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
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AUTHOR
Jim McCann is the founder, CEO, 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.
