With Valentine’s Day coming up next week, I’ve been inspired to write a post about it.
I’m not usually a Valentine’s Day fan, but I’ve decided to make a bit more of an effort this year. I think it is something to do with trying to slow life down a little in 2018, to spend more time focusing on the important things which are the people I love and the things I love to do.
I don’t disagree that Valentine’s Day feels a bit contrived – Matt thinks it was all invented by the greeting card industry to convince us to buy expensive flowers, cards and chocolates, but I think this is kinda missing the point.
Valentine’s Day is about love.
I like the idea of having a day to remind us to be kind, to be nice, to love the important human beings in our life, especially in today’s times of busy, busy, busy, where making a bit of extra effort often gets forgotten, or put on the too hard/too tired pile.
I think a little TLC goes a long way. I also think that it takes effort to make marriages and family work and I’m going to use Valentine’s Day as a reminder to put some oomph in.
So, I’ve done some research and come up with some cheap and easy ideas for celebrating Valentine’s Day this year, some just for couples and some for the whole family. I’m not much of a lovey dovey, soppy, public displays of affection kind of person, so these are pretty ‘straighty one-eighty’ I guess! You’ll have to use google if you want something a bit more exciting than what this ole ex-accountant can come up with!
Here we go ……………………………..
Couples Valentine’s Day Ideas:
- Make a bucket list together
Once a list is made, pick something to check off this year and then come up with a plan that’ll get you accomplishing it. Working together towards a common goal is a bonding exercise and exciting when it is something fun for both of you! - Write a letter to each other – try to keep it positive but it is a good chance to try and sort some grievances out too.
- Do a love languages quiz together like this one or this one, you might be surprised by what you learn!
- Wake up early and watch the sunrise together – maybe even take an early morning walk (thinking Matt and I might do this one).
- Take a drive to a lookout or somewhere pretty and set a timer for 30 mins. Chat, enjoy the silence, sit on a picnic mat and enjoy the fresh air.
- Gaze at the stars (trampolines are great for this!) and talk over goals/dreams for the next year.
- Make or buy something special for dessert.
- Do a jigsaw puzzle together, eat some tasty snacks and chat.
- Make a video for your kids telling them about how you met!
- Play a card game and enjoy a drink or two, we recommend Spit or Speed (be warned – they can lead to arguments though!!) – check them out – so fun!
Kids Valentine’s Day Ideas:
- Heart shaped hard boiled eggs, Heart sandwich, Heart pancakes!
- Google ‘videos to make you laugh on youtube’ and spend half an hour watching them together.
- Little love note in kids’ lunch box, or post it notes on their bedroom door,
- Instead of favourite part of the day at dinner time, take turns to go around the table saying something you like about each person.
- How about a telephone Valentine chain? Call a family member or friend and pass the phone around to take turns chatting. Then ask that person to “Pass it forward” by calling someone they love, asking that person to call another, etc.
- Make the dinner mood festive. Red tablecloth, candles, love song play list, finish with a family dance party – mum and dad slow dance (kids will gag!)
- Buy a box of chocolates to share, make or buy a ‘red themed’ dessert.
- Watch a family movie about love.
- Chocolate hearts on our pillows.
- Wear something red!
That’s our list.
I don’t think it has to be any sort of grand gesture; sometimes it’s the smallest ones that have the biggest impact and make the best memories or traditions.
Do you do anything special for Valentine’s Day? I’d love to hear some other traditions!
Happy Valentine’s Day for February 14, I hope it is filled with love and connection.
Love The Fealy Family xoxoxox
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