I don't know what Valentine's Day is like in school nowadays, but when I was little it was a cutthroat day of unnecessary heartache.
First of all, there was the incredible stress of choosing who to write a Valentine's Day Card. Do you pick one special person or do you listen to your mom and write one to all the boys in the class? If you pick all the boys in the class, will you be known as the Harbor Hill Elementary School Whore? And what if you write out ten Valentines and only get one or two in return?
I hated putting the Valentines into the shoebox at the front of the class. I hated waiting for the teacher to call my name as she called off the recipient of each one. And I hated those moments when all the girls around me seemed to be arranging piles of handwritten hearts while I had still yet to receive ONE, most of all.
Even if and when my name was called, I hated making the very public walk to the front of the room to pick it up and then trying so hard to look blasé about the whole thing on the way back to my seat. God forbid I should make eye contact with anyone while I opened the card, revealing any hint towards who I hoped it was from.
What can I say? I was a self-conscious kid.
Also. What if I misinterpreted the gesture, thought a boy liked me and then realized he had given a Valentine to every girl in the class???
It was all too horrible to bear.
As a kid, I never spoke of these Valentine's Day fears to anyone.
But I did understand they were somewhat universal.
How?
My lovably cynical friends from the Peanuts Gang.
In "Be My Valentine, Charlie Brown", I don't think there was one requited love amongst the bunch.
The only Valentine Charlie Brown got (despite bringing a briefcase to school) was one saying "Forget It Kid". Linus never got to give his teacher a box of chocolates because he watched her leave class with her boyfriend, Sally mistakenly thought Linus's box of chocolates were for her, Lucy didn't a Valentine from Schroeder and Schroeder didn't get one from Violet.
In the end, Violet gives Charlie Brown a "pity" Valentine and Charlie Brown hopes that "pity" Valentines will become a trend next year, meaning he will stand a chance at getting some.
Nobody understood the cruelty of Valentine's Day quite like Charles M. Shulz.
In honor of Charlie Brown and his elementary school heartbreak, I will be giving out ONLY TWO Peanuts-themed Valentines today. The rest of you will have to leave empty-handed, dragging your briefcases between your legs.
The prize includes a remastered deluxe edition of "Be My Valentine, Charlie Brown" DVD, a limited edition Peanuts-themed tee from Uniqlo, a dancin’ cupid Snoopy from Hallmark, a Running Press’ Be My Valentine pop-up book with companion sticker book and a box of Peanuts Whitman’s chocolates. © 2011 Peanuts Worldwide LLC
Just don't throw those chocolates in a river of sorrow, okay?
• You must be a Mommy Shorts Facebook Fan to enter. If you are not one already, you can easily become one by clicking here.
• Complete one of the following sentences in the comment section below: "I love Valentine's Day because…" or "I hate Valentines Day because…"
• For a second entry, like Snoopy on facebook. (Who doesn't like Snoopy??) Then leave a second comment below.
• For a third entry, tweet one of the following:
I entered to win the @Snoopy Valentine's Day #Giveaway via @mommyshorts http://bit.ly/x2fpJn
Two winners will be announced on Valentine's Day.
Good luck!
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I would also like to invite you all to a Snoopy Twitter Party Wednesday, February 8th at 9pm EST. @Snoopy and @ArianaGrande from "Victorious" will be co-hosting and I will be hanging out with the non-celebs in the back.
To add to the festivities, @momofthreeunder, @sellabitmum, @juliecgardner, @ninjamomblog, @briconstable and @heididavid all agreed to be my Valentine's Day dates for the party.
If you want to join us, follow the hashtag: #snoopyvalentine.
Hope you can make it!
I love Valentine’s Day because it gives me one more chance to show my loved ones how much I truly love them. It gives me a great feeling to know that they know without a doubt how loved they are.
I have also “liked” Snoopy on Facebook.
I hate Valentine’s Day because it feels so contrived and boorishly consumerist; there’s a lot of pressure to get the perfect gift, to write the perfect card…on the other hand, I love Valentine’s day because it’s the one day a year my husband is required to be thoughtful.
I hate valentines day and always have, for many of the same reasons as above!
