IT'S ALMOST VALENTINE'S DAY - HOW DO YOU WANT TO SHARE THE LOVE?

I know, I know. You're probably groaning that December holiday merchandise has barely been moved off the shelves, and the Valentine's day goodies are already coming in -the cards, the candy, all of it.

Yes, I know. Valentine's Day is a highly-commercialized holiday.

But ya know what? Who cares! How about having some fun with it this year, and letting a bunch of people in your life know you care about them and love them in fun and surprising ways?
When I was growing up, I never thought of Valentine's Day as a day that was only about being with "that special someone." My mom would spread out a whole bunch of great art supplies on the kitchen table - fake pearls, sequins, doilies, glue, glitter, scissors, stickers, and construction paper. Our family would go to town making cards for our friends and relatives.

To this day, I still send Valentine cards - and usually at least one Valentines care package - to let a bunch of people know that I am thinking about them.

This doesn't mean you have to spend a lot of money. You could make cards. Also, there's a section in most drugstores with 99 cent cards that are plenty adorable.

Here's some folks who would probably love to get a fun note or surprise from you:

Great aunt or uncle

A loyal client, customer, or patron

Nieces and nephews

Elderly neighbor

Your mail carrier

Your mom or dad

Grandparents

Your hair cutter

Good friend

Favorite mom and pop store or restaurant owner

So, just for a second, tuck away your curmudgeon tendencies and spread a little love to people who would love to hear that they matter to you!