What is Valentismas, and how can it bring healing during difficult times? How did this unique holiday, created in memory of a loved one, transform into a celebration of love? Can Valentismas help you connect with others and express gratitude? Discover the meaning and activities of this special day!
Valentismas, a unique holiday celebrated on February 10th every year, is an opportunity to combine the warmth of Christmas with the romantic essence of Valentine’s Day. The concept was born out of a family’s grief and transformation, a heartwarming story of love and resilience. But Valentismas isn’t just a celebration; it’s a day of healing, reflection, and gratitude.
What is Valentismas?
Valentismas, a portmanteau of Christmas and Valentine’s Day, is observed on a day between these two significant holidays. It is designed as a stress-free day for families and friends to come together and celebrate their love, connection, and the warmth of the festive season.
Since it falls just a few weeks after Christmas, the spirit of the holiday season is still alive. People are also gearing up for Valentine’s Day, and Valentismas serves as a perfect pause between these two occasions. It’s a day to reflect on the joy and togetherness of Christmas while soaking in the love and affection that Valentine’s Day represents.
A Day for Love, Reflection, and Togetherness
The essence of Valentismas lies in its celebration of love in all forms. Whether it’s the love between partners, friends, or family, this day is an opportunity to surround oneself with those who matter most. It’s a time for gratitude, remembrance, and the joy of shared moments.
But the celebration isn’t just about joy—it’s also about healing. Many people find themselves facing grief or personal loss, especially during the holidays. Valentismas provides an alternative, less stressful holiday, where those grieving can still experience the warmth of the season, even when someone important isn’t present. It’s a reminder that grief is a form of love, and it’s okay to feel sadness even in the midst of celebration.
History of Valentismas: A Family Tradition
The creation of Valentismas can be traced back to Erin Herrmann, who founded the holiday in 2019 in memory of her father, Duane Herrmann. Erin recounts how her father’s health had been in decline, leading the family to repeatedly postpone their Christmas celebrations. After Duane’s death in January 2019, Erin and her family were uncertain whether they should continue celebrating Christmas. They had already bought gifts and were eager to spend time together, and yet they felt a sense of loss too great to ignore.
In this moment of reflection, Erin had the idea to combine the celebration of Christmas with Valentine’s Day, creating a new holiday that would be celebrated on February 10th. This day was a way to honor the memory of her father, while also embracing the love and joy that her family still shared despite the loss.
Valentismas became a Hermann family tradition. Over time, they realized that many families, like theirs, go through periods of grief, especially during the holidays. Loss often makes the festive season feel even more challenging, and Valentismas was born out of the desire to help others navigate grief and find joy in a different way. By celebrating Valentismas, Erin and her family began to heal, finding strength in each other and the memories of their loved ones.
The Meaning of Valentismas
The name Valentismas itself combines the spirit of Christmas—a time of family bonding and reflection—with the romantic and affectionate nature of Valentine’s Day. It serves as a way for families to celebrate the love that connects them, even amidst the challenges of life. The holiday encourages participants to celebrate love in all forms, whether that be familial love, romantic love, or the love shared between friends.
Valentismas also emphasizes the importance of appreciation and gratitude for those around us. Erin Herrmann, in reflecting on the creation of the holiday, notes that celebrating Valentismas has brought tremendous joy, particularly during the hardest of times. It’s a day to pause and express gratitude for those we love—whether they are physically present or remembered in our hearts.
The close proximity of Valentismas to Valentine’s Day is significant, as both holidays center around love and connection. Valentine’s Day, historically associated with Saint Valentine, who is believed to have performed secret weddings for soldiers during wartime, has always been a celebration of love. The origins of the holiday remain somewhat mysterious, but it has long been associated with acts of love and affection, often expressed through gifts, letters, and gestures.
Activities to Celebrate Valentismas
Valentismas is all about creating meaningful connections and cherishing the loved ones around you. Here are some activities that can help you get into the spirit of this special day:
- Get Together with Your Family and Friends: Spend quality time with those you love. Celebrate with laughter, conversation, and shared memories. You could exchange gifts or simply enjoy a meal together. The point is to nurture relationships and savor the company of your loved ones.
- Throw a Party: Valentismas is a joyful occasion, so why not throw a love-themed party? Whether you’re hosting a small gathering or a large event, a party is a great way to spread cheer and love. Consider decorations in red and pink, and heart-shaped treats to bring the spirit of Valentine’s Day to your celebration.
- Visit a Hospital or Hospice: Since Valentismas was founded with the intention to help people who are grieving or facing difficulties, consider spreading joy to others who may need it. Visit a local hospital or hospice with gifts, chocolates, or flowers. This simple act can uplift those who are experiencing hardship, allowing them to feel the love and kindness of the season.
- Create a Memory Box: For those grieving, a memory box is a meaningful activity. Collect photos, letters, or keepsakes that remind you of a loved one and spend time reflecting on the love and memories you shared. This can bring comfort and a sense of connection.
- Volunteer: Volunteering in your community is a wonderful way to express love for others. You could help at a local shelter, food bank, or other charitable organization. By giving back, you honor the spirit of love and care that Valentismas represents.
Why We Love Valentismas
There are countless reasons to embrace Valentismas. Here are some of the key elements that make this holiday so special:
- A Day of Love: Valentismas is, at its heart, a celebration of love. It’s a reminder that love is not limited to romantic relationships but extends to everyone in our lives, including family, friends, and even ourselves. Love is universal, and Valentismas invites us to reflect on the love that surrounds us.
- A Day to Say Thanks: Expressing gratitude is an essential part of Valentismas. It’s a time to thank the people in our lives who bring us happiness, comfort, and support. Whether it’s a simple “thank you” or a heartfelt note, this is a day to recognize and appreciate those who make a difference in our lives.
- Helps Us Grieve: Grief is a form of love, and Valentismas provides a space for those who are mourning to feel supported and loved. It acknowledges that loss is a natural part of life and that it’s okay to grieve. The holiday offers a safe space for individuals to reflect on their emotions, remembering those who are no longer with them while celebrating the love they shared.
Conclusion
Valentismas is more than just a holiday—it’s a movement. It’s a way to celebrate love, overcome grief, and reflect on what truly matters in our lives. By coming together with loved ones, expressing gratitude, and offering kindness to those in need, Valentismas embodies the spirit of love that transcends both time and loss. As we observe this holiday each year, we remind ourselves of the importance of love in all its forms, and how it can help us heal, grow, and connect with others.
Whether you’re celebrating with family, friends, or through acts of kindness, Valentismas offers an opportunity to embrace the true essence of love, making it a truly special day for everyone.
