Holidays and other musings

Valentines Day, a day that I see many people flitting to and fro carrying big boxes of flowers and chocolates for the their mate, partner, spouse on this Hallmark Holiday. Like Christmas, there are numerous expectations that are placed on these days. For one it is receiving gifts--whether luxurious, simple or thoughtful or not to the latter requiring a similar way (without having to be a grand romantic gesture).

Why does it only have to be a few token days people are treated well due to the dictation of Hallmark? Why cannot people be treated well everyday? Whether by a sweet and kind gesture everyday? Or a surprise token (just because?) There doesn't need to be a special occasion to celebrate and be happy in my book.

For me, I just think of both holidays as days to take stock of relationships/friendships in my life that I cherish and value. A time to be thankful (am I sure I am not mixing this up with Thanksgiving ), but to be more contemplative. I find that I am grateful to those in my life who have contributed whether the good , bad and the ugly. All experiences and people have culminated in creating the current me and I eagerly continue to grow and change as a result.
I agree with the phrase told to kids, "Sharing is caring." For me, to share with others and have them feel good makes me feel good. Having others around you feel good is what it is all about for me. You are affected by the company you keep. I have been blessed by many angels in my life.
I come from the school of doing nice simple gestures because I want to impart joy and happiness to that other person. Something must be said about a good ole snail mail hand written note as it is has become a lost form of communication amongst this modern revolution of text messaging, IM, and email. Or giving a small gift to someone (just because) that you saw that reminded you of them. These surprises are wonderful and great to me so as people say, "Treat others how you want to be treated."

So I do not really buy into these commercial holidays though I confess I still write Christmas Cards by hand. I do so as a way to maintain bonds with friends I normally do not have the chance to see or chat with more frequently. Plus I get lots of personal mail during Christmas time, I must say it sure beats only getting bills in the mail.

As for me, I will continue to operate as I always do, doing small gestures here and there when I can.