Scan of a Valentine greeting card dated 1909. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
As the pressure of Valentines Day bears down on everyone, anxiety levels get worse and worse with each passing year. Everywhere you look, furrowed brows gaze upon chocolates in heart-shaped boxes, balloons, flowers, and the card aisle which has an unbreakable blockade of men searching for perfect words on a valentine card.
Grade school children are among those who feel the pressure of gift giving all in the name of love. As if a child knows anything of this powerful emotion. Nonetheless, a ten-year old girl is out there at this very moment worried if her crush will appreciate his valentine.
The blame is solely of mass marketing and media outlets pressuring people into celebrating this occasion that’s somehow regarded as a holiday. Valentines Day has become a custom woven into American culture that’s comparable to Christmas.
Legend says that Saint Valentine endured persecution by the Roman Empire and imprisoned for performing wedding ceremonies for those forbidden to marry. Appointed for execution he wrote a farewell letter to his jailer’s daughter signed, “from your Valentine.”
Adapted as the most romantic day of the year, Valentines Day can either make a relationship or break it. Chalk it up to a make up day for disappointing birthdays and anniversary celebrations. This leaves men burdened with responsibilities of publicly worshiping their woman by ways of flamboyant gifts. And for some mind-boggling reason, these gifts grant a full pardon from those who were laid up with broken hearts. As if last years misery didn’t exist at all.
Brilliant marketing strategy!
Since the early 1900’s card companies have raked in billions of dollars
Brides (Photo credit: cheriejoyful)
with their written sentiments. In the 1980’s those in the diamond industry had a lightbulb moment and cashed in on the guilt ridden hearts of all men. The 20th century officially deemed such an occasion for renewing wedding vows and marriage ceremonies.
As reservations are kept and chocolate smiles are painted on faces, participation in the pageantry of February 14th is a reminder that it’s not just another day. It looks, taste, and smells better than any other.
Another Christmas is upon us. The trees are aglow, decorations put up, and lights are strung from every corner of the city to the other. Holiday shoppers are nearly finished, smiling as the piles of gifts grow. Glad tidings, good food, and cheer galore all for you to enjoy. The only thing left is to finish the wrapping and prepare the feast.
Through the eyes of child, magic becomes real. Everything looks beautiful as it sparkles and shines, people are giving warm smiles and friendly hugs, presents appear out of nowhere and there is more candy to eat than on Halloween. Watching children countdown to Christmas morning puts butterflies in my tummy and makes me giggle as they snoop through the packages under the tree and sneak another piece of fudge. Everything is an awesome game as they attempt to guess who got what. It truly makes me happy to experience the holiday with my children who are under the seasons spell.
Words are not enough to express what Christmas means to me as it is not about the gifts under the tree. There isn’t any material object that could be given that I would treasure more than the love I have from my family and friends. Cliché I know, but true.
I hope and pray all of you are having a blessed holiday, whichever one you celebrate! May peace and joy be with you!
Shell de Toni 