The Reason I Really Love Valentine's Day

[thedollymama]

As another Valentine's Day has come and gone, I thought I would share with you the truth behind my appreciation for the "Holiday of Love." 

I used to not have much of an appreciation for this day, especially the times when I didn't have a "significant other."  But even after I did have one, Valentine's Day just seemed to be a bit forced and, well, cheesy.  These days it has a whole new meaning. 

Now after I conquer the task of finding the perfect Valentine's Treats for my kid's classrooms, I turn my focus to the grown-up version of Valentine's Day.  Sure, it's about love, but its more than that.  It's about showing the one you love just how much you love him by letting him do everything for you.  Brilliant!

Here's my justification for this train of thought - Number one: I love my husband, everyday, so Valentine's Day is just a day for the obvious.  We try to make a little time for ourselves, get a night out or whatever, but usually we don't cave into the little gimmicks and chatchki's that Valentine's has become. Number two:  Let's face it, Valentine's Day is usually for the ladies.  I am sure my husband stresses out about that day a lot more than I do, making sure he plans the perfect day so as not to upset the lady of the house.  And honestly, I like that.  Not so I can get some big fancy gift, but so I can get a hall-pass to do nothing that day.  I'm not a person who is really big on the thinking that the more you love me, the bigger the gift has to be.  That's not for me.  But if you really want to show your love, do the dishes, make up the beds, fold the laundry and watch the kids.  Yes!  You just won your way to the deepest pit of my heart. 

I have to admit, I use this tactic on many days throughout the year; my birthday, our anniversary, Mother's Day.  Any day possibly deemed "special."  I think that after nearly 12 years of marriage, my husband has figured out that when I say, "don't worry about getting me anything" I actually mean that.  Money can't buy the things that I really want; freedom from guilt for being away from the sometimes frustrating and ho-hum responsibilities of my everyday life.  To not have to worry about changing a single poopy pant, or going through the emotional trauma of fixing a dinner that everyone will eat, or being labeled the wicked witch for "taking sides." 

Let's be honest, in the scheme of things, a couple of days out of the year for a little time to just tune out isn't a huge deal.  I mean, men do it every day!  (Just kidding!)  Seriously, I think it evens you out.  This Valentine's Day I especially needed a little time to myself.  I know it seems like blasphemy to not spend time with your loved one on Valentine's Day, but if you don't get a breather every now and then your senses dull and you loose interest in the things that are supposed to be the most important things in your life. 

With snow day after snow day, I've been cooped up at home with my boys and its been messy!  As many of you know, I am not the most creative mom out there and it's hard for me to come up with cool in-door activities that the kids will keep an interest in longer than ten minutes. So, by mid-day the kids are usually bouncing off the wall or bouncing off each other, going round after round in the boxing ring and totally wearing me down with the constant tattling.  (Can I get an Amen?)  Thankfully, I have a husband that can sense when I come close to a nervous breakdown and on Valentine's Day took over a lot of the parental duties and even let me go out with the girls to a movie that night.  It was just enough of a break for me to realize my angels really are angels, they just have bad days like I do, and my respect for a husband that can let me be alone on Valentine's Day for a while is immeasurable!

 For more, check out my blog at http://www.thedollymama.wordpress.com/!