Do you recall Valentine’s Day celebrations from the ’80s or ’90s? Back when you were just a kid in school? Those days were filled with fun! With Hershey Kisses, heart-shaped candies, and adorable, store-bought “I Choo-Choo-Choose You” cards for the whole class, it was simply delightful. It was a fantastic excuse to socialize with friends and indulge in sugary treats. And while the holiday had (and still has) its share of issues—issues too complex to cover in one brief article—Valentine’s Day has long been a treasure for little ones. I loved receiving conversation hearts and Lisa Frank stickers. But somewhere along the line, things changed. More specifically, parents changed, and now Valentine’s Day resembles more of a mini Christmas.
I know what you’re thinking: Who is this self-righteous person telling me how to spend my money and celebrate? She must be bitter and soulless. But hear me out—this is all in the spirit of love.
Valentine’s Day is fundamentally about romance. It celebrates affection, connection, and love. While the holiday has dark origins—St. Valentine was executed by Emperor Claudius II—the modern interpretation is about honoring those we hold dear. And while my kids enjoy video games and LOL dolls, those are merely items. They are toys, not expressions of affection. I would rather teach them about meaningful relationships through genuine interactions.
We kiss, bake cookies, color, dance, sing, and hug. We discuss what it truly means to love someone because love isn’t wrapped in a gift. It’s about kindness, respect, empathy, and support. We should cherish our time together, as the essence of the holiday implies.
Reasons to Tone Down Valentine’s Day
There are several reasons to tone down Valentine’s Day. First, the pressure of giving gifts can be financially burdensome. Not every family can afford a mini Christmas. Children who don’t receive gift bags or baskets may feel undervalued, which is disheartening. No child should feel unloved because they got Russell Stover chocolates instead of a Roblox gift card.
Valentine’s Day should be simplified because it teaches humility. We should appreciate the simple things in life. Often, the smallest gestures bring the most joy.
Additionally, no one needs the stress of another extravagant holiday. The shopping, wrapping, and planning can become overwhelming. The expectations can be unreasonably high.
Moreover, Valentine’s Day is just one day. Children should learn that holidays can be meaningful without elaborate celebrations. The most profound acts of love come from the heart.
Lastly, children already have enough toys. They receive treats at restaurants, lollipops at the bank, and an abundance of trinkets already fills their lives. My kids certainly don’t need another toy they’ll soon forget.
So, Karen, please leave your extravagant Valentine’s Day goodie bags at home. Your thoughtful gesture may feel good to you, but it can unintentionally create pressure for others. Store-bought or homemade Valentines are perfectly acceptable. A sticker or lollipop can make it special without the need for competition.
Call me Cupid’s cranky cousin if you wish, or label me a bitter old woman. Feel free to share your thoughts on social media or in comments, but consider this: our children don’t need extravagant gifts this Valentine’s Day; they need love, time, and connection with family and friends.
For more insights, check out this related post here. Additionally, for further information on the subject, visit Cryobaby’s home insemination kit, which provides authoritative guidance, or head over to Kindbody’s blog for excellent resources on pregnancy and home insemination.
Probable Search Queries:
- How to celebrate Valentine’s Day with kids?
- Meaningful gestures for Valentine’s Day
- Simplifying Valentine’s Day celebrations
- Teaching children about love and relationships
- Alternatives to gift-giving on Valentine’s Day
Summary:
Valentine’s Day has evolved from a fun and simple celebration of affection into a high-pressure holiday that resembles Christmas. The article argues for a return to the holiday’s roots, emphasizing love, kindness, and time spent together over material gifts. It encourages parents to focus on teaching children the true meaning of love rather than contributing to the commercialization of the holiday.