By ANNA GILGOFF

Special to The Press

For most of us, Valentine’s Day has a long tradition that starts in childhood.

Who doesn’t remember those boxes of Valentine cards we begged our parents to buy with pictures of Bugs Bunny or Mickey and Minnie Mouse printed on one side and a space for our own messages on the back?

Who didn’t love to get our hands on a box of candy conversation hearts delivering messages such as “Be Mine” or “Sweetheart?”

And what about the endless array of stuffed animals in pink, white and red we hoped to cuddle with?

Not to mention going to a Hallmark store to choose the perfect Valentine card for parents, friends or that special someone.

It’s no wonder store shelves are stocked with all manner of goods capturing the essence of the holiday.

Even libraries are featuring Valentine-themed stories for kids, teens and adults.

At Parkland Community Library, Amanda Evans was busy snipping and cutting.

“I just thought it would be fun to have a little burlap bag to decorate for a gift or for themselves,” she said.

The little bags will only be available until Feb. 19, while supplies last.

“They usually run out in the first few days,” Evans said.

Rom coms continue to attract audiences.

Recently released “Marry Me,” starring J.Lo and Owen Wilson, join fan favorites such as “My Best Friend’s Wedding,” and “Love Actually” to earn a ton of views on Netflix or other platforms.

When it comes to the history of Valentine’s Day, stories abound.

Some trace the origin to Roman mythology, emphasizing Cupid’s role in shooting arrows to unwitting humans, causing them to fall madly in love.

Some say the holiday is a modern version of a winter festival called, Lupercal that celebrated the coming of spring and included fertility rites and the pairing of young lovers.

Christian martyrs named Valentine each have their followers.

One was a priest who was jailed and later killed by an emperor.

Another was a bishop who was later declared a saint. He secretly married couples to keep men from going to war.

One thing’s certain: Valentine’s Day warms the heart enough to make even these chilly wintry days, a little bit warmer.