It is coming, just around the corner. Whether you remember or not, whether you celebrate or not, it will arrive. Many people call it a holiday created by the card industry. Others feel it is so commercialized and forced at this point, that it is nearly against the feeling of love to celebrate it.

    Of course, I am talking about Valentine's Day. This year, the “holiday” falls on Saturday. I am sure this is very good news for the restaurant industry. May not be great news for the flower industry, which may suffer in my calculations since women everywhere will not be in the office, the famed place to delivery flowers. I mean, you do it all for the display of love, right?! Kidding... somewhat.

    Regardless of the day it falls on, each year the holiday seems strange to me. I think it is odd to have the calendar tell me what day to show my love on. After all, you should show the feelings you have for your loved ones everyday, not just when cupid says so.

    Having two small children and limited budget, like many parents these days, we aren't in any position to make a big deal of the day as it is. But, I think stuck in this year's situation, it makes me realize just how important it is to show love in other ways. Sure, Valentine's Day gives you a reminder to send posies, buy a card, purchase chocolates. But what of the other 364 days each year?

    Being on a tight budget means no fancy candle-lit dinner this year, no date night out. But, we are going to have a quiet night at home, maybe rent a movie, make a nice dinner here at home. It will be a nice evening, regardless of the lower price tag and lack of flare. Quiet and nice, of course, after the kids bedtime.

   This may sound sappy and sad, but I only mention all of this because I think this year may mean the most of all. Sure a dinner out and a movie at the theater is nice sometimes, but a peaceful night in remembering how much you love each other can be just as meaningful, actually probably more.

    Remember this year not to get too wrapped up in the plans for dinner. Don't focus too hard on which flowers you are going to send. And, your significant other may still be on their New Year's Resolution diet, so skip this year's chocolates.

    Instead, talk to each other. Think about how important you are in each other's lives. Spend some quality time at home. The economy may not thank you for it, but your loved ones will.