Valentine’s Day brings up a lot of emotions for me because on February 13th, 2015, my family’s life changed forever. What started as a somewhat normal day shifted within hours. That morning, my mom went in for an exploratory colonoscopy—just a routine procedure. So routine, in fact, that my parents even brought Sofi, our family dog, so my dad could walk the trails behind the hospital in Frisco while waiting. I was a senior in high school, completely caught up in my Valentine’s haze, busy selling Val-O-Grams all day. I kept texting my dad for updates, but there was only silence. Then, around 3 p.m., my phone rang. My dad’s voice was different. "It didn’t go as planned," he said. "They found something... a tumor the size of a grapefruit." Within moments, our world came crashing down.

My dad asked me to meet him in Leadville to pick up the dog because they wouldn’t be coming home for awhile. That evening, I drove through the dark, winter roads, sobbing, pleading with God to protect my mom, to heal her, to save her. I will never forget pulling up to that gas station and seeing my dad—seeing a broken man, the love of his life just given a life-altering diagnosis. He handed me Sofi and collapsed into my arms. "It’s not good, Sammi… it’s not good." Even ten years later, I can still hear the pain in his voice. But ten years later, I get to celebrate a mom who is alive. I get to call her on Valentine’s Day and tell her I love her. February 13th will always be a dark day in our lives, but February 14th is a day to celebrate.

Valentines Memories

Valentine’s Day was something truly special as a child because of the timeless moments my mom would create for us. Every moment in life was celebrated, and holidays were made even more magical. She had a way of turning even the simplest traditions into cherished memories. When I went away to college, she made sure Valentine’s Day was still special, sending care packages filled with love. Luckily, my roommate and best friend, Emily, was the ultimate Valentine’s queen—she made sure our apartment was always bursting with pink, red, and hearts. Between my mom’s thoughtful surprises and Emily’s festive spirit, Valentine’s Day remained a day filled with warmth, love, and celebration.

The Origin of Valentine’s Day

The story of Valentine’s Day is a mix of legend and history. Some say it dates back to the Roman festival of Lupercalia, a celebration of love and fertility. Others tie it to St. Valentine, a priest who defied Emperor Claudius II’s ban on marriages by secretly marrying young couples. Whatever its true origins, by the 14th century, Valentine’s Day became widely associated with romantic love, thanks to poets like Geoffrey Chaucer.

Love Around the World

Not everyone celebrates Valentine’s Day with chocolates and flowers! In different parts of the world, the holiday has evolved into something unique and meaningful:

• Denmark & Norway – Picture this: You wake up on Valentine’s morning to find a mysterious poem in your mailbox, signed only with dots. It’s called a gaekkebrev, a playful love letter where the sender remains anonymous. If you can guess who it’s from, you win a sweet treat later in the year. It turns Valentine’s into a fun game of romance and wit!
• South Korea – Imagine an entire year of love-themed days! February 14th is for women to give chocolates, March 14th (White Day) is when men reciprocate, and April 14th (Black Day) is for singles to gather and enjoy a comforting bowl of black bean noodles. Whether you’re taken or single, there’s always a reason to celebrate love and companionship.
• Wales – Instead of cards or candy, lovers in Wales have exchanged love spoons for centuries. These intricately carved wooden spoons often feature hearts, keys, or knots, symbolizing love and devotion. Picture a young craftsman spending hours carving the perfect spoon to express his feelings—far more personal than a store-bought gift!

A Valentine’s Morning to Remember

For me, Valentine’s Day has always been about more than just romantic love—it’s about celebrating all the people who make life special. One of my favorite traditions growing up was the way my mom made the day extra magical. Every Valentine’s morning, my brother Dylan and I would wake up to the smell of heart-shaped pink pancakes waiting for us at the breakfast table. My mom made them from scratch, and now, she could easily use the Stonewall Kitchen mix to recreate the tradition. Alongside our special breakfast, she always had a Valentine’s outfit picked out for us—something festive and fun. And the best part? A beautifully wrapped Valentine’s gift, carefully chosen just for me. Even as I got older, she continued sending these Valentine’s care packages, filled with little treats and reminders of home. It wasn’t until very recently that the packages stopped, but the love and thoughtfulness behind them remain some of my most cherished memories. This year, I secretly wish she would send me the Valentine’s sparkle sweatshirt and the Valentine beaded earrings for my Valentine’s Day party!

A Childhood Favorite: Angelina Ballerina

Nothing brings me back to my childhood quite like Angelina Ballerina. I still remember the excitement of receiving my first Angelina Ballerina mouse and playset, spending hours creating stories with my friends. Her world was filled with adventure, friendship, and of course, dance—a perfect combination for any little girl with a big imagination. Now, I’m so excited that we have the Angelina books in store! Angelina Feels Like Dancing and Angelina and the Valentine’s Surprise would make the sweetest Valentine’s gifts for the little ballerina in your life. These charming stories capture the joy and whimsy of childhood, making them perfect additions to any book collection.

Valentine’s Gifts at The View Café & Gifts

If you’re looking for the perfect way to create a Valentine’s Day to remember, The View Café & Gifts has everything you need. Cozy up for a festive night in with the Valentine pajama shorts from MudPie, or set the scene for a romantic dinner with the felt XOXO banner and the Heart You honeycomb hanging decorations. Keep warm and stylish with the Love You socks, and add a touch of romance with the Cadillac Cowgirl candle and its matching perfume, filling your space with a warm and inviting scent. A beautiful mug and tea set make for the perfect moment of relaxation, while jewelry and accessories add a timeless, elegant touch. For the ultimate self-care treat, indulge in bath products, lotions, or a thoughtful journal. Of course, no Valentine’s Day would be complete without something sweet—delight in gourmet chocolates and confections that are perfect for sharing (or keeping all to yourself!). And for the perfect date night? The charcuterie essentials gift or the S’mores roasting book box will set the stage for an unforgettable evening together.

Whether you’re celebrating with a partner, family, friends, or treating yourself, I hope your Valentine’s Day is filled with love in all its forms. ❤️

 What are some of your favorite Valentine’s traditions? Let me knowin the comments!

Until next time,

Sammi