Also, have liked snoopy on fb. 🙂
I love Valentine’s day because I win either way…either I get a great gift or I get something to hang over my husband’s head for the rest of forever. I can’t be the only one who counts on my husband’s screw-ups to cushion my mistakes down the road.
I am ambivalent about V Day, but mostly “meh” because any excuse to be affectionate to one another is a good one, but I still remember how much it sucked to be alone on this day. We did gifts/cards the first year we dated (pressure?), but never again. He was so proud of himself for getting me chocolates without nuts (i hate nuts, don’t know why), but the box did have peanut butter in it and I almost gagged. #winning
I LOVE the day after though, and all the discount candy, which I buy and serve at unrelated parties 🙂
Thank goodness now in school everyone gets a valentine from every kid – you know it’s like Socialism for the second grader FTW!
Valentine’s Day is…hmmm…boring. Not only do I have to come out of my Winter coma to actually think of gifts (I’m still drained from the holidays), but what gifts to give? I don’t want to set a precedent and get my kids something that is so awesome they expect it every year but I also don’t want to get small candy hearts that taste nasty. And what aboout the small Valentine’s for the school? Do I channel my inner Martha and make something fabulous from Pinterest or just go with the boring box sets from Target? Again, setting the precedent for the next year is a concern.
And what to get my DH? He’d probably be ok with Valentine’s nooky and that’s it. Trying to go out to dinner is a nightmare because all the restaurants are packed.
Wow. Who knew I had so much pent up emotion about this stupid holiday!
Oh, and Snoopy Rocks!
I love Valentine’s Day because I actually get to go out with my husband this year! It’ll be our first date since having Quinn and my mom offered to babysit. I’m even dressing up and wearing heels! Oh my!
I like Snoopy on FB and am very amused there’s a link to Pinterest on there.
I hate Valentine’s Day because I don’t want someone to tell me they love me because they were guilted into it. I want lovin’ of their own free will!
Hubs and I have never celebrated but agreed that in order to not pass along our jadedness to Buggy, we will shower her with valentines love. Just not this year because she still has no idea what’s going on yet.
I love Valentine’s Day because as soon as it’s over they put out the Cadbury Cream Eggs. Sure, I’ve seen some sneak out early this year, but I cannot, in good faith, eat one before the pink and red holiday is over. At least this is what I tell myself to prevent overindulgence…
I love Valentines Day because I get to help my kids make crafts to give to their daddy!
I tweeted!! Boo Ya~
I love Valentine’s Day because there’s a high probability my husband won’t do a damn thing to celebrate our love and I can lord it over him in exchange for beau coup Mother’s Day swag.
I like Valentine’s day because deep down I’m such a girly girl and want to wear pink and hearts all the time, but am slightly embarrassed to do so. This is the one day a year when it’s perfectly acceptable.
I hate Valentine’s Day because it was the day my dad died 4 years ago (my girl was only 8 weeks old). It’s a love/hate relationship really. I love all of the cute crafts that we get to do in anticipation of the day, but generally hide out on the actual day.
I like you, Snoopy, and I tweeted!(https://twitter.com/#!/MommasTimeOut/status/166878573616050176)
I love Valentine’s Day because, now that I have my son, I’ve got two guys to show my love to – this day and EVERY day 🙂
I also liked Snoopy on Facebook!
Liked Snoopy of Facebook!
I love Valentine’s Day, but mostly because it’s a great excuse to eat chocolate and pie for breakfast.
Tweeted, too!
I hate Valentine’s day because it’s yet another crappy Hallmark holiday created to make people feel bad. BUT
I love valentines day because my 6 year old daughter is SO happy to get valentines!
I hate Valentine’s Day for several reasons. I’m single, and for some reason this makes all of my married friends think that I want to watch their kids so they can go out and my son can have someone to play with (I don’t, I want to cuddle with my son, eat a ridiculous amount of ice cream, and watch chick flicks in my pajamas). There are TWO of them in Northeast Ohio. Yeah. Cleveland decided to spread the love to October, so there is also Sweetest Day here. Then there are the pity looks you get after people ask what your plans are. Actually it’s nice to get that out haha.
