Traditionally, I appreciate that February is often an exhausting and sometimes depressing month. Finances are often still a little strained post-Christmas and New Year activities and it is still cold, but without the cosiness. For most of my life it has certainly ranked up there as one of my least favourite months – not least due to the existence of February 14th.
St. Valentine’s Day (also known as “that day” or, in my mind, “the loneliest day in the year”) is a Marmite occasion, isn’t it? One either loves or loathes it.
This year (for the first time in more than twenty years), I sampled the day from the “love it” angle and most interesting it was too. Of course, if I can finally do it – so can you!
First of all, we celebrated early and, in that way, avoided having our special time corrupted by hype, disconnecting over-commercialism and unrealistic expectations. (That is definitely a tip worth noting!) Second, we continued our theme of hand-made gifts. (How did we all as individuals get sucked into the lie that mass-produced and generic is better for unique, precious people as, indeed, are we all?) Third, underpinning our celebration of our material presents, we appreciated the significant gifts of each other, a second chance and the investment which we make in our relationship every day.
Not shallow, not schmaltz, just depth, sincerity and truth.
Definitely, more of the same next year, please!
