the changing holiday that never changes

Feb 08, 2009 20:14

I was hanging up Valentine decorations in the nursery at work today and the little hearts reminded me of how much I loved picking out little cards for my classmates in elementary school. Every year was something different and when I hit sixth grade, the loss of that yearly tradition was saddening. I think growing up is always like that...you miss what used to be, it's an emptiness that can't be replaced.

As an adult, I have grown to dislike the holiday. Not because it idolizes the couple and isolates the single, but because of how commercialized love has become. Anniversaries are special and have significance to the people involved while Valentine's Day is generic. Expectations are high and the media, again pushes the idea that romance is key to any relationship and if there's no romance, your relationship is virtually meaningless. Maybe I've become cynical in my old age or it's just part of growing up.

Though, I sort of love that I can retain such sweet memories of the day that aren't based on love or relationships. It makes it pure and a part of me wants to hold onto that gem forever. Even if the idea of the holiday itself makes me cringe. I suppose, one could say the holiday exists in separate realms for me: Valentines as a child and as an adult. Drastically different, but somehow contained on the same date.

valentine's day, memories

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