Are you hoping for a dreamy, romantic Valentine’s Day with roses, a candle lit dinner, chocolates, and the works?
Or maybe you plan to have a day all to yourself? Or you might decide to include your partner or your kids?
The good news is, there is no wrong way to celebrate Valentine’s Day.
What if this year, you switch it up and create your own out-of-the-box, playful theme?
I don’t want to say I have become more realistic about Valentine’s Day over the years because that feels like I am bursting my own bubble. However, I do admit that over the years I have learnt to find a deeper meaning around love.
Hallmark holidays no longer work for me. All the commercialization around them feels forced and insincere. But, they do encourage me to be more conscious of the energy and messages associated with them, and to notice what I choose to bring back into my life.
So, this year, I have decided to continue Valentine’s Day celebrations, but with my own flavour.
Below, I’ve listed fresh ways to mix it up and customize Cupid’s favorite day:
1. Experiment with Essential Oils:
Scents have a wonderful way of setting the tone and inviting in romance. Play around with different essential oils and research their properties. My personal favourite is ylang ylang, which is known as an aphrodisiac. Offer your partner a massage, or better yet, have him/her return the favour. It’s a win-win situation, really. There’s nothing like touch to take it up a notch.
2. Express Yourself:
How many times have you spent countless hours at a card store (Yep, that would be me), searching for a perfect card? Do you remember the good ol’ days when you were in kindergarten with your crayons and markers drawing up a storm? There’s a lot to be said about expressing your creativity. I cherish the cards I receive and I keep them for years on end. Wouldn’t it be worthwhile to take the time to personalize a card, rather than buying one off the shelf? Imagine the reaction!
3. Sweet Nothings:
I recently tried this, and was blown away by how something so simple can create such intimacy. Have you ever tried reading poetry to your partner? There is something about the innate, rhythmic nature of poetry that creates a soothing bonding experience. Read in bed, in the tub or while you cook. Or, try reading under the moonlight (that sounds pretty dreamy, if you ask me).
4. Spread the Love:
Engaging together in volunteer work, such as offering your time at a food bank or visiting a senior centre, is a powerful experience. I can’t think of a better way for two individuals to spread the love, connect, and deepen their bond with humanity than by sharing their collective energy with people in need.
5. Make it a Family Affair:
Get the kids involved. Pull out your old photo albums and home videos, and revisit the past. Show your children their baby pictures and tell them their birth stories (my boys loved this! They talked about it for days. Seriously! Who would have thought?) Make some hot chocolate and cozy up. Remind each other what you love most about each member of the family. Take turns and say it aloud. Your voice has power energy. Speaking your feelings and memories aloud makes all the difference. Trust me.
Are you bold enough to toss out tradition and add your own flair to Valentine’s Day this year?
What are some unique ways you are going to spice it up this year?
Share your comments below or on my Facebook Page.
