Dia de San Valentin

So yesterday was Valentine's Day, I hope everyone had a great day! The holiday is celebrated in Spain also, but it is very different here. In general, Spainiards value family very much. I wouldn't say more than in the US cause I know plently of Americans who love their family more than anything, but definitely in a different way. Americans in general are very busy people and we are always running around, rarely leaving time for ourselves or family since not being busy is often considered being lazy. I didn't realize how true this is until I came here. In Spain, its totally acceptable to not do anything all day on Sundays, and to watch TV or talk to friends and family for hours each day. Its hard for me to get used to this cause I feel like I'm just wasting time and not being productive. The fact that Marisa and Lucia sleep til 11 and watch TV together all night, every night just amazes me. However, family time comes before all else.

So on that note, back to Valentines day... here, Valentine's day is truly  a day of appreciation for loved ones. Not just lovers, but friends and family as well. You do not have to get extravagent gifts and top all your friends in being the most romantic. In fact, I only saw one store with decorations up all day yesterday, and it was a flower store with a few hearts hanging up. There is no Fred Meyers packed with pink hearts, chocolates, stuffed animals, flowers, etc. Its more about showing the people you love that you care, not being expected to buy the best gift possible for them. This I really like :) I don't have a problem with valentines day in the states, whether I'm single or have a boyfriend. But I do think that Americans get a little carried away with the concept. Don't get me wrong, I always love getting presents, especially chocolates or flowers, but its refreshing being here and not having it be a day of competition about who received the best gift. The stores here don't capitalize on the opportunity to make money, and there is no obligation or expectation of an elaborate surprise gift. The focus is simply on loving your loved ones, and that I love :)