I also liked Snoopy on Facebook
And tweeted about the giveaway!
I love Valentine’s Day b/c it’s filled with heart-shaped food!
My husband took me to Paris our 1st Valentine’s Day together. I do not foresee a repeat of this in my future, thus I find it somewhat depressing.
BUT- I do like that this year I made valentines with my 3 year old for his class. I assume they will have a party and yes, I used the extra fine red glitter on all of their valentines. I hope the parents curse me!
I love Valentine’s Day (only) because it’s the day my son was born.
Before that it was just a nuisance of red and pink and dead flowers.
What’s not to like about Snoopy? No idea – I liked him!
Tweeting now – I guess I’m a Giveaway Entry Whore. (GEW for short – pronounced with a hard G not a soft G.)
I love it, because I adore candy in heart-shaped boxes.
And I liked Snoopy on Facebook. Thanks for the giveaway!
I hate Valentine’s day because my husband doesn’t have a romantic bone in his body.
I STILL don’t understand twitter parties. Sigh.
It sounds like you’ll be in great company though, I love those ladies.
I hate valentine’s day because it’s hard to spell AND the food is expensive.
i liked snoopy. my husband likes him more than i do though
Best rationale ever.
I have mixed feelings about Valentine’s Day because my husband and I differ in our definitions of what’s romantic.
Bill: Sex. Duh.
Me: A good night’s sleep. Duh.
I know. You’re all jealous now.
My apologies.
Also:
Yay Twitter Party!
I like Valentine’s Day but it isn’t very much fun anymore when the kids can’t exchange cards at school.
I like Snoopy on FB!
I tweeted it!
“I hate Valentines Day because…”
feelings always get hurt. Expectations are built up and there ends up being tears and disappointment.
And I like Snoopy. How can you not?
I love Valentine’s Day because…of the craftiness, the chocolate, and a reminder as always to spread the love!
I love Valentine’s Day because of the giveaways!
I love Valentine’s Day because I love to share Snoopy Valentine’s Day cards with family and friends.
I “liked” MommyShorts on FB.
I already liked Snoopy on FB.
I hate Valentine’s Day because it is too close to my birthday and my wonderful husband feels justified in combining the two days into one gift.
I love Valentines because it gives a opportunity to make everyone you know feel loved. I love watching students, their anticipation in opening their sacks fills the air.
I dislike Valentine’s Day because, honestly, I feel obligated to shave my legs for my husband. Doesn’t he realize I need that hair for warmth in the winter? 😉
I love valentines day because it means I get flowers and diamonds…only day of the year lol!
I like Valentine’s Day because it’s a yet another opportunity to treat my little people to something special. It’s also a great excuse to eat chocolate and demand to be taken to dinner by my spouse, always desperate for ideas of how to commemorate the day. And we always celebrate as a family. I wouldn’t want to leave my kids behind on a day about love.
For the record, I hated Valentine’s Day as a teen and felt pressure and anxiety in the years I was single and unattached to anyone. But now, after 17 years of marriage, the holiday’s in the bag for me. Bring on the nasty NECCO conversation hearts!
I love Valentine’s day because I can wear Pink and Red together the WHOLE month without people thinking i am stupid…..
I am a fan of you AND Snoopy on Facebook 🙂
I tweeted!!!!
https://twitter.com/#!/RoraBorieAlice/statuses/167055315655860226
i hate valentine’s day because it’s two days before our wedding anniversary so in order to celebrate our marriage, we have to pay double regular restaurant prices. i also hate v-day because it means that my husband will come home later than usual (which is late enough to start with) because he had all year to get a card and forgot.
I love Valentine’s Day because it is my birthday! Which should have sucked when I was a geeky gawky child and teen, but despite the lack of boyish affection my way, I still enjoyed having my birthday on a holiday. Then as a geeky gawky adult I met my husband who now will never forget my birthday – and have two darling girls who get a kick out of the timing of my birthday. However to be fair – I also yate Valentine’s Day because it is in February which is THE worst month of the entire year – dismal, grey, dpressing, blah month.
