Thoughts on Valentine's Day

The boards are rife with Valentine's Day recommendations. What should you get her? What should you do for him? Don't forget your pets, parents, children, neighbors, the planet, the cosmos . . . . whatever. This blog has no shortage of recommendations either, but as the big day approaches I wanted to take a moment to cut through the hype to what's really important.

We remember moments, not holidays. Think about it. Inspect your best memory, and the part that flashes in front of your mind's eye doesn't last long . . . but it is powerful. Even if you don't want to indulge your feminine side, are a believer that Valentine's Day is a marketing ploy, or don't think that starting a trend that involves another gift giving occasion is good for your wallet, think again.

If you are in love, love someone, or are on the verge, the things you do now may be the stuff that makes those primo flashes that make life worthwhile. The look on her face when you take the brownies out of the oven, the way he touches your shoulder after you give him a holiday backrub.

These moments may be bought with cards and candy, but in the end, they're priceless. When you're taking the hard line about holiday spending, the hoopla, the hype, remember that real lives are involved . . .yours, that of a loved one, a friend, and celebrating them is what it's all about. The organic snapshot that you take away from Valentine's Day may end up being worth more than a thousand boxes of candy.