I never doubted the love of my grandparents. I knew how they enjoyed holding the annual Valentine’s Day celebration at their house. The event became tradition over a period of around 20 year or longer. I do not recall the exact year our first event was held or my age. But in my heart, I treasure what I now call an old-fashioned Valentine’s Day
Handcrafted gifts with hearts were passed out. But not right away. As I reminisce, the gifts must have taken them all year to make.
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Our Family Meal on Valentine’s Day
A red, white and pink themed table displayed the source of delicious smelling homemade meal prepared by Grandma and Aunt Rosetta consisted of Dad’s Casserole, green bean casserole, applesauce, and a fancy Jello salad among other delightful foods Here we gathered to pray and eat of the lip smacking delights
Dessert was festive heart shaped cake or little cakes shaped like hearts covered in pretty little candy hearts or red and white M&M’s. Ice cream of various flavors were offered to eat with cake.
Or others like myself enjoyed their cake in a bowl with milk poured over it. This was before I needed to refrain from eating sugar. Even when after I started taking insulin, I would enjoy a treat at our Valentine’s Party.
Once we all had our fill of delicious food, and dishes were washed, we waited for the parents to arrive. When all had arrived, out came the first clue of our treasure hunt.
Valentine’s Day Treasure Hunt
These were 6 to 10 clues hidden strategically throughout the house and even in the pockets of the parents sometimes. Eventually the last clue led us to the ‘treasure’.
A box of several of handcrafted gifts made by our grandfather. A few included hand made pieces by my grandma such as the miniature quilt rack (Grandpa made) complete with miniature quilts (Grandma made).
For 20 years we were treated to items homemade gifts for Valentines Day. Today, they can be found in various areas of my house.
Each gift had a heart shape incorporated into it. My Grandpa created the mug tree with a heart shaped base.
Another event of the day was taking pictures of the grandchildren and grandparents. The celebration ended with an evening meal for all generations.
Valentine’s Day Games
Throughout the year my grandparents saved coins to be placed in a heart shaped container. All the grandchildren took turns guessing (1 guess person) the sum total of change. We wrote out our guesses. The closest to the correct amount would be given the money.
After the traditional events took place several of us grouped around tables and played favorite games such as Dutch Blitz, marbles, Skip Bo and Dominos are a few I recall.
Breaking Tradition
One year my grandparents saved up money to purchase each of us a Bible. A breaking of the tradition, no hand made wood item this particular year. Every year they spoke of the love of Jesus as the gave us Valentine’s Day gifts, but the year they gave us Bible’s it was a bit different.
The wanted us to know the love of Christ. While they liked giving us physical gifts, they placed a high value in the written Word of God.
My grandparents wanted to share a clear and confident message to each of their grandchildren. The love of Christ Jesus surpassed the love of my grandparents. It was deeply important to them their grand children be given the word of God.
Curiosity Created
I think, at some point, I became interested in seeing how my grandfather created these gifts we had been given.
My grandfather had a spot in the basement for his wood working hobby. His bigger tools stayed outside in the garage, but the intricate work and sanding happened in the basement.
I recall a stretch of time I spent down with grandpa in the basement watching and learning a few of his processes. Instead of spending time with grandma, I wanted to understand the skills grandpa used to make items from wood.
I do not remember why I stopped, my curiosity had been satisfied, I suppose.
The annual event ended years ago. The memories live on inside my heart while the handcrafted gifts and Bible serve as a reminder of days gone by.