Why We Don't Buy Gifts for Valentine's Day

2.12.2013


Jordan's and my first Valentine's Day together was 2010. Before then I had spent a total of one Valentine's Days with a boyfriend, so I didn't know what was going on. For our first Valentine's Day, like an idiot, I did that thing girls do where they say, "Let's just get each other something small," but really they are secretly hoping their significant other will know that they actually mean they want something big. A grand gesture, if you will. And obviously, like any female, I couldn't tell you what that grand gesture would be, but you can be sure I would know it if I saw it. 

Except there was no grand gesture, through no fault of his own. He's a guy. 
I think we give them too much credit. Or...not enough credit. Or something. 

Anyway, I don't remember what the "something small" was, but what I do remember is that I did that thing girls do where they get upset because their man didn't get them something "good enough."

After that, I decided I would never again be that girl.
Because that girl is annoying.
I don't like her.

So for the last two years, and now again this year, Jordan and I get each other one thing: a card. We don't buy gifts because, let's face it, Christmas was less than two months ago. I don't need anything.

And you know what? It's worked perfectly. No games. No expectations. No stress. 
Jordan is completely able to pick out a card, and since this is the only thing he has to do, he actually spends time finding me a good one. I like that I will have fun Valentine's Day cards to keep, and I like that we don't get mad at each other for something as ridiculous as Valentine's Day. 

I like Valentine's Day because I like the color red and I like chocolate. Even when I wasn't married or didn't have a boyfriend I liked Valentine's Day. Maybe it was because my mom always sent me something in the mail. February 14th is a Hallmark holiday, but it's pretty hard to ignore; and what I don't want is for February 14th to be stressful for Jordan and I. 


That's why we do the card thing, and I love it.

Also, this is random, but LOOK AT MY BREAD. This was my sandwich today. 
Do you see the heart? I just thought it was weird. 
That is all.


What do you do for Valentine's Day?
Kate said...

I used to hate Valentine's Day. I was never dating anyone and it always made me feel like a loser. The last V-Day I had before I took up with Pete, I decided to embrace it. I wore obnoxious heart-shaped jewelry and went out with my friends and actually had a great time! I'm totally with you on the "no stress" thing. My first year with Pete, I suggested we buy each other the most ridiculously cheesy gift we could find. Singing stuffed animals, creepy figurines, huge fake jewlery--it was a blast! And he hates cards so I made sure to get him the longest, wordiest card I could find! Man. We should do that again. :)

LeAnna said...

Yeah, we don't do much for Valentines day, either. I put a little something together for the kids (bubbles, stickers, etc) and I usually make a fancy meal and dessert at home and B makes me a card out of printer paper. Actually, all of the cards I get are made out of printer paper. And forget flowers. When you ARE a "Flowers" you don't get them, because logic is that you get "Flowers" every day. Or whatever. I buy myself chocolate all the time, and actually, we're taking our steer to the butcher this Thursday. Romantic, huh?

Kelli Davidson said...

When I was young, Valentine's Day was so important but as I grew older, I realized it was a good day to reaffirm my love for my husband and his love for me. Our kids are grown and through college (finally) and somewhere along the way I decided we should purchase cards for each other on all important holidays. We now have a big box of cards to each other that one day will be found by our children or grandchildren or maybe even our great grandchildren and they can follow our love through our years together. Be sure to keep yours in someplace special for those who come after you to find. I found your blog through Oklahoma Webring - I belong as well. Your blog is lovely!

Katie said...

not much at all!! usually a card and I did get chris a piece of candy. :)

Erin said...

Stumbled over here from Helene's blog (I think, lol!) And this is such a great post :) Although my husband and I exchange gifts- we set a strict $15-$20 limit. That way we get to exchange cards and just something small, a small gesture that I actually think means more because we try to find that PERFECT thing (or things) that are small, yet we know the other will love!

Excited to be your newest follower :)

Ashley @TheCreamToMyCoffee said...

Um, exactly! Eric and I have never done gifts... I mean we share money and buying Christmas gifts is stressful enough! We do use V-Day as an excuse to eat a really great dinner though. No going out - too much pressure - we make steaks at home and it is pretty wonderful. I don't wish we did gifts at all!

Betty said...

We try to keep Valentine's Day pretty simple too. I usually make/buy him a card and he does the same (usually with some flowers thrown in for good measure). He is a chef so that is his busiest night at the restaurant...so we usually end up going on a fun date later in the week. Just stumbled upon your blog...now following. Excited to read more!

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