I can understand people not liking Valentines, to be honest. I really can see why they wouldn’t want to buy into something which is so clearly a commercialised holiday pressuring people to spend money; I totally get it! However, that being said, I still absolutely adore it!
I’m not arguing about the way Valentines gets taken over by companies exploiting the holiday to force more sales; I’m simply saying it doesn’t have to be about that, and you can keep the sweet sentiment behind it.
For me, Valentines has always been about spreading a little bit of love. That’s it. You don’t need to spend a penny, and you don’t have to be in a relationship. No, really. I know loads of people then say ‘Oh but you shouldn’t need a reminder to show you love someone!’ – Yes, very true! I’m not disagreeing. But just because you celebrate Valentines doesn’t mean you don’t show love for the other 364 days of the year. If you DO only show you love someone on Valentines, then yeah maybe you need to rejig this a bit guys.
Gary and I get super excited for Valentines, and always look forward to it. You have no idea how happy it makes me to be with someone else who loves it just as much as I do! Especially because Gary hates celebrating birthdays, and he’s not really into Christmas. So for him to openly express how much he always likes Valentines, is just lovely! We always do something special, and it can totally vary from year to year. Sometimes we’ll take a trip somewhere and stay in a nice hotel, sometimes we’ll go for a romantic meal, and sometimes we will stay in and have a movie night with popcorn and wine. Either way, we’re happy! We both love creating DIY gifts for each other too, so there’s really no agenda into spending loads. In fact, we’ve even made our own Valentines cards for each other for the past 4 or 5 years.
So guys, c’mon. Get into the Valentines spirit maybe? You might love it! Do something special for someone, send someone a card, celebrate with a friend, tell your mum how much you love them, whatever!
There’s so much negativity in the world already, so I’m totally behind having at least one day about LOVE.
What do you guys think?
I’m the exact same I absolutely love it so much! It’s a lovely time to show love and appreciation to one another whether that be a partner or otherwise!!
Beckie xo // The Pale Tails
Love this so much Jemma! 🙂 Your are right, the idea of simply spreading love should always be celebrated in a positive way, whether it be to partners, friends or family, Valentines Day can be an extra reminder to just spread love. 🙂 We adore that you and Gary make each other cards and do something special every year, you’re giving us ideas! 🙂 We hope you have a magical day and enjoy every minute! 🙂 xxx
http://www.theblossomtwins.com
Love this post & you’re so right! My boyfriend and I don’t really celebrate Valentine’s as my birthday is the week after and our anniversary is only the month before – but it’s still a nice day to just be with people you love, relationship or no relationship 🙂 I love your little DIY gifts thing too, I’m totally stealing that for next year! 😉 P.s. your photography gives me life <3
I am a sucker for any kind of holiday. Valentine’s, Christmas, birthdays, anniversaries – any excuse to do something special that we don’t usually do. Of course, every day with my partner is special, but it’s nice to go that little bit further. Plus I love making DIY/handmade gifts!
http://www.thesmalladventurer.blogspot.com.au/
I’m not a huge fan of Valentine’s but I don’t hate it, either. I’m generally ambivalent about the whole thing, though I do wanna make it special for my boyfriend and I.
Ela | http://www.stealingyoursunbeams.wordpress.com
This is cute! I’m trying to get more into valentines day this year but, again, my partner doesn’t celebrate it. He doesn’t celebrate christmas either, but no fear because I’m spending the day with one of my best friends in stead. I don’t think it has to be a day of going over the top with gifts, just a card and a box of chocolates to remind someone you love them is perfect!
Lucy xoxo
http://lucyannblog.blogspot.co.uk
I used to hate valentines day, because I never had anyone (lol) but then I warmed to the idea of it and last year me and my friends did a little ‘secret santa’ but valentines day version and it was so cute!
Lucy | Forever September
I love this post! I’ve never had any one to spend Valentine’s Day with but I’m so happy to hear you enjoy it with Gary! That makes me very happy for you xxx
http://thriftyvintagefashion.blogspot.co.uk/
Love this and your ideas behind it 🙂
Valentines day didn’t bother me when I was single, I wasn’t one of these people to think ‘oh dear me, alone again’, but I definitely agree – It’s a great day to spread love, even if you’re not in a relationship. Like buying your Mom or Nan some flowers, making them your valentine :’) However, now I’m in a relationship, it’s just another excuse (not like we need it) to make a date / do something fun! 🙂 xx
Love this – I’m a huge fan of Valentine’s Day whether you spend it with your SO, mum, friend, whatever. Spread the love. The world’s so full of hate, a day dedicated to love is no bad thing right now! x http://www.aimeeraindropwrites.co.uk x
I don’t hate it – I’m just single for it lol. I am spending the day with my girl friends at college which should be good!
Erin || MakeErinOver
See what I love about Valentines Day is that you don’t HAVE to buy into the commercialism, you can make your own cards, cook your own meal, swap red boxes of chocolates out for books and framed pictures. You don’t need to buy a single thing with a bit heart sticker on, you could write a letter to a loved one, there’s so many alternatives! I do love Valentines Day!
Sarah 🙂
Saloca in Wonderland
In Finland Valentine’s day literally translates to “Friends Day” or “Friendship Day” – I love that! x
Laura // Middle of Adventure