Valentine’s Day is an interesting one for me, on one hand, I love an excuse to celebrate, but on the other hand, the over-the-top commercialisation drains my soul a bit. Although I’m not super fussy over Valentine’s Day, its still a nice reminder to think of someone else in your life whether it’s a romantic relationship or not.
The true history of Valentine’s Day is not fully known, there are numerous versions of the Saint Valentine story dating back to ancient Rome; there are even two saints with the same name, who share February 14th as the feast day – adding to the confusion.
Valentine’s day has become a multi billion-dollar industry, it’s incredibly obvious as you stroll in your local stores, or even online. Of course, it’s fun to get flowers, chocolates, jewelry, or a cute card on February 14th, but I’d be cool with getting a gift on any day really.
It’s the expectations of living up to the romanticism of this day that seems to cause anxiety and unnecessary tension. Is it possible to celebrate Valentines Day without the intensity of expectations – I dare to say yes!
So instead of celebrating with the usual dinner reservations, try out some alternate ideas that speak to your uniqueness.
Bake With All Your heart
Baking is a fun and inexpensive way to brighten up anyone’s day. I have such a sweet tooth, strawberry short cake, butter tats, chewy chocolate chip cookies, bring it on! Unfortunately, this doesn’t translate to my baking skills, but there are a few treats I eventually mastered, skor shortbread cookies being one of them, so good!
Choose what you want to bake based on your skill level, a simple sugar cookie recipe for a beginner for example, or macarons for experts. The idea is to keep it sweet and bake something for your partner, friends, or co-workers – it’s about giving.
Get Inspired by Galentine’s Day
Fictional character Leslie Knope, of Parks and Recreation fame, created Galentine’s Day on February 13th, a day to celebrate female friendships! Despite this “holiday” starting on a tv show, lots of people have really connected to Galentine’s Day, which embraces ALL relationship statuses, not just couples!
Although the name would lead you to believe that this is a ‘gal’ holiday, to me this day is about showing all your friends how much you love them, regardless of gender. Choose a bonding activity, anything from an energetic dance party, to binging your favourite series, the idea is to get everyone together to connect, and share lots of laughs!
It’s funny that we can just create a holiday, if national donut day exists (which I obviously support), then why not put some effort into Galentine’s Day, tell your friends you love them and eat lots of pasta, paired with a tasty wine!
Figure Out Your Love Language
If you’d rather explore inward and get to know which love language you use in relationships, then take Valentine’s Day to work this out. There are 5 love languages coined by author Gary Chapman’s book The 5 Love Languages: The Secret to Love That Lasts (quality time, words of affirmation, receiving gifts, acts of service, and physical touch).
Take the quiz and figure out your love language, you many even learn something new about yourself, and how you communicate love. I resonate with quality time and acts of service the most, understanding how we express love can strengthen a relationship, adding necessary language to feelings.
Whether you’re single or in a relationship, this self work holds value since it can be used in a current or future relationship.
https://www.5lovelanguages.com/quizzes/love-language
Self-Care Palooza
Self-care is essential, it’s really an expression of self love, so why not splurge even more during Valentine’s Day. The great thing about this option is that it’s about relaxing and creating peace from day-to-day stresses.
An at-home spa environment is the perfect self-care act, a calming face mask, bubble bath or body scrub, can leave you feeling refreshed. Add soothing music and candles to the spa for extra ambiance. Since this is Valentine’s Day inspired, chocolate dipped strawberries, and champagne are a nice touch. This option can be done solo, or you can invite someone to join, whatever makes you happiest.
When it boils down to it, it’s all about LOVE, celebrate big or small, on Valentine’s Day or every day!
