Yes, it’s that time again when Cupid is sharpening his arrows and readying his little bow to strike us all with his love darts. Valentine’s Day is an American tradition, that is true, but we are not alone in this love fest. Valentine’s Day is celebrated in Canada, Mexico, the United Kingdom, France, and Australia as well. It’s most popular here and in the UK, and we love the holiday here in Marshall.
What about cards?
Giving each other Valentine’s cards started in the early 1700s when the practice of making cards by hand became all the rage here in America. Esther A. Howland started selling the first mass-produced cards in 1840, which earned her the name “Mother of the Valentine.” Her elaborate masterpieces included using real lace, ribbons, and colorful pictures known as “scrap.”
Today’s statistics tell us that we send roughly 145 million Valentine’s Day cards each year, not counting those little ones we buy for our kids to exchange timidly at school. You are probably not shocked that women buy 85 percent of all Valentine’s Day cards. Husbands, Dads, and boyfriends, get on the ball this year and get those cards. You still have time to catch up to the ladies.
Gal Pals Unite!
Here in Marshall, the love fest begins on Tuesday, February 7th, for Galentine’s Night, proving that Valentine’s is not just about romantic love but love for your fellow gal pal and the all-important shared love of SHOPPING! The event will be from 5:30 to 8:30 pm at Harlan Hall. A night of pampering, food, and fun is promised for all who attend and participate in this worthy cause.
Tickets are just $10 and may be purchased at the following establishments:
- Wabash Valley Dermatology and Medspa
- Megan Schofield – Country Financial
- Tatum’s Place Boutique
- Marshall Chamber of Commerce Office.
All proceeds from ticket sales go to the iDream iCreate Scholarship Program.
(The iDREAM – iCREATE activities reach each of Marshall’s 1,200 students annually. The program helps youth and adults develop dreams, establish goals, and navigate the world of creativity and entrepreneurship.)
Valentine’s Day falls on a Tuesday this year, so you may want to celebrate on the weekend prior or on the special day itself. Be sure to make reservations if you’re taking your sweetie out for a special dinner. Order those flowers, get the candy and stuffed bears ahead of time, or you could be running around last-minute shopping, especially if you are looking for something more upscale, like fancy perfume or jewelry.
But Valentine’s Day is not just for lovers. It’s a day to spread joy and love to our entire family, friends, teachers, pastors, and of course, our kids, even the furry ones.
Why not make a lasting memory?
Anna Yu Photography has a great idea that might become a new family tradition for Valentine’s Day. Anna just recently joined our lovely burg, and she is offering a discount on couples sessions for the whole month of February. Still, her specialties include families and in-home photo shoots of newborns. It sounds like an excellent gift for aunts, uncles, or grandparents to give to a new mom and dad.
Spread the love everywhere!
Make sure the kids go to school armed with little cards for their fellow students and, of course, their hard-working teachers. If you need to stay on budget, making homemade cards or little crafted gifts for teachers and family members is a great way to show kids how to give from the heart. Baking and decorating cookies and cupcakes at home to enjoy with the family can be a great way to have a little fun and share in the love you have for one another without spending a lot of money on store-bought goodies.
Remember the pets. They’re family too. Include them in the family photo, and give them an extra treat or a new chew toy this Valentine’s Day.
Most importantly, share your love with your fellow citizens. Valentine’s day merchandise and marketing are everywhere you look around this time of year. There are people on your block, church, school, and job who might feel a little alone on this overwhelming holiday. Some people may feel a little lonely if they don’t have a significant other, children, or family—check in on the seniors in your life. Bring them a cupcake, a little card, a rose, or a house plant.
Remember that you are from Marshall and have genuine and kind hearts, not just candy ones.
