The mere thought of red roses and chocolates might send your heart aflutter this week, or make you wince at the contrived "Hallmark holiday" that they represent. Nevertheless, it is possible to embrace Valentine's Day in a way that celebrates who you are and who (or what) you love . . . even if you only have 24 hours to pull it off. The added bonus? The following ideas are cost-effective too!
7 Sweet Ideas For A Meaningful Valentine's Day
1. Nix The Gifts: Lots of couples opt to forego gifts and pen good, old fashioned love letters instead. Create an original twist by adding the stipulation that the letters must arrive in an unconventional and surprising manner. Tuck your heartfelt card into the cereal box of your sweetheart's choice for an unexpected treat over breakfast, retain Fido as your mailman, or sock it away in your honey's sock drawer. It's a small way of ensuring some spontaneity during an otherwise predictable day.
2. The Couple That Plays Together, Stays Together: This is a great option for friends as well as couples. Book an activity that you can enjoy together. Take a rock-climbing lesson, attend an Acro Yoga workshop, drop in at a swish health club to which neither of you belong, or make like Tom Brady and Giselle by throwing strikes at Kings.
3. If The Clichéd Day Bugs You- Pick A New One! Who says Valentine's Day needs to happen on Thursday? Dodge the flocks of lovebirds by opting to celebrate whenever suits your fancy. Make a day of it on Saturday by booking a bodywork session, followed by a relaxing lunch, a fun flick, and a cozy dinner at home. I once met a couple who had a falling out on Valentine's Day several years ago. Following the rift, he drafted a "press release" announcing that the holiday had, in fact, moved to another date of their choosing. Remember, if it's your relationship, you make the rules.
4. Extend The Love All Year Long: Magazine subscriptions and fruit, flowers, or wine of the month clubs are great ways to show someone you love them every day of the year, not just when the calendar deems it necessary.
5. Collaborate For A 3rd Party: Notice I didn't say "with" a third party! Enlist your significant other or a friend to help you double up on love for another. Pay a visit to one person's elderly parent or grandparent. Bake a niece's favorite treat together. Conspire to execute an anonymous act of kindness for a mutual friend.
6. Share Your Mug Shot: O.G.'s S.O. summited Mt. Rainier a couple years ago, but the picture taken at the top and framed as a gift is among the best presents I've received, ever.
7. Spread the Love: Donate to a charity close to your honey's heart. A few of Om Gal's local favs worth considering:
Artists for Humanity seeks to bridge economic, racial and social divisions by providing underserved youth with the keys to self-sufficiency through paid employment in the arts. http://www.afhboston.com/
ReadBoston is a children's literacy organization with the goal of making sure that children in Boston read at grade level by the time they complete third grade. http://www.cityofboston.gov/bra/ReadBoston/JCSRB_Donation.asp
Dana-Farber provides cancer patients with the best treatment available. Its Boston Marathon running team is training in the rain, snow, and sleet during this time of year; supporting their mission will help keep spirits (and motivation!) high. http://www.dana-farber.org/how/gifts/
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3 comments:
You forgot the gold standard of Valentine's Day plans- a bottle of vodka and a pack of smokes. That's always a crowd pleaser.
Indeed, that is another option! Should you choose to entertain it (and you wouldn't be alone), be sure to don a "Love is Lame" T-shirt (available at www.loveislame.com).
And a reminder from our other fav-four, Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young. "If you can't be with the one you love, love the one you're with"
Sounds like a win/win to me?
Good "stuff" OMGal
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