JFF Who Considers Valentine's Day to Be a "Halmark Holiday"??

ooh, ooh, mememememe! I do not begrudge any one their celebration, but we try to use it more as a breather from everyday to remind each other of all the good qualities we love about eachother - a type of Thanksgiving day for love:)

My son's teacher taught them the real history of St. Valentine, who he was and what he did and how he was killed. The day is hyped by Hallmark, but it's a real saint with a real history, so I appreciated that. Their school celebrates with a "friendship day party" - candy is not allowed at all. It's a pain for me because we hand make cards - we give no money to Hallmark at all - but they have so much fun with it.

I think it's what you make of it. Not worth getting upset over it.

I don't like V-day at all. The kids like it because they get cards and candy in school, but like everything else, I feel like it's filled with unrealistic expectations. I feel sorry for my BIL: his wife demands he do something for this day every year and complains on FB how he failed yet again, then on the day he's out buying flowers at a grocery store. Then all her family feels sorry for her and how my BIL should take notes from so-in-so and shame on him. Good grief! I told my husband long ago that I don't want to celebrate it because if that's the only day of the year he can show me (and vice versa!) how much he cares for me and only because he's guilted into it, then it's meaningless.

Sure but it's something fun to break up the monotony of the winter. It's cold and dreary here, so pink hearts, cookies and cute little cards can lift spirits, give everyone a day to look forward to.

My DH got me a single rose and I got him a big candy bar. I got the kids a couple of pieces of candy, mylar balloons and a card. We had heart shaped pizza for dinner. I don't think we are greedy. I didn't have to sit around all crabby and bah humbug that this holiday was created by Hallmark. Who cares who created it - we had a nice day.

It's an excuse to go out to dinner for a nicer meal than usual. That's my take on it.

Dawn

Sweetest Day= Hallmark holiday. I never acknowledge that one. Besides, Halloween is two weeks later, and much more fun rather than Valentine's Redux.

Valentine's Day = Roman holiday for fertility co-opted by Christians. Has a long history, one that includes the tradition of writing love letters and sending cards. People have figured out how to profit from this tradition, yes.

February is tough up here in winter country in the Midwest and Northeast, even when there isn't much snow. It's nice to bring in some flowers to brighten up the house. It's nice to show affection for loved ones while we are still in the middle of cabin fever season.

Our family makes a point of showing each other affection daily, but we do like our holidays. My daughter could barely sleep the night before she could bring her homemade Valentine's Day cards to school. I've aimed to make holidays a day to use our creative talents on decorations, treats, games, costumes and cards, and it has caught on. I cannot imagine not celebrating it now.

I do. It's a meaningless holiday. I just look forward to the day after to stock up on discounted chocolate.

I agree with Luna. My opinion is that I think the people that complain about it are the ones who don't have a lover to celebrate with or if they do, he doesn't get them anything or they are disappointed with what they do or don't get.

I used to work in an office with a woman who would go on an on about how she "didn't like diamonds". She wore a simple gold wedding band and little else for jewlery. I had a VERY large engagement ring that the younger girls in the office practically daily would take turns wearing and pretending they were married. I'm *pretty* sure that that coworker would love diamonds if she had one herself.

I don't view it as a day that should "cause stress and super high expectations". A couple weeks before, my husband and I will start talking about it and tell each other what we would like to do, what we would like to have and what we will do for our kids. This year my husband bought me a necklace I wanted, a funny stuffed frog and my favorite chocolates. I bought him 2 boxes of his favorite chocolate and a sexy new nightie to wear for him. =) The kids just got iPhones so we told them they could pick an app for it and they got candy and a card. Our ex's have the kids this weekend so we will go out to a new restaraunt either this weekend or our next no-kid weekend.

I think anything is what you make of it. If you consider it a fun day to celebrate the people you love then great. If you think its stressful and hate it and don't do anything, then good for you. But don't hate others who like to celebrate it. JMO.

Oh, and I'm glad you are one of those women who has a hubby who loves and appreciates you every day...I am too! =)

This comic may be relevant to your interests. Also, it is the Oatmeal, so it's humor may not be for everyone and references masturbation if that offends you.

http://theoatmeal.com/blog/valentines_day

I think it is totally a "Hallmark Holiday". We let the kid get cards for school but that's it. We don't buy each other anything and we didn't buy the kids anything either.

