I Love Valentine's Day

Nobody expects
children's pageants,
weeks of carols,
a flood of cards,
loads of cookies
or piles of gifts.

For me, a local
car-dealer's motto
sums up
Valentine's Day best.

"No pressure.
All pleasure."


The pleasure began nine years ago on the eve before this day.

Late that night, I clipped red-paper hearts, punched holes, strung them together and made mobiles to hang from our dining room ceiling. Next I decked the table with a white cloth and a floral center piece. Then I used fancy plates to hold chocolate, a rose and a heart place card.

Why? I wanted to surprise my little sons early on Valentine's Day. Hours of late-night work inspired my morning words: "Look! The Valentine Fairy's come!"

That act became a tradition – one about spoiling my family... nobody else!

Of course, the boys asked questions when nobody else – they knew – got a visit from the elusive sprite. I just smiled, "She's somebody who thinks you're pretty special."

Now in their preteen and teenage years, the older two play along. When their seven-year-old brother rose this morning, he saw the tidied house and festive decorations and said, "The Valentine Fairy came."

Eyeing the Norwegian chocolate bar, Noah confronted his dad.
"Is Mom the Valentine Fairy?"

"I thought you were," Dad teased. I crossed my fingers and smiled, "Maybe the Valentine Fairy made the trip all the way from Norway?"

The
Valentine
Fairy
is elusive.


No pressure?

All pleasure!


How
I
Love
Valentine's
Day.

May you find a special way to spoil your loved ones too. Let me know! Here's wishing you the best this Valentine's Day.