If we were voting for replies, this is winning! If only because I love how you will shave for Valentines but not Christmas or Anniversary. On the otherhand you are inspiring a new HallMark card ” Dear Husband how much do I love you? Enough to shave my va-j-j for Vday!” ( and yes I realize you said legs, I am taking artistic license! lol)
I hate Valentines Day, because every year I’m disappointed that my hubby doesn’t get me anything more than a card. It’s totally a Hallmark holiday, but that doesn’t mean I wouldn’t love some flowers.
I like Snoopy on Facebook.
I love Valentine’s Day because it’s the day before my birthday and there is usually chocolate and sweet little things involved, no big pressure like Christmas! PS – Snoopy is my FAVORITE and my son is obsessed, what an amazing giveaway to win!
I liked Snoopy on FB!
I love Valentine’s Day because I get cute little notes from my daughter.
Like Snoopy on FB
Julie. Meet me at the DVR. I’ll bring chips.
That made no sense. I should add, “We can bond over our hubs’ inability to wow us. And watch good looking men on TV.”
OBVIOUSLY.
Oh, I’m getting nasty with sleep for Valetine’s Day.Filthy.
Right on!
I love Valentine’s Day because my mom still mails me a care package of my favorite treats, so even if my hubby forgets, I still get chocolate. Plus she bakes him his favorite iced cutout cookies so I don’t have to 😉
I like Snoopy on FB
Tweeted as brojoemama
I like valentine’s day because I can have chocolate without guilt! (come to think of it, it is no different than any other guilt free chocolate day while pregnant)
I’m a fan on FB and I love Valentine’s Day because…I have not only my husband to spend my valentine’s day with but my beautiful daughter and sweet little baby boy. All 3 are my Valentines now!
I liked snoopy on FB!
I tweeted as well! https://twitter.com/#!/jupitershana/status/167364047547797504
I like Valentines Day because I get to do special thinks for my kids! lilsis_75@hotmail.com
I liked Snoopy on facebook! lilsis_75@hotmail.com
I am a fan of Mommy Shorts Facebook Fan. I don’t love or hate Valentine’s Day… I think that everyday should be spent loving your loved ones, and not just celebrated once a year, but everyday. I would love to win this for my “little” Valentines – my son & daughter who adore Charlie Brown.
mmalavec@med.umich.edu
I like Snoopy on facebook!
mmalavec@med.umich.edu
https://twitter.com/#!/mmalavec/status/167451085936660481
I tweeted about the giveaway
mmalavec@med.umich.edu
I love Valentine’s Day because it’s the one and only day each year my husband and I (and now our child) eat dinner at the Catfish Parlor. It is as fancy as it sounds. Kitsch on every square inch of the walls, all-you-can-eat salad bar complete with croutons in little plastic packages, waitresses who call you “Sugar,” lime-green colored tartar sauce and, of course, catfish. We went there as a goof for Valentine’s Day about five years ago, and now it’s our little family tradition. And don’t try to tell me it’s just my husband’s dastardly way of getting out of making reservations at some fancy place. Waaaait a minute…
I love Valentine’s Day because it’s a fun day to celebrate with hubby.
like Snoopy on facebook
http://twitter.com/sohamolina/statuses/167481930177183745
I love Valentines Day because it is a time to show people how much we care about them. It’s exciting when you’re a kid to make a box, fill out cards, and get the candy! As an adult, you get to tell people just how much they mean to you. Even you don’t have a sweetheart, you can still show others you care.
I liked Mommy shorts on Facebook
I already liked Snoopy on Facebook
I posted a Tweet
I am a facebook fan and I love Valentine’s Day because it’s an excuse to get a babysitter and have an adult meal with my husband :).
I’m following Snoopy on facebook
I tweeted this giveaway https://twitter.com/#!/lisacng/status/167648364639436801
I Love Valentines day because I am super blessed to be married to the ultimate Valentine (for 8 years). 🙂 Every day is love day at my house.
I love Valentine’s Day because it gives me a chance to show my son and fiance how much I love them!
I hate Valentine’s Day b/c it’s so commercialized!
Oops, had already commented…lol and it was a “I love” one… sorry!