Why I love Valentine’s Day

January 29, 2019
By Beth Herrild

I LOVE Valentine’s Day and probably not for the reasons you think. It’s not for the commercialization, red roses from my husband or romantic evenings, although those are lovely. I love it because it gives me a chance to be creative in ways to show my love for family and friends and no one really expects anything. Unlike Christmas or other holidays where gifts are expected, Valentine’s Day kind of runs under the radar for most people. Sure, they know Valentine’s Day is February 14th, but if they have any expectations, those are usually only directed at a partner.

When our kids were little, we did things like posters in the dining room listing all of the unique little reasons we loved each of them and encouraging them to tell each other a few reasons as well. Asking siblings to reflect on and communicate what they appreciated about each other was often challenging but, I think, well worth the modeling. One year, I purchased a paper mache´ heart ornament from the craft store. I removed the hanging loop, painted it and decoupaged on the words “random acts of kindness & love.” The idea was that whoever had the heart was supposed to do something kind, with love for another sibling without telling her and then just leave the heart in her room. Then that sibling would have to do something for someone else and so on. We kept it going for a while. It literally warmed my heart!

Valentine’s Day provides all of us opportunities to be creative. This year, I challenge you to seize the opportunity to be creative and show your love in the world in some way! Use your imagination and find a creative outlet that works for you. Heaven knows, our world could use a little more love. And if you want to do something romantic and fun with your partner, why not make art together over wine and some creative appetizers? Discovering something new together will bring you closer. Try one of our Art With Friends boxes for 2.