We don't really celebrate v-day. It's a gimic holiday.

I get flowers, hubby gets sushi or something nice for dinner. That be that.

oooh!! me!! me!! me!!!

It's NOT Christmas.

We have a nice dinner (last night was steak and lobster).

Yes, my husband sent me a bouquet of Edible Arrangements. But overall? Nope. No gifts. Cards - if we think about it and find one - it's just another day!!

LOL any day that gets me out of the kitchen and into a beautiful, four star wine bar in the city with low lights, groovy music and beautiful, traditional Italian small plates is a day I'll take, Hallmark or not!
Oh, and I got to wear real, grown up clothes too! And I spent more than two minutes on my hair and makeup!

I feel just like Terese M. We've been very happily married for 19 years, and love each other very much, but we have never celebrated Valentine's Day. We don't mind other people celebrating, but we don't see the need. We do send Valentines with our youngest son for his school party, but he's in the 3rd grade, so hopefully he won't have to do that much longer.

I consider it to very much be a Hallmark day. It is unbelievable how much they want for cards! A card that will be read once and then thrown away.

My husband, my daughter, and I went on the computer/Internet and found free cards to make and that's what we gave each other--homemade cards. It's the thought that counts, it's letting someone know you love them. I don't think we need to pay a company lots of our hard-earned dollars to do that.

Actually, I think most of our holidays are getting way too commercialized. Am actually quite sad about it. Buy, buy, buy. Most of them don't even talk about what the special days mean any more. I find that very sad.

Funny, my sweetie and I were just expressing our disdain for Hallmark holidays. We hate the commercialism too, but we are both romantics, so here's what we do: celebrate the day and each other with the understanding that neither one of us will spend a single penny. Instead we share the kinds of things that celebrate how much we value our intimate romantic connection: poetry, a back rub, a bath, a footrub, funny or thoughtful musings on love, remembering good times. This year, he read me this Jon Carroll column (http://www.sfgate.com/entertainment/carroll/article/Good-...) that provided lots of food for thought. I love him!

I don't have a strong opinion on Valentine's Day either way. It isn't something I think is worth having actual feelings about.

My husband brought flowers home yesterday, but he does that on random days too. The main difference is that this bouquet was pink, red and white. Like you, I feel cherished all the time and that is what is important.

I think its a good touch point for expressing all types of love. It should not preclude doing that on any other day but it certainly is a great reminder!

Also, it helps reign me in from spending big bucks all the time on the delicious but pricey chocolates at the local chocolate boutique! LOL!

I personally would be pissy if this was the only day we did special things for each other and there was huge build up and pressure...then let down for unmet expectations.

But...to us it is just a fun red/pink/white day when everyone greets each other on the streets,school,work,stores,post office with a "Happy Valentine's Day." Fun parties at school for kids. Mine made homemade Valentines's for all friends and attached a pencil. "You're WRITE for me!" (yep..I was one of THOSE moms that sent homemade cards and no sweet treat..who knows about next year...)

We have no expectations. We usually write nice little messages of love for each other....and have a fun "holiday" type day with the kids. Homemade heart pizzas and they each got a helium balloon and heart chocolate. It made ME happy to see them feel so special. For me...the day is actually more for the kiddos.

As for the hubs and I? I gave him a funny..yet sweet card (from the Dollar Store) and a big bucket of mixed nuts with a note that read "I am NUTS about you!" He did something big this year and bought us a month of dance lessons. He is as excited as I am for our date nights movin' and groovin' together. Oh...and he gave me a cute card that eluded to the fact he is nuts about my butt. Boys and their fascination with butts....never grow out of that eh?! ANd then like we do a few times each week...connected in ways only a husband and wife can ; )

So...Halmark or not...we have fun with it. And we don't live up to any commercial expectations. We don't have to take a loan out for gifts.

We kind of celebrate our love every day..by saying and showing it often!!

my hubby and i give each other a card. thats it. many years ago we would do the whole try to give each other gifts things but like a lot of you my husband shows his love every day in the things he does for the family and so do i. so don't need fancy underwear, candles, candy etc to show it. i do give cards / gifts to the grandkids usually something small. this year it was a pair of goves for one grandson, and some earrings for the granddaughter and $5 in a card for the oldest one. nothing extravagant. and no way would I be taking days off work to celebrate it with the kids. my mom never took days off work to come to every little thing at school and we turned out just fine.

