hmmmm ... quiet here .... I suspect everyone has finished their pancakes & drifted off to sleep this evening :-)

I'm here and awake! I think children do a much better job of Valentines day than we do. I remember handing out Valentines to everybody in the class - making sure everyone was included. I had a conversation with some 5 and 6 year olds and, when asked what we can do for Valentines Day, they came up with suggestions like make homemade cards, make cookies and cakes to share and give the gift of time. Some of the kids that I am working with are also making Valentines for the Earth this year - we're growing flowers in flower pots that they decorated..

Thank you for posting this carolla.

I've never liked the traditional romantic notion of Valentines Day. People in relationships should be showing love to their significant others all the time -- they shouldn't need a special day to do it. For those not in relationships (and believe me I've been there!) the day can just suck.

My church started a generosity day kind of thing a few years back. We call it "Love your Neighbor Night." We get together to decorate cakes and make crafts to give to a neighbor who we feel can use some cheer.

Rich blessings.

I'm on the other end, I like Valentine's Day the way it is.  It can be a day for generousity, but I don't think it needs to be rebranded.  Chocolates for friends isn't just for kids!

Valentines for the Earth - I like that somegal!

Jae, I agree - for those not currently in relationships, or in healthy relationships, the traditional Valentine's stuff can be horrible crap.

True chemgal - chocolates for friends shouldn't just be for kids - but how many of us do something for friends, co-workers, neighbours, maybe even strangers ... just to show appreciation?  

It's maybe more about the intentionality of it, from my perspective, that is important.

I like the idea, carolla. There is also the ‘Spreading the Love’ idea going around facebook, which involves doing 14 acts of kindness on the 14^th. Personally, I think infusing generosity and kindness into any day for any reason is always positive. That doesn’t mean I won’t enjoy my valentine’s chocolate.

Yes Myst I've seen that too!  Did you catch the video "What is Love"?   Good question and lots of answers! 

For many years in Edmonton-my kids and I gathered with 2 or 3 families and went to Boston Pizza for heart shaped pizza-and a donation to charity. The other mom had spouses that joined in when they were available.

We continue the Boston Pizza tradition when we can. My youngest and I will go out tomorrow.

Hi carolla,

Partially.

I'm not down with the rebranding bit.  I mean, there are 365 days in the year minimum.  Most of which are not celebrated for anything specific, it isn't like we have so many days already spoken for that we have to crowd something out.

What would be the problem with picking one, or even several other days in the year and laying the generosity day on them?

As far as my definition of generosity goes I expect it is no different than the old Scouting bit of doing a good deed every day.  It could be a big thing or a little thing.

Grace and peace to you.

John

that's soitantly generous of you :3

Happy Valentine's Day and I hope that you all get at least one hug today.

nyuk, nyuk, nyuk.

Carolla, I know many people who have treats for others on Valentine's day.  Maybe it's a generation difference?  When I taught, I would have candies for my (adult) students, and I wasn't the only one.  Coworkers do the same.  There's a Valentine's party this weekend, although I won't be able to make it.

Happy Valentine's Day everyone!

Happy Valentines Day all.

I got flowers (white mums and white carnations) and hugs from my Husband lastnight. He figured if he waited until today by the time he got off work there wouldn't be a flower left in the whole of the city.