Valentine’s Day is next week, which means everyone’s on the hunt for the perfect gift that symbolizes their love for the recipient. It can be a bit of a minefield. There is a lot of pressure and expense tied into Valentine’s Day, but it doesn’t need to be that way. I have an easy, heartfelt gift that is worth more than all the gold in Fort Knox, even though it’s very inexpensive.
My husband celebrates his birthday a few days before Valentine’s day. A couple years ago, the girls and I bought a silver-plated box that we engraved with “To Our Daddy Who We Love”. We cut out a bunch of paper hearts in different colors and sizes and began writing. Things like:
By the time the girls and I were finished, we had several hundred love notes for their father, sharing the things that we love and are most grateful for with him. He was overwhelmed by this outpouring of love, and this simple box has become a treasured gift.
I’ve decided to make this an ongoing tradition for our family every Valentine’s Day. Everyone will have their own box, and throughout the week, we can drop messages of love and gratitude in each other’s box. Notes that we can read over and over when we need a little boost.
This is what Valentine’s Day means to me—a celebration of our love for one another. While I appreciate beautiful flowers, sparkly things and fine wine as much as the next girl, they all pale to heartfelt reminders of the love of my family and my love for them.
You don’t have to spend a small fortune to show your love for someone. Sometimes a cut-out heart expressing your love and gratitude is all you need.
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SHANNON RYAN, CFP®
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