Shari’s Ideas for Valentine’s Day

I have to dedicate this Valentine’s Day post to my Aunt Kory who is currently fighting brain cancer. She isn’t just a typical aunt; she is also my godmother and a super influential person in my life. One of my favorite things about her (and my Uncle Arv) was their dedication to commercial holidays. But seriously though, I’d always get Halloween, Valentine’s, and even St. Patrick’s Day cards from them and usually a little treat to go along with it. So in honor of Aunt Kory, I am pulling up some ideas for you to use on the ones you love. Here is the easy three step process for special holiday gifting.

First, you will need to pick out a really fun card that celebrates the holiday. Be thoughtful about it! The card should make you think of the person you are giving it to. For example, I had a black cat named Pearl and my uncle and aunt would always get me a Halloween card with a black cat… such a cute and personal touch that I appreciated! 

Secondly, a treat… not just any treat, preferably candy that is on theme for the holiday. Something you would find in the holiday section. For example a small box of chocolates in a heart shaped box for Valentine’s Day or a large hollow chocolate bunny for Easter. Yep, go all out with the specific holiday treat. 

Lastly, a small gift or trinket to really remember the holiday… maybe even something that the person could wear or use. This item can vary. Arv and Kory were always thoughtful with this trinket. For me, they’d usually get jewelry that would match the holiday. One year I got black cat earrings for Halloween. Another year I got a pink beaded tie necklace for Valentine’s Day. It was always something fun and another way to ring in the holiday cheer. It didn’t matter if the holiday was St. Patrick’s Day or the Fourth of July, I always knew there would be something special coming my way.

You really don’t have to take any notes from my Uncle Arv and Aunt Kory’s playbook but if you do make sure you always sign your card with a lot of x’s and o’s to really make this gift shine in their honor. I joke a lot about learning how to be such a loving and involved Aunt from how my Aunt Kory treated me and my cousins. But it isn’t really a joke, it is true! The past few months have been difficult as I have watched a woman I have admired my entire life slowly (and quickly) lose her ability to communicate effectively, make decisions, and get me these silly but thoughtful gifts. I never took for granted these small commercial holiday tokens of love but as we come up on such a sweet, pink, and mushy holiday… all I can think about is how much I just wish I was receiving a card and a box of chocolates from my Aunt Kory.

Remember that Valentine’s Day isn’t just about couples or romance. It is also about showing the ones you love, that you care. I know you don’t need a holiday to do that and you also don’t need Thanksgiving to show you’re thankful or Christmas to give gifts, but if you can take anything away from these holidays it’s the sentiment behind making others feel cared for and loved. Your actions speak louder than words and it just may make a memory for someone that they will remember long after you are gone. Maybe they’ll even blog about it.