Valntine's Day, How "Cheesy" Can We Get?

Valentine's Day? How cheesy can we get. Who needs a holiday to tell your "schmoopy" that you love them. Don't we do this every day in every thing we do. Working, cleaning, laundry, kid care, yardwork, fix it projects, dusting, taking out the garbage, etc.? Isn't Valentine's Day just another way for retailers to add to their bottomline?

Many married couples forego the Valentine ritual because they think it is just for people who are dating or it's a waste of money or too "cheesy." I have a different take on Valentine's Day and if you are one of those who doesn't celebrate Valentine's Day, you, my friend, are missing out and I will tell you why.

Dave and I have been Valentines for 29 years (yep that's right, since I was 15). About 7 or 8 years into our marriage, anticipating Valentine's Day, Dave asked, "do we still celebrate Valentine's Day?" I replied, "are we still in love?" He has never asked again.

I do agree that Valentine's Day is a little cheesy, but I still feel like a school girl when my hubby comes through the door with flowers, a little gift and one of those "super cheesy" Valentine's cards just for me. What a great opportunity to let your "honey bunny" know just how special they are. Who doesn't love a man (or woman for that matter) who can get a little "cheesy" and sentimental? (I know I do)

When I was a kid, my family had the tradition of leaving Valentine's gifts on the front step. The person leaving the gift would ring the doorbell, run and hide and wait to be found. The recipient of the gift was obligated to find the gift giver before he could touch the gift.

My dad was "the master" at this game. It would take us forever to find him. I think his greatest hiding spot ever was when he ran all the way around the house then, making sure we were all outside looking for him, snuck in the back door. It took us a little while to find him but when we did, there he was sitting on the couch reading the newspaper. I thought he was so cool.

I must say, I have an advantage on most because, I was raised by some "super cheesy" parents who always did sweet things for each other on Valentines Day. Not only did they give each other gifts but all seven of their children would get a valentine too. My mom would bake a blueberry pie for her "honey" and dad would always fill a big red heart with See's candies for his "honey."

Dad has been filling that same red heart for 30+ years. Just this past week went to visit my dad in the hospital. Mom was there and I heard dad ask her if she would go to See's and buy a pound and a half of chocolates so that he could fill her "heart" for Valentine's Day. Here he was in the hospital with heart problems and trying to solve another "heart problem." You don't get to celebrate 50 years of marriage, like my parents did, by avoiding "cheesy" holidays.

So next year when you walk into Target and see the Valentine's decorations hanging from the ceiling, I hope you won't think that Valentine's Day is just another retail holiday. I hope you will think of Valentine's Day as gift, a chance to let your hubby or wifey know just what it is that you love most about them. It doesn't have to be expensive, a homemade card or maybe a romantic dinner for two at home. Even if it's just spaghetti and meatballs. Taking that extra time and sharing gifts of love makes all the difference. Oh yeah, extra "cheese" please.