By Jennifer Noland
No, I did not misspell the V-word in this blog's title. When my siblings were younger, they always called it Valentime's Day. I thought it was adorable babytalk, of course, but I also loved that the name now encapsulated everything I thought the holiday was really about: spending time with the people you love.
Lately, though, it seems like people who celebrate this holiday come under fire for doing so. And I don't understand where all the negativity came from.
I hear a lot of people say that it's a "Hallmark holiday." Well, a lot of holidays are "Hallmark holidays," Mother's Day and Father's Day instantly come to mind, but in the day-to-day grind we are given so few reminders to cherish and celebrate the people in our lives and what they mean to us. So what's the harm?
I have also heard the line about not wanting to limit shows of love to just one day a year. While I do fully support that stance, I have to wonder who told people that Valentine's Day was an all or nothing deal? Why can't Valentine's Day be the pièce de résistance of the love you share 365 days in a year? And who doesn't love an excuse to completely spoil the ones you love?
Many people have told me that they don't believe spending inordinate amounts of money on superficial items like flowers and candy is a good display of their affection. This is exactly my case for thinking outside the box (of chocolates) when it comes to Valentine's Day! Flowers and candy are definitely nice, but they don't hold a candle to the memories created and the experiences shared when you spend time on someone you love.
Not sure how to spend time on someone? Need some examples? I'm glad you asked.
- Tickets are a great Valentine's Day gift because they are both a tangible item you can give to your loved one and an experience that the two of you can share and remember for the rest of your lives. From the pictures you'll take to the merchandise available, there's bound to be something meaningful there to help keep the memories fresh in your minds.
- Not concert/theatre people? If you're looking for something a little quieter, whisk your someone special away to a local bed and breakfast! It doesn't even have to be out of town. The two of you will