I think of it like Halloween because it's fun for the kids. My kids handed out cards at school and I gave cards to the kids I worked with. (The little ones I gave cards to yesterday lit up when they got them!) My husband and I go out for lunch. No gifts.

My husband came home with a card for me (bless his sweet heart) that cost $8.99!!! Yes $8.99!!!! And it was a pretty card but c'mon.

Yes, it is totally out of control. I actually see people with Valentine yard decorations.

I guess we're supposed to put away the Christmas stuff and get out the Valentine lights.

Sheesh.

I agree w/ you...you said exactly what I always say. I'm not a big downer on the day. And I think it's cute when others celebrate, but have no expectation of gifts (I am spoiled and get random gifts all the time!) We love each other every day. I like cards, but think they are a waste of money for the most part...expensive and not many people save them!

We did get chinese food (after the school conferences last night) and the kids got some chocolates when we stopped to stock up on some fruit at the store!

I've been married 19 years and together over 23, I KNOW my husband loves me. :) Still a fun, cute day and I don't mind seeing everyone elses silliness/love on fb!

We went out to dinner to celebrate the fact that my husband got a job after being unemployed for 9 months. It just so happened to also be Valentine's Day. I got him a card and a 4lb tub of Red Vines. He got me a card and promised to get me some strawberries.

The only reason I've ever done anything for V day is because I love candy. But I've pretty much given it up. So now it's just another day. :-)

For me, Valentines day has always been more of a fun day for kids. I love to get the little candy sugar hearts with sayings on them, and have to have my cinnamon candy hearts. As for the Valentine cards themselves, homemade is always best in my opinion.
We told the children the legends of St. Valentine this year and they were amazed. They thought we were joking at first, but when they realized we were serious, they were absolutely dumbfounded that there was a basis for the day beyond just the fun aspect.

Of course it's a Hallmark Holiday. I use it as an opportunity to give my kids a little something (candy). I don't care so much about whether my husband does something big, or much at all. Mother's Day is much more meaningful to me. (Even thought it's a Hallmark Holiday too.)

we celebrate in our own way. My kids were so excited and they dressed fancy and had fun. We hand made their cards for school. I made pink heart shaped pancakes. Hubby is not allowed to buy me flowers not just for valentine's day but anytime. Unless he is buying them and planting them and growing them. I have worked in the floral industry and the mark up especially at valentine's day is something I wont deal with. Plus anyone can buy flowers. I do think it is fun to do a special something. We made a nice dinner at home. I tried to get some special cupcakes on the way home from work but they were sold out so we settled for a marie calendars pie. The thing that makes me nervous is my 7 year old got a special bear from a boy at school and no one else got one... and so it begins...

Ug, I so do! It's nice to know I'm not alone. Hubby and I don't really even celebrate it. He would if I wanted to (he used to when we were dating, until I asked him to please stop), but I really don't. It's not that I hate the holiday, but I do kind of think it's silly. And when I see the gifts guys get for their girls, sometimes, seriously, I have to just roll my eyes (with FB, it has become so much easier to see which girls insist their guys go all-out). Hubby still brought me flowers yesterday, which was nice, but he does that occasionally. I'm very lucky, I guess, that I don't feel I need a day to remind me I'm loved. He lets me know regularly.

We got the kids a little something. And went to dinner (however, we probably would have gone out for dinner even if it wasn't Valentine's Day).

I don't like for other reasons that have nothing to do with it being Valentine's Day. But I don't like flowers, and don't wear jewelry and I can buy my favorite candy anywhere, anytime much cheaper!

My household isn't a big Valentine's Day fan either. shrug. I just think that spending all that money is silly (at ANY time of the year hehe).

The only cute thing is having my son exchange valentines at school and all the cute little hearts that decorate our windows. And even then, it's kinda silly to exchange valentines with other kids who don't know the meaning of the cards, which sometimes have inappropriate sayings on them.

Mine probably stems from high school. The cheerleaders always had the carnation sale where you could red, white or pink carnations to people in the school, and of course, your popularity was gauged by how many flowers you had at the end of the school day. I usually had 3 white ones... 1 from each of my best girl friends.