Just as we’re getting over the stress of buying the perfect
Christmas gift, and many of us are still paying the bills,
Valentine’s Day comes along.
Just as we’re getting over the stress of buying the perfect Christmas gift, and many of us are still paying the bills, Valentine’s Day comes along. Unlike Christmas, Valentine’s Day doesn’t have its own season. It does, however, have a certain amount of stress for those with a significant other. Whether they mean to or not, Valentine’s Day gifts bring their own message.
For example, I’ve never expected anything more than a box of chocolates (See’s candies are my favorite) and a card for Valentine’s Day. When my husband and I were first married we were too poor to give each other anything else. Then the kids came along and our priority shifted to them. Now the kids are grown, and for the last 10 years at least one of them has been in college. Who has extra money to splurge on Valentine’s Day? But even if we did, the bottom line is it’s never been an overly important holiday to either of us.
That’s not the case with some couples I know. Some women expect – and get – diamonds or cars. Others want flowers, a candlelit dinner at an expensive restaurant, and candy. There are those who use Valentine’s Day as an excuse to get away from the kids and stress of everyday life. These couples go away for a weekend of fun and frolic. Now, that’s an idea I could happily adopt.
While it’s supposed to be a day for couples, all too often the focus is put on the women. Sale catalogs are filled with diamond necklaces, bracelets and earrings. Boxes of chocolates come in all shapes and sizes. Cute, cuddly little stuffed animals holding hearts that say “I love you” are featured on the front of most Valentine’s Day ads. Then there’s all the sexy red and pink lingerie. (OK, so I guess some of the presents are geared for men.)
Guys think they have it tough when it comes to Valentine’s Day shopping. But what about the women? What the heck do you get a guy for this rather mushy holiday? It’s an even harder challenge when they guy isn’t the least bit interested in anything that remotely smacks of romantic love. While some guys might be able to endure a cute little stuffed animal holding candy for Valentine’s Day, most would rather get a six pack and a bag of beef jerky.
Many women put their hearts into shopping. They want to get their fellow something special that will warm his heart. Yet when it comes to presents, all too often men are so darn practical. They’ll ask for something they need, whether it’s new gym socks or a Weedeater. How unromantic can you get?
That’s where I’m lucky when it comes to Valentine’s Day shopping. Most of my effort goes into buying a card that’s balanced in what it says. It can’t be too mushy or my husband won’t read it. But because I’m a romantic at heart, I need a card to say how I really feel. If that isn’t difficult enough, it also has to be somewhat neutral. That’s because inevitably one of our kids will grab the card out of our hands to get a look. We don’t want them traumatized by any romantic notions of their parents, so we’re careful what we buy.
Once I’ve bought and signed the card I simply add a few lottery tickets and my shopping is done. My husband knows he’s safe with a card and See’s candy.
Most of our Valentine’s Day shopping goes towards our kids. For years we’ve bought them cards and a little candy. Personally, I love to give them boxes of chocolates with the little Peanuts characters on them. They all love Snoopy and the gang, even though, despite rumors, we’re not related to Charlie Brown.
Couples who are married have enough stress attached to this holiday. Those who aren’t walk a minefield of “too much” or “too little.” Finding the right card and gift can mean the difference between a continued relationship and one that ends very quickly.
A great way to lighten the feel of Valentine’s Day is to remember those who are without a significant other. Thankfully, there are a lot of wonderful “Thinking of you on Valentine’s Day” cards out there. A caring card from a friend on this couple-oriented holiday is probably the nicest Valentine’s gift of all.
