Why Valentine’s Day is My Favorite (Even Though It’s a Total Hallmark Holiday)

I know, I know—Valentine’s Day is the ultimate money-making Hallmark holiday. Overpriced roses, heart-shaped everything, and the pressure to prove your love in the most grand (and often expensive) way possible. But despite all that, I absolutely love it. Always have, always will.

First of all, it’s an explosion of everything pink and girly, and that alone is enough to win me over. I live for the soft pastels, the glittery hearts, and all the cute little details that make this day feel like a real-life Pinterest board. Give me all the pink frosted cupcakes, the heart-shaped decor, and the excuse to wear something festive!

But my love for Valentine’s Day runs deeper than just aesthetics. It’s pure nostalgia. Remember being a kid, decorating a shoebox for your classroom Valentine exchange? Carefully picking out the perfect little cards (bonus points if they came with stickers or candy) and hoping your crush noticed the extra special one you snuck into their pile? There was something so sweet and innocent about it.

And then there’s my husband, who has never once let this day go by without making me feel special. Our very first Valentine’s Day was in high school, and he set the bar high—he surprised me with a watch from the Disney Store. It was thoughtful, sweet, and the perfect mix of romantic and playful. Over the years, he’s kept up the tradition of making the day feel magical, whether it’s with a heartfelt note, a beautiful dinner, or just making me feel extra loved.

But beyond all the pink, nostalgia, and romantic gestures, Valentine’s Day is a celebration of love—and in a world where we often forget to show love to others, I think that’s worth embracing. Life gets busy, and we don’t always take the time to express our feelings, to appreciate our partners, our friends, or even ourselves. Whether it’s romantic love, friendship, or simply spreading kindness, this day reminds us to be intentional about showing we care.

So yes, I fully acknowledge that Valentine’s Day is commercialized, but I don’t care. It’s pink, it’s nostalgic, it’s filled with love—and in a time when the world could use more of it, that’s more than enough reason to celebrate.

“Let all that you do be done in love.” – 1 Corinthians 16:14