most sold cards with Christmas cards still taking the lead.

According to Good House Keeping magazine, American’s spend a lot on love. GHK said, “according to the National Retail Foundation, Americans spent nearly $26 billion on Valentine Day gifts in 2023. People were also expected to spend an average of approximately $193 for Valentine’s Day last year.”

One thing I appreciated most about the history of Valentine’s Day is simple. When it began, it was not only an exchange of love for your partner, but for your friends as well. Valentine’s Day can be sad for those that are without a partner in their lives. We all know someone whose alone today, but they shouldn’t feel left out on this holiday of love. They might not be our romantic partner, perhaps they’re a friend or family member, yet they still hold a special place in our heart. So why not give a shout out to that person who may be missing their lover, or maybe they haven’t found him/her yet. Shoot them a text, give them call. I’m sure they’d love to know they are loved, they are valued and they are not alone.

Happy Valentine’s Day to all you lovers out there. Happy Valentines Day to all you singles too. Whether you are still looking for your person, or you’ve found yourself to be quite happy without another, I wish you nothing but love, not only today, but always.

Gotta love ourselves before we can truly give love to someone else.

Happy Valentine’s Day to each and every one of you. No matter what you may or may not be doing today, I hope love has found you in the best way possible. I hope if your not in a relationship with someone other than yourself, I hope you are still surrounded by knowing just how loved and appreciated you are.

Much love to you all, and please don’t forget, Love Life++ hugs….