I have realized lately that I love Valentines Day just about more than any other holiday. It brings together so many of the things that are so important to me – appreciation, crafts, letter writing, chocolate and all done in the name of love. What’s not to love?
I’m not talking the commercial celebration of it all – the guilt, the obligatory rose, the holy crap I don’t have a gift to give kind of feeling.
I’m talking the heart of it all. The sharing of the expression of love. The letting people know just how much they are appreciated and valued and loved. Truly loved. No other strings necessary or attached. Love is where the heart is. The heart is where the love is.
I’ve decided this year I am going to extend the holiday to be more than just a day. I’m going to stretch it into an entire season starting, well, starting now I guess. I have dug out the necessary paper, scissors and glue. I am clearing a place on our table which will be active for the next 3 weeks at least. We are going to make cards and we are going to write love letters to each other and to family members spread around the country.
If Christmas can be extended like it is, why not Valentines Day? Starting today I’m going to write one love letter a day in an effort to spread the love. I’m going to start with my own family under my own roof then I’m going to send them far and wide. And perhaps the beauty of love is, giving it is just as much fun as getting it. Gotta love that!
3 Comments to 'Spreading the love'
January 20, 2012
I love your idea! It’s so true, if Christmas can be extended (without any of us being consulted) why not Valentine’s day? In the past few years I’ve been appreciating Valentine’s Day because it’s been a good way to help me teach “gratitude” to my kids.
My elementary-aged kids make a valentine for each child in their class and then write a “real” compliment (not just “you’re nice”) on each. It’s been such a helpful way, in the week before Valentine’s day, to get my kids to truly appreciate the people around them. However, it has taken some structure and support on my part. The skill of really seeing others and giving them a true compliment is not something that comes naturally. -At least in my family. It’s been well worth the effort, though.
January 20, 2012
Yes! I love when the kids make the homemade cards for school. One year my son was resisting so instead of paper and glue, he used small pieces of wood that he burned each kids name in with a wood burner! Way more manly for his liking!
I’m holding a mama’s craft night here in Austin on February 4th so the mamas can spend a little time making, writing and sharing the love. Here’s the link…
http://futurecraftcollective.com/2012/01/valentine-crafting/
January 20, 2012
I also love the idea. I wish to try it myself with my children. I just have to get organised at card making. If you have any suggestions, or web sites that share ideas it would help.
thank-you
stephanie
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