Happy Valentines Day!

an early wish to you!

depending on where you are relationship wise reflects how you feel about Valentines Day.

I remember when Ashley was in college she and her friends had a F*&^% Valentines Day party for all the single folk. . . sounds about right. If you aren't involved in a relationship, or budding relationship who wants to see all the sappy commercials on TV or watch people in public fawning over each other? and where the heck did this holiday come from? it is really a "Hallmark holiday" as so many (single) people say?

I've done research (so you don't have to) and this is what I found.

There are varying opinions as to the origin of Valentine's Day. Some experts state that it originated from St. Valentine, a Roman who was martyred for refusing to give up Christianity. He died on February 14, 269 A.D., the same day that had been devoted to love lotteries. Legend also says that St. Valentine left a farewell note for the jailer's daughter, who had become his friend, and signed it "From Your Valentine". Other aspects of the story say that Saint Valentine served as a priest at the temple during the reign of Emperor Claudius. Claudius then had Valentine jailed for defying him. In 496 A.D. Pope Gelasius set aside February 14 to honour St. Valentine.
Gradually, February 14 became the date for exchanging love messages and St. Valentine became the patron saint of lovers. The date was marked by sending poems and simple gifts such as flowers. There was often a social gathering or a ball.
In the United States, Miss Esther Howland is given credit for sending the first valentine cards. Commercial valentines were introduced in the 1800's and now the date is very commercialised.

So, all that being said, what are your plans?

again I suppose it depends on where you are relationship wise.

a new relationship? so exciting . . . as long as you acknowledge the day you can't go wrong here.

small children in the house? give the lady a break, make dinner or order in, take care of the kids so she can have a bubble bath and maybe go to bed early. (compliment her)

older children? make dinner or take her out so she doesn't need to cook. (be sure to compliment her)

empty nesters? same as all above . . have fun- she will compliment you!

** might I just add here that I have a wonderful Valentine, always remembers and always plans something**

stay tuned for celebration hints for Presidents day.