Close your eyes for a moment. Remember in grade school, when we all went home with requests for our parents–for the coolest valentines to give to our classmates and the shiniest, flashiest, most thought out supplies and designs for the box that would house all of those valentines (hopefully a few Fun Dip valentines treats)? Remember getting so excited for your Valentine’s Day parties at school and the box contest?
Ok, open your eyes. As adults, we may not get to have the fun of designing boxes to house our cards and candy, unless you have kids, but we can still make Valentine’s Day fun again by sending out loved ones valentines, flowers, or other treats. For the past few years, I got nostalgic and made handmade cards for my roommates and our neighbors, which happened to be my best friends and our boyfriends–yeah, it kind of was like a Friends episode for a few years.
In 2017, I really want to make a point to be more mindful of the people I love and care about–I want to do things like pick up Isaac’s favorite candy in the check-out line, send my sister in Montana holiday cards and reminders I’m thinking of her, and remind my friends throughout the week how much I appreciate them. And I thought Valentine’s Day would be a great time do that, and and easy time for you to do the same, whether you buy cute Snoopy cards or get down on your hands and knees with a hot glue gun.
For the post I partnered with Tessa at Fox & Bear Paper Co., who was so kind to send me over a few of her gorgeous illustrated greeting cards, to give my reasons why we should start sending our loved ones valentine’s this year.
To remind them you’re thinking of them.
While you can give holiday cards to anyone, no matter how close in proximity they are, it’s always such a sweet gesture to send someone a card or flowers, especially those that live far away and you may not see often. I know I talk to my sister in Montana every day, but texting and calling just isn’t the same as being with them in person. Neither is receiving mail, but there’s something special about opening something unexpected that shows you’re being thought about.
My 1st valentine from Isaac, a handmade card from my friend Hannah, ‘You Are My Love’ card from Fox & Bear Paper Co.
It’s nostalgic.
I’ve been very nostalgic recently, sometimes even things from decades before I was born, but Valentine’s Day does it to me. My first thought on the holiday isn’t going out with my boyfriend or roses and chocolate, it’s honestly those V-Day parties in grade school. I think cheesy stickers, cardboard cards, and every shade of pink and red.
If you wanted to make your valentines personal, try making them by hand this year. Get on the floor with your pencils and paint, and get creative!
It could brighten someone’s day, literally.
February is the grimmest of the months. This winter has been an interesting one in WV, but typically by February we’re full swing into the cold, gray, and dreary weather and a lot of people fall into a bout of depression and just general blah-ness (Obviously not a real word, but definitely what the feeling is). Sending a bright and cheery card, floral arrangement, or box of goodies can tremendously brighten someone’s day.
I know at this point in the year, I’d love to open a box that’s brightly colored and full of cheerful items. It would really make me smile, and I know I’m not alone.
There are so many beautiful cards, it’d be a crime not to buy them.
Buying things just because they’re pretty, even though you don’t know when you’ll use them? Is that just me? I know it’s not. Artists, like Tessa, create so many beautiful designs, it’d be shame not to share them with others.
Will you be sending out valentine’s this year? I’d love to see them. And be sure to head over to Fox & Bear Paper Co. for beautiful illustrations.
Disclaimer: ‘You Are My Love’ and ‘More Than I Can Bear’ greeting cards were sent to me for free by Fox & Bear Paper Co. for partnership on this post. All opinions are my own.
Thanks a lot for the blog post. Really looking forward to reading more.