It is Valentine’s Day. And I freaking love it. I loved it even before my first child came into the world on Valentine’s Day six years ago. We were so lucky to get the most amazing gift ever. Now, I love Valentine’s Day more with each passing year.
See this cute kid.
She turned six today. For her, Valentine’s Day is the best day ever. For her sister’s, Valentine’s Day is the best day ever. For their friends at kindy and school, Valentine’s Day is the best. All the kids were rushing about this morning with big smiles on their faces. There was a buzz in the air. Joy and sunshine and giggles. There were cuddles and kisses and declarations of love. Homemade cards with hearts and glitter were given to parents and teachers. So much freaking happiness.
The longer I’m married and the deeper we entrench our lives in kids and routine and domesticity the less unbridled passion is part of our world. Love is shared daily with a simple look, a silly quip about the number 69, a quick touch of the bum, a croissant picked up from the bakery, a tag team house cleaning expedition or a hot cuppa in bed. It’s watching our children grow into amazing people. It’s sharing our life journey together – all the ups and downs.
But the day-to-day is exhausting and can grind you down. So, when Valentine’s Day comes around we embrace it. There’s no rush to immerse ourselves in the over-commercialisation of it. There’s no card for every kid in the class or expensive perfume. It’s about the thought. It’s about putting our love for each other on the front burner not the back burner. It pisses me off there’s so much negativity about it. It’s one day people. Why not grab hold of the days which promote love and run with it. Use it as a time to simply take that moment to kiss your partner with extra passion. Hold their hand again. Sit down as a family or with a friend you care about and tell them how much you appreciate walking this road alongside each other. Show your appreciation spontaneously on other days too, but why shun the chance to have extra embraces?
Valentine’s Day is about the sentiment, not the brouhaha. Push the cynicism aside just for the day. And if you choose not to recognise it, that’s fine too, but please let those who do relish it to enjoy it without having to justify why. Let me enjoy this damn fine chocolate orange without guilt.
Today is Valentine’s Day and today is my girl’s birthday and for that I will always freaking love it.
bigwords xx
Beautiful! Happy Birthday to your 6 year old!! Six year old girls just rock – can you tell my eldest turned six this year? We love Valentines in our house too, hugs and laughter, cards and little gifts, and a bit more effort for dinner time! Enjoy the whole day!
I’m so happy to read this post! I’m cranky at the bah-humbuggers (take the day off social media if it’s not your bag.) Enjoy that Terry’s! x
Yes exactly that!:)
Selby
I would tell you that my husband and I had a really big pash for Valentines Day. But you would tell me it’s gross, and you would write eeeeeeewwwwwww.
We’re heading out for dinner tonight. I embrace any opportunity to escape for dinner with my husband, I do not embrace Valentines cards for the entire Grade 4, 3 and 1 class – I’m afraid I do get a big bah humbug over that one. I love Valentines for grown ups – and I love your card. xx
A big Happy Birthday to your beautiful girl….the best Valentines Day pressie ever !!
I had a wonderful day at the nursing home mum is in.We did the dining room up in beautiful decorations.A kind man came and played love songs on the kepboard.
One lovely old man burst into tears as he and his visiting wife entered the room.Another man sat holding his visiting wifes hand tightly with the biggest smile on his face.A couple who both live there danced together in each others arms and had a big beautiful kiss while doing so.
At the end of the day so many came up,hugged and kissed us and thanked us for making their day so special.
The joy that gave me I cant put into words.
My neck and back is in much pain after the big day but my heart feels full tonight.
I saw love,I gave love and I received love.For all that I am grateful.
Here here! Love V Day and happy BIRTHday to you x
Hi I’m Heather! Please email me when you get a chance, I have a question about your blog! LifesABanquet1(at)gmail.com