Sometime in my late childhood my mom decided to go all out for Valentine’s Day. She began collecting heart decorations and planning parties for friends and family. I wasn’t sure at the time why she was so excited about this particular day. After all, Christmas would come and go with little fanfare but February 14 would approach and she would light up.
She passed away over 18 years ago and I still reflect on her love of this day each year. After she went to be with the Lord I held a Valentine’s Day brunch in her honor. One and done, as I didn’t repeat her annual tradition after that.
My mom has been heavily on my mind this year as I have had two very recent dreams where she is visiting me and telling me she loves me. So, I decided to throw a little party again in her honor. My mother in law and some of her friends seemed happy to attend my little gathering on February 13.
Unlike my mother’s annual event, which usually had around 20 people or so, mine had 5. Looking back I don’t know how she pulled it off each year. She loved spending days in the kitchen preparing different entrees leading up to the event. I definitely enjoy the decorating aspect more than the food. I often think my mom and I would make such a perfect pair if she was still with us. She would have loved sitting around our large dining table.
Anyways, I finally think I understand why my mom loved this holiday above all the rest. It is a day to share God’s love with the people in your life you care about. Also, unlike Christmas and Easter, it requires much less pressure in the way of presents and preparation. And let’s face it, those of us who live in Northern Minnesota need a little help getting through our long winters. A bit of light and beauty in the middle of February amid freezing temperatures and snow laden grounds goes a long way for our outlook.
Valentine’s Day is for everyone! As I have raised our sons I always have tried to keep the focus on God’s love rather than romantic love on this special day. I encourage you to spend the day doing activities you love with people or pets you care about. I enjoy meditating on scriptures that focus on love, which there are many to choose from.
With a few simple touches the warmth of the holiday can easily be embraced. This year, I purchased some realistic looking faux pink peonies, which I placed in tin buckets placed on a wooden board. I added in red glass candle holders which were gifted to me a couple of years ago. Some satiny pink ribbon and heart paper cutouts rounded out the table look.
The mantle carried out the same pink, red and white theme. Pink faux tulips in white rustic pots, wooden hearts garland and red heart lights and candles are a whimsical way to celebrate the day. These decorations will stay up through February as they are pretty for me to look at.
Other touches added are my open shelving and vent hood in our kitchen, chalkboard stand that gets changed throughout the year and other small touches sprinkled in throughout the house. The decor has to be simple as I only allow myself one Valentine bin for decorations.
In honoring my mother, I realize love multiplies when we share it. How about you? Do you like to decorate and celebrate Valentine’s Day? If so, what are your favorite ways to spread the message of love to those around you?
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