Valentine's Day Holiday Identity Crisis

If I was in my own classroom in the United States... I would have probably enjoyed a very pink and red day full of cupcakes, candy, valentines, cute-sy crafts and decorations (with hopefully an ounce of educational value). My kids would have brought in heart covered shoe boxes and if I was lucky... maybe even chocolate or flowers for me! By the end of the day, I'd be ready to send them all home on the bus with their boxes full of Hello Kitty and Spiderman themed cards.

In France however, they have not been over taken by this Halmark holiday (I say this in the least negative way- I'm a Halmark holiday sucker). Instead, it has remained a day devoted to adult romance in honor of Saint Valentine.... for those that actually celebrate it. At the lunch table today, out of the 7 other teachers, not one teacher besides myself and Vincent, the director, said they were doing anything in particular this evening to celebrate the holiday. Vincent said that he would probably stop on his way home and buy flowers for his wife.... otherwise that was it.

When I told them my parents had sent me Valentine's candy and I had gotten a few cards from friends and family (thanks by the way!!!), they were shocked! "You mean....your parents sent you something for Valentine's day?" And then when I told them I sent flowers to my sister, they were even more blown away. To them, love is between lovers. I explained that with my family and even a few friends, I say, "I love you." They explained to me that very rarely do they tell their children or parents they love them.... it just seems weird to do so. They aren't cold by any means... I think Corinne and Luc are very loving with their children.... they say little pet names and kiss and hug their children often. But- the phrase, "Je t'aime" is left for lovers... and very occasionally very close family members. Instead, for example on Desperate Housewives, I hear this said often, "Bisous" or "Bises" when the wives are on the phone with their husbands. But... similarly, when signing emails, most of my teachers and Corinne's family writes "bisous" or "grosses bises." This technically means "kisses," but I've come to learn that it's kind of like how British people sign things "xx" or "xoxo." I guess it means... fondly, see you later, kisses- all wrapped into one. I guess they do the double cheek kiss when they meet someone for the first time.... so in that sense, it does make sense that they write kisses at the end of things. Interesting, non?

I would say maybe 2 or 3 students in each class wore the color pink, and whether it was purposeful, I can't be sure. No one brought in any sort of candy or cards for their teachers. I'm sure if they had, it would have been thought of as sweet, but really really out of the ordinary, and potentially strange. Had I not done a few lessons on our traditions, I doubt many students would have even realized what day it was! When I asked what day it was, I got proud, "It's Monday!" responses lol.

In my CP class, we worked on presenting oneself, "Hello, my name is.... I'm... years old." After everyone practiced saying it, I asked if they wanted to sing any songs. They requested the song I taught around Halloween- one little, two little, three little pumpkins.... and Jingle Bells. So, just to sum up, we sang a Christmas song and a Halloween song.... on Valentine's Day :)

On my way home I stopped by the post office to pick up a package. It was from my Aunt Molly, who sent me an amazing box full of American cooking goodies and a pretty blue sweater. I'm actually wearing it right now because after walking home in the rain, I was freezing and put it right on! And now I'm going to have some rice-a-roni for dinner:)

Anywho- I hope you all have a nice, Joyeuse Saint-Valentin!

Reste cool:)8