Hearts Day 2026

Doing something romantic for Valentine's Day doesn't need to be expensive and doesn't require an expensive night out, heart shaped balloons or candy or flowers.

Romance isn't for a single day and doesn't come with a cost. It can take simple gestures on a daily basis like holding hands, opening doors, coffee in bed (my daily treat) or helping one another in small ways. Showing love is not about dollar value purchase, as romance really is priceless (sorry for the bad pun).

These displays of flowers, balloons & candies were in a local supermarket yesterday

Yet, this year spending for this one-day is expected to be billions of dollars in the U.S. alone. That estimate comes from The National Retail Federation which projected that Americans will spend over $29.1 billion on this single day. This figure will top the 2025 record of $27.5 billion. Individual gift spending is expected to be about $200 beating a 2020 previous high of $196.

As for ourselves, we never, ever go out on Valentine's Day and will be dining at home on filet mignon, baked potato, asparagus, preceded by shrimp cocktail. Candy treats will be leftovers from the holidays. Flowers will be on the dining room table next week not for a holiday, but as we enjoy them. Cards will be plentiful, as always, and then take place of pride on the living room bookcases to replace those from my recent birthday.

This week at the Hudson Senior Center (NH) Maxine was greeting everyone in her most colorful attire. If you notice, she's available and looking for a date as well.

Maxine is looking for love on Valentine's Day

Now a look-back at a sweet treat that so many of us can probably remember. 

Display of Sweethearts Cutie Pie candies in a local supermarket priced at 3 for $2

Sweethearts The Original Cutie Pie Conversation Hearts are small, heart-shaped candies produced by Spangler Candy. The cherry-strawberry heart-shaped candies feature messages like Cutie Pie, Be Mine, Marry Me and Kiss Me popular for Valentine’s Day. 

But, did you know that this one started here in New England ?

Sweetheart candies began in 1847 when Boston, MA pharmacist Oliver Chase invented a machine for medicinal lozenges which in turn lead to Necco (New England Confectionery Company) wafers, the first mass-produced American candy. In 1866, his brother, Daniel, designed a machine to print sayings on them using red vegetable dye. Candies were made in various shapes and were also larger with more words. The iconic heart shapes with brief messages started in 1901 and became a Valentine's Day tradition with short sweet wording due to limited space on the candy. Over the years, messages have been updated to include modern slang like Fax Me, Call Me, Text Me and Me & You. 

Necco went out of business in 2018 and family-owned Spangler Candy Company acquired the brand. The company didn't have enough time to produce them for Valentine's Day in 2019, but returned the classic candy to stores by 2020. Candies are made at the company's main facility in Bryan, OH and sold in 0.9 oz boxes often in multi-packs. Other popular Spangler brands include: Dum-Dums, Bit-O-Honey, Necco Wafers, Spangler Candy Canes, Spangler Circus Peanuts and Canada Mints.

And, now you know, the rest of the story.

We wish everyone a sweet and Happy ❤️ celebration and hope that yours is as special as ours will be, but not-as-costly as some others.