We have at least three reasons to celebrate and share our love today and this weekend:
- February 14: Valentine's Day and International Book Giving Day.
- February 16: Lunar New Year's Day, the Year of the Dog, celebrated by about a billion people on earth.
- February 19: Family Day, a holiday in my province.
Given that it's mid-winter where I live, the weather forecast looks good with above freezing point temperatures and some sunny days.
In my close family, we chose February 18 to get together and celebrate with a potluck dinner. We co-ordinate the menu and each family unit brings something to the party. I foresee lots of good food, wine, and yummy desserts this Sunday. We'll also share hugs, conversations, board games, and laughs. It will be fun family time again, just like Christmas!
As to sharing our love of books, there will be reading time with the children, book talks, and recycling of books among our family members.
I truly appreciate these family gatherings. Everyone has a full on schedule. Just to pick a date that works for all of us seems like a mission at times. We all get along and want to stay connected so we make it happen. I'm looking forward to sharing a lovely Sunday with my close family.
Wishing you a Happy Valentine's Day and Happy International Book Giving Day!
I love the family party idea. Of course my family is always up for a good pot luck and valentine's day is as good of an excuse as any. lol
ReplyDeleteThanks, Victoria, for your visit and comment. Good food, good company = Life pleasures :)
DeleteWe don't celebrate Valentine's, but I did cook a super special dinner last night - just because. I do love Chinese New Year & look forward to dumplings when I'm in Sydney this weekend. #TeamLovinLife
ReplyDeleteWe use Valentine's and just about any holiday to have a family party. We stay away from the consumerism around holidays. Enjoy dumplings in Sydney!
DeleteWhat a great idea for a family get together!
ReplyDeletePotluck dinners, family board games & sharing a love of books sounds like a fabulous combination!
Ingrid
http://www.fabulousandfunlife.blogspot.com.au
Thanks, Ingrid, for your visit and comment. With our Family Day holiday, it's easier for all of us to meet and have a party.
DeleteI love the idea of an International Book Giving Day, Natalie and my son was born in the Year of the Dog so it is his year this year!
ReplyDeleteYou have a great reason to celebrate the Year of the Dog then. Thanks, Sue, for dropping by.
DeleteValentine's Day isn't really a big deal in Australia - maybe we'll catch on to it down the track - we seem to have adopted Halloween (not that I'm thrilled about that!) I love that your family uses this time of the year as an excuse to spend time together - and all that book reading is a great way to bond.
ReplyDeleteValentine's Day is visible in stores, restaurants, florist shops, and chocolate shops here. Interesting that it isn't a big deal in Australia yet. Thanks, Leanne, for stopping by.
DeleteI hadn't realised it was International Book Giving Day. Our local Mary Ryan's Bookstore had a 'Tower of Love' that involved people buying a book for someone and you'd write a card and provide their contact info... on Valentine's Day the store SMS'd the recipient to say there was a book there for them.
ReplyDeleteI did it for a friend's 6yr old son and she actually did it for me as well which was nice. #teamlovinlife
Now you have one more book to enjoy! You may be able to read quite a few books on your upcoming cruise. Thanks, Deb, for dropping by.
DeleteCelebrating Chinese New Year, not a VDay observer.
ReplyDeleteSSG xxx
Happy Chinese New Year, SSG! Thanks for stopping by.
DeleteYou're fortunate to have a close knit family, Natalie. Enjoy your celebration!
ReplyDeleteYou're right, Karen. I'm very fortunate to have a close knit family. Thank you for stopping by.
DeleteEnjoy your upcoming Sunday, Natalie. It sounds like my kind of day with great food, good company and cozy times. No matter what the weather is! A perfect winter family gathering with books and conversation. And, maybe a wood fire?
ReplyDeleteThank you, Liesbet, for your comment. Yes, the hosts have a fire place :)
DeleteBooks are such a comfort, plus they're entertaining and informative. Yep, I'm a book lover.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Jan, for your visit and comment. Hope you're enjoying a good read, and a nice weekend.
DeleteHi, Natalie - I had forgotten about International Book Club Day. I did recently donate two large bags of books to a local organization...does that count?
ReplyDeleteBTW - Your family sounds truly amazing!
Hi Donna, Your book donation certainly counts! I'm very fortunate to have a close knit family and we all value family time together.
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ReplyDeleteAny excuse to show some love is a good day!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Betty-NZ, for stopping by. Have a lovely weekend!
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