In Our Element – Traditions & Valentine’s Day
We are in the midst of the month of love. I don’t know about you but I am so looking forward to Valentine’s Day. Not because I need or want chocolates or flowers but because it’s another day to celebrate “love.” Not just the love between hubs and me, but it is also a chance for me to do something special for my daughter and my grandchildren. There was also a time when I would include my co-workers in my Valentine’s Day gifting with a homemade card and a piece of chocolate attached.
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It’s another day that reminds us to be nice to the people we care about and with whom we spend the most time. I remember the first time I surprised coworkers with a simple Valentine card with a piece of chocolate attached. It was such a small thing to do, but it seemed to be so appreciated. And because of that, I made it a tradition. This was a very popular tradition and I kept it up for 8 years until I moved to a very large company and I allowed the tradition to fall by the wayside. I’m sorry I allowed that to happen. However; now I am no longer a part of a large organization and now that I am with a small, close-knit group again, I am contemplating re-introducing this tradition. It’s a small gesture but one that makes everyone involved feel a little more connected.
No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted.
As for hubs and me, he really looks forward to doing something special for me on this day as well, but I don’t need that. It is my pleasure to have the opportunity to intertwine my life with his. It is my joy to be his Mrs. And the last 4 years of my life with him have, for the most part, all been Valentine’s Day worthy. So I allow him to decide what I receive for that day. I do not need one more piece of jewelry and as I said above, chocolates or flowers are not necessary either, but if he decides I deserve them, I will accept them with a smile on my face, a song in my heart, and the gratefulness of someone who realizes how special it is when someone loves you enough to go the extra mile.
I have one other tradition for this day. Each year I build a basket or a bag for my daughter and both grandchildren. The basket includes small things. Candy of course, but it also includes puzzles, books, generally a stuffed animal and other small items I know they love or need. Again, a small gesture, but one my kids look forward to receiving and I look forward to giving.
Behold, children are a heritage from the LORD, The fruit of the womb a reward.
Psalms 127:3
So Valentine’s week is all about traditions for me. Traditions do not have to be extravagant or cost a fortune. They simply need to come from the heart. And remember sometimes, just as in organization, the little things have the largest impact.
My prayer for you this Valentine’s week is that you will build traditions. That you will connect heart to heart with the important people in your life. That you will feel the joy of giving and embrace that it is indeed better to give than to receive.
What new traditions will you begin with your loved ones this week?
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Until next time…I remain in my Element – God Bless!
I do like maintaining traditions, Clarissa. I think children and grandchildren appreciate them and like the comfort of something familiar and cozy in their lives.
My husband usually buys me flowers for Valentine’s Day and takes me out to dinner, which I really enjoy!
What a lovely post! My husband absolutely loves hand made Valentines. He has the cutest little grin and acts so sweet when he opens them! You’re absolutely right about no need for expensive gifts, just give from the heart! -Marci @ Stone Cottage Adventures
Such great ideas! I love Valentines Day!
Awe, what a sweet post about love and traditions ♥ Shared on Fb, G+, Pn, and Tw ♥
I really connect with this post on love & Valentine’s Day. I did a post once on the different kinds of love we have in our life. Our hearts, minds, and souls sure are full.
I don’t get very much into Valentine’s day for whatever reason. Husband and I usually go to dinner but that is about it. Liked your post though.
Very beautifully written Clearissa and so true!
Awww, Thank you Teresa. It was from the heart!
Hi Victoria,
I totally get it. I hope you and your hubs enjoy dinner.
Hi Pamela,
I am so grateful for all of the different loves in my life. There is always room for more.
Thank you Dee. 🙂
Hi Amy,
I am happy you enjoyed the article. 🙂 Keep love alive!!
Hi Marci,
I will admit I may go a bit overboard sometimes during Christmas for the grands. But otherwise, my family looks forward to the handmade and personal gifts. Or at least that’s what they tell me. 🙂
I love tradition as well and my kids prove it’s a good thing because if anything changes, they notice. 🙂
A beautiful post! I do think we should take the time to be kinder to each other and little bits of thoughtfulness are always welcome — not just on Valentines Day. Honey and I try to always do little things to make life better for each other.
Hi Marisa,
I agree, it’s the little things that count. And sometimes the kindness we extend to someone during the day is the only kindness they will receive that day. Good for you and your honey. You should make your love a priority.
Small gestures often have much bigger impacts than we can possibly imagine. It can make a bad day just a little better. It can make someone feeling neglected suddenly feel noticed. It may seem small to us, but to others these gestures create a much better world.
Hi Sheltie, I agree. Sometimes a simple hug can change my entire day.
Clarissa
Thank you for visiting “Vintage Valentine” blog hop, you message is beautiful. There is nothing more loving than traditions and family.
Debby
Debbygoesshabby.blogspot.com