The Ultimate Guide to Celebrating Valentine’s Day with Love and Joy
Valentine's is more than celebrating romance. It's also about our love for family, friends, neighbors, and co-workers.
Feb 02, 2025
Written by our Founder and CEO, the Celebrations Pulse letters aim to engage with our community. By welcoming your ideas and sharing your stories, we want to help you strengthen your relationships with the most important people in your life.
As the calendar turns to February, my mind often drifts to the Valentine’s of my childhood. It was (and still is!) a magical holiday, one that introduced us to and helped us understand the complicated human emotion of love.
I can still feel the excitement of cutting out heart shapes from red construction paper and crafting messages for each of my classmates. We poured our hearts into those creations, and after exchanging them, we eagerly read and re-read the messages, searching for subtle nuances.
The air was filled with love songs on the radio, setting the perfect tone for the season. And then came the school dance, a highlight of the year. The anticipation, the decorations, the nervous thrill of asking someone to dance — it was all part of the enchantment. (Awkward, yes! But it sure taught us a lot about establishing relationships later in life!)
Once home from school, Mom always had a special way of making Valentine’s feel magical. Every year, she’d greet us with hugs and a box of chocolates, a simple yet powerful reminder of her love for us.
Memories of these rituals bring back a flood of emotions and make me think: What’s the meaning of Valentine’s? The occasion isn’t just about romantic love, but love in all its forms — the love of family, friends, and classmates. It’s a celebration of the relationships that enrich our lives.
Valentine's through the ages
Valentine’s has a fascinating history. What began as a Roman festival celebrating fertility later became a Christian feast day honoring St. Valentine, a martyred priest who secretly performed marriages. The love he showed in helping persecuted Christians and being kind to his jailer’s daughter emphasizes love as an act of generosity and care, not just romance.
Over time, the holiday transformed into an occasion for exchanging tokens of affection. It’s become a cultural juggernaut, synonymous with flowers, chocolates, and cards. (Some have even suggested that it’s the result of a secret meeting of flower companies, chocolate companies, and greeting card companies in a smoke-filled room. I know nothing about that!)
The other day, I heard Stephen Stills’ classic song, “Love the One You’re With,” and it struck me how perfectly its message aligns with the true spirit of Valentine’s. The song is a reminder to cherish the people who are part of our everyday lives — the ones we laugh with, lean on, and share life’s moments with.
Celebrating the love of those you’re with
Valentine’s is an invitation to look around and recognize the love and humanity that surround us. It’s about the small, heartfelt acts that show others they matter. Think back to your grade school days when we made valentines for everyone in the class. That tradition taught us inclusion, kindness, and the joy of giving.
What if we approached Valentine’s this year with that same spirit? Take a moment to reach out to the people who brighten your world. Call your parents, text an old friend, write a thoughtful note to a neighbor, or share a kind word with a coworker.
Use your power to make someone’s day and remind them that they are seen, valued, and loved.
Create new rituals
Rituals evolve, and Valentine’s traditions are no exception. In fact, the holiday has expanded beyond just one day, with celebrations like Galentine’s Day, honoring female friendships, and Palentine’s Day, celebrating friendships of all kinds.
In the workplace, companies — including ours — use Valentine’s as an opportunity to recognize employees, colleagues, and our millions of customers, reinforcing appreciation and connection.
As a grandfather, I’ve taken my mom’s tradition of gifting her children a box of chocolates and made it my own. Every year, I send Cheryl’s Cookies to my three children and all seven grandchildren. I make sure they arrive early so they can savor the treats leading up to Feb. 14. It’s my way of saying, “You’re loved and always on my mind.”
At their core, Valentine’s rituals are all about connection and expression. They make it easy for us to celebrate the relationships that enrich our lives and bring us joy. It’s a reason to pause and express gratitude for those who make us feel supported, understood, and loved. And yes, it’s also a chance to indulge in a few chocolates or cookies along the way, and to give and receive thoughtful cards.
This Valentine’s, let’s channel the lessons of our childhood and the wisdom of Stephen Stills’ song. Let’s embrace the holiday and its rituals as a celebration of love in all its beautiful forms.
All the best,
Jim
What Valentine’s Day Is Really About
Valentine’s Day is about connection, appreciation, and expressing love in all its forms. While traditionally associated with romantic partners, the holiday has evolved to celebrate friendships, family bonds, and self-love as well.
The History Behind Valentine’s Day
Origins of Valentine’s Day
Valentine’s Day traces back to ancient Roman traditions and early Christian legends, gradually evolving into a celebration centered on love and affection.
How Valentine’s Day Became a Modern Celebration
Over time, Valentine’s Day expanded beyond handwritten notes to include flowers, chocolates, and meaningful gifts that symbolize love and connection.
Valentine’s Day Traditions Around the World
Romantic Traditions
Many cultures celebrate Valentine’s Day with flowers, romantic dinners, and heartfelt gifts exchanged between partners.
Non-Traditional and Modern Celebrations
Friends, families, and coworkers increasingly celebrate Valentine’s Day with shared experiences, thoughtful gestures, and small tokens of appreciation.
Gifts for Valentine’s Day That Speak from the Heart
Valentine’s Day Flower Arrangements: Classic roses, mixed romantic bouquets, and elegant floral arrangements remain timeless ways to express love and admiration.
Valentine’s Day Gift Baskets and Treats: Chocolates, sweets, and gourmet gift baskets add indulgence and joy to Valentine’s Day celebrations.
Personalized Valentine’s Day Gifts: Custom gifts like engraved keepsakes or personalized messages help create lasting memories and emotional impact.
Explore Popular Celebrations Pulse Topics
What is Valentine's Day really about?
Valentine's Day is about celebrating love in all its forms — not just romantic love, but also the love of family, friends, neighbors, and coworkers.
How did Valentine's Day originate?
Valentine's Day began as a Roman festival celebrating fertility and later became a Christian feast day honoring St. Valentine, a martyred priest who secretly performed marriages and showed kindness to persecuted Christians.
Can Valentine's Day be celebrated with friends and family?
Yes, Valentine's Day has evolved to include celebrations like Galentine's Day and Palentine's Day, honoring friendships and all types of meaningful relationships beyond romantic partnerships.
What are some thoughtful Valentine's Day gift ideas?
Popular Valentine's Day gifts include flowers, chocolates, personalized keepsakes, greeting cards, and gourmet gift baskets that express love and appreciation.
How can I make Valentine's Day special without spending a lot?
Thoughtful gestures like handwritten notes, homemade gifts, or spending quality time together can make Valentine's Day meaningful without requiring a large budget.
What are some Valentine's Day traditions I can start with my family?
You can create new rituals like sending cookies or chocolates to loved ones, writing heartfelt notes to family members, or making Valentine's cards together as a family activity.
Is Valentine's Day only for couples?
No, Valentine's Day celebrates all forms of love and connection, including friendships, family bonds, workplace relationships, and self-love.
AUTHOR
Jim McCann is the founder and chairman of 1-800-FLOWERS.COM, Inc. as well as a business leader, author, and philanthropist with a passion for helping people deliver smiles. Devoted to helping others, he also founded Smile Farms, a 501(c)3 organization that provides meaningful jobs in agricultural settings to young adults and adults with developmental disabilities.
