The one thing I really enjoy about Valentine’s Day celebrations is watching my friends try to craft Valentine boxes for their kids for school.
Some of them prefer pre-made, “some assembly required” kits as opposed to the old reliable shoebox.
Others are rather crafty and can fashion a Valentine box out of the most mundane items like tackle boxes or repurposing a coffee can or something.
It certainly acts as a great bonding experience for parents and children.
But, it also prompts me to try and recall what I did as a kid.
I was lucky enough to have my mom – a gifted crafter and creative person – so I know our boxes weren’t lame.
Even then, the only one that sticks out in my memory was the time we made a “box” out of a plastic flower pot, tissue paper, cardboard, assorted beads, lace, a small doll, and a variety of paint.
When the project was finished, I even won a prize for it being one of the best boxes for my grade level back then.
If I squint and stare at the ceiling long enough, I’m pretty sure the memory was from the fourth grade at Tenie Holmes Elementary.
In fact, I’m also fairly confident that there’s a picture of me holding that box with its little award-winning ribbon on the side.
Outside of that, the rest just fade into a blur of red and pink hearts and much-coveted Valentine cards with candy attached.
Kids these days have it easier since candy and snack Valentine’s cards have become more widely manufactured and available.
Decades ago, I remember taping cards to candy pieces and handing them out as dictated to my classmates.
Nowadays you can just write directly on the candy packaging and hand over a piece of candy without much fanfare or pomp.
I do have to say that sounds like it saves some time, for sure.
Even as an adult, we often enjoy store-bought gifts and experiences instead of most cards.
But, there are a few close friends and family that I go out of my way to make things for as gifts.
And not just for Valentine’s Day, but for birthdays, weddings and other personal celebrations.
I also don’t believe in just focusing on significant others for Valentine’s Day.
Give gifts of love to your family, friends and even pets – the world needs more love in it.
After all, a gift of love could be as minimal as doing extra work around the house or surprising a loved one by telling you that you love them.
That last one is definitely more worthwhile if you haven’t said those three little words for some time.
Pets are the easiest to share and gift with love because all you have to do is spend time with them or give them extra pets.
Valentine’s Day is about love – not about price tags or “stuff.”
As The Beatles song says, “All You Need Is Love.”
That being said, I’m more excited about the day after Valentine’s so I can score all that discounted candy!
