Is Valentine's going to be the new Halloween?

[MamaLlama123]

Recently a mum friend asked how i planned to celebrate Valentines with my children?

With her plans, she will decorate her house with heart garlands. Children will receive a valentines box (similar to an advent box).

She is also doing a valentines newborn photoshoot. it is becoming a thing in our area - similar to a newborn Christmas photoshoot/ halloween photoshoot.

what are people's thoughts on this becoming the new Halloween? will there be valentines love trails (like light trails during xmas)/ valentines experiences throughout february/ Visit cupid on the Heritage railways etc? Valentines Duvet sets

It seems to me it's heading this way...

'It's called Valentine's Day. Not just Valentine's. That's the American way to say it.'

And so what?! Everyone knows perfectly well what she means. Not everyone on this site is British

Nah I just ignore it, load of bollocks

I will give my husband a valentines card. That's it.

And cataract removal on the 15th 😁

I hid a small box in my daughter's uni accommodation- I will tell her about it on Valentine's Day and she will get so much pleasure opening it, feeling loved and cared for. She is a bit lonely and sad at the moment, and I am in another country, far away, hard to send parcels ...Why does it annoy people that other people enjoy expressing love to one another? Sure, there is no need to do this on a particular day of the year, but it's kind of fun to have anniversaries and special days- people enjoy small ceremonies.

My daughter's box contains a homemade origami decoration from her friend back home, a small glass jar of chocolates, a card, a pair of socks, and another decoration from our local charity shop.

Mmm too much pressure to be having the best time on “look at me” Instagram.

We are a pagan country wearing a (mainly) christianity cheesy fake glasses and beard style disguise so it doesn't surprise me we're big on feasts and festivals. Any excuse for decorating and partying 😁

will there be valentines love trails (like light trails during xmas)/ valentines experiences throughout february/

A friend of mine was telling me that near where she lived someone has tied loads of red hearts to lampposts for miles - she was saying it looked like a trail, treasure hunt and she was tempted to follow it to see where it lead to but that she couldn't tell which way it was going as they were on both sides of the road.

People are mad.

I think there is so much upsetting stuff in the news these days (not saying there didn't used to be but it is so prolific and international now) that people are seeking comfort where they can. That and the fact that there are companies set to make their fortune on commercialising the days and dragging them out throughout the month

@comeagainx this was done where my MIL lives and it was a little girl’s funeral about two weeks ago. The family did tie hearts both sides of the road for quite a few miles. I think it was marking her last journey.

Were they purple by chance ?

I saw a display of Valentines cards for daughters / sons

Ash Wednesday is also on 14th February this year !

@SportMum1982

this was done where my MIL lives and it was a little girl’s funeral about two weeks ago. The family did tie hearts both sides of the road for quite a few miles. I think it was marking her last journey.

I wonder if it is the same area @SportMum1982 where your MIL lives. I know part of the roads she was referring to and there is a cemetry/crematorium there.

Did your MIL know the family/the little girl? Condolences to her - that is so sad.

I'll ask my friend for more precise info because she'd mentioned in to me in the spirit of 'attention seekers creating litter the council have to clean up' - when she was talking about following it she'd joked about knocking on the door to some surprised bf/gf to complain about their hearts - but hearts for a little girls funeral are something everyone would sympathise with. I bet she'll feel really bad if that's what it was.

Hi @comeagainx yes that’s the place, no MiL’s not connected. We noticed when we visited and asked her the question.

Yay! Buy more disposable tat for the Insta photos!

Yes it’s personal choice but it’s also driving mass consumption of absolute tat - and largely stuff that’s one time use only. This goes along with the modern idea of replacing Christmas decs every year rather than keeping the same ones every year.

I do think, as a PP said, a lot of it is also driven by social media showing off 😬

@Bargello we made the same point but yours was so much more concise 😂

It’s an excuse to spend money on crap really but I don’t celebrate it, no cards etc it’s a waste of time imo each to their own though
heart garlands etc seems ott….

Surely everyone has a valentine’s eve box with a book, pj’s a movie and hot chocolate.
We had a 1’st of February box this year.
😉😁😁😁

This!!

Not everyone lives their lives on Instagram. Some people just like doing nice things with their children!

Doing nice things does not have to mean buying mindless tat made in china, shipped half way round the world, and which is discarded on Feb 15th.

@Bargello and not everyone is buying mindless tat from china to celebrate Valentine's Day with their children. Most people just do normal crafts and baking. If you're seeing too much mindless crap on instagram I suggest it's the algorithm you've got onto.

Actually might make DD a card. Of course she is 17 and may be revolted at the idea but it will be fun 😂
Add some home made cookies and heart shaped chocolates in and its a celebration.
I may even let DH eat some.