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I’ve found it healing and refreshing to get ready for Valentines Day this year. It has felt good to focus on the people I love. Last weekend, as a family, we put together a care package to send to Adam and Elizabeth’s 3 living children and their guardian family. My love language is gifts, so it is therapeutic sometimes to pour my love into a gift.
This year I’m also helping my kids show love to their friends. When we were looking for places to move last summer, we prayed and prayed to move some place where the kids could make good friends. All our hopes and prayers were answered because all of our kids have made excellent friends here. Everyone needs good friends, so I appreciate these good kids put in my kids’ lives! So, on Thursday, my 3 older girls are taking these little bags full of fun little things and treats to their good friends. They have regular valentines for everyone else. (And yes, I’ve talked to them about being discreet about handing out the gifts – we don’t want to hurt anyone’s feelings!)
My kindergartener boy has a romantic sweet streak, and wants to give his favorite girl something special, so I got a little tiny box of chocolates for her. (It’s the one that says “Hey Girl” above.) I can’t help it, he is too cute and it was such a sweet request to get something special for his sweet little friend. This boy is 6 going on 20. He told me Friday night over frozen yogurt “Mom, I think I’m ready for college.” Gulp.
I enjoyed creating little gift bags for my four human kids. (I’m leaving the dog out on V-day, though you can see above that Cookie really hopes one of these presents is for her. This was her while I was taking pictures, ever hopeful.) I think I can keep it simple, but still fulfill my love of gift-giving. This year I am giving each girl new socks and a bag of cookies. Brian still loves stuffed animals, so his bag has a little treat and a stuffed animal. My kids don’t read my blog or this would be a big spoiler – ha!
Matt’s bag is similar, I put in some cookies he likes, Valentine’s playing cards, and a funny card. I actually got the bag before the gift and then picked things that would fit inside. I just loved that it said “You’re My Person” because I say that to him. In general, he is pretty easy to please! Seriously, my main love language may be gifts, but he could care less about gifts. He did get something for me. Early on in our marriage there were many holidays in which I would sob because he didn’t get me a gift … he figured it out along the way though and does a good job now. (And about my sobbing, remember how I had 3 kids within the first 3 years of our marriage? I was a hormonal mess!) He was actually the one who started this gift pile with an envelope. It is not addressed to me, but I knew it was mine when I came across it tidying up because I’m the one who gets everyone else’s gifts. It says not to open until Valentine’s Day, but then he didn’t seal it. Is he trying to tempt me?!?! I have not peeked, yet.
The other gifts on the table are from my mom. She likes to send fun little things for everyone (like I already know all the girls got Amazon gift cards from her and B got a little Spiderman figure).
None of these things are “big deals,” but I think a little gift can go a long way for someone who appreciates them. When I receive a gift, I immediately imagine the person creating or selecting my gift and that time for them to think about me while I’m not even around means so much to me. A few of my children have the love language of gifts too, so I like to make sure we check lots of boxes at holidays. I usually go through a mental run-down and make sure we’re hitting a little of everything so that everyone finishes a holiday feeling loved. This makes even extra sense to show love on Valentine’s Day.
Easily making holidays fulfilling for all 5 Love Languages:
(Most people I know have read the 5 Love Languages Book, so I didn’t give any background on it. But if you haven’t read it or it has been a while – read it!!!)
Here’s a little idea/reminder on how to show love to all the different love languages –
- Gifts: give a holiday related gift – the thought and effort count!
- Words of Affirmation: write a lovely note in a holiday card
- Quality Time: do a holiday related activity like decorate cookies together, play a board game together, or go out to eat together … basically, something “together”
- Acts of Service: do other people’s chores, make a special breakfast, do my girls hair or makeup or nails
- Physical Touch: give a good hug or have a movie night and snuggle on the couch (If this is for your spouse, I suppose you could be more creative 😉.)
Gift Idea: An Experience Gift
I mentioned this idea at Christmas too, but I think it works for any gift-giving holiday. Our family loves our POGO Passes. I signed up as an affiliate because I really think these are great for families (and couples)! There is plenty you could use to make some great date nights. If you use my code: 60OFFWITHMARY, you can get 60% off!!! These would be good for anyone in your family, but REALLY good if you haven’t gotten anything for your Valentine yet.
I hope you have a great Valentine’s Day celebrating all the people you love!
From my home to yours,
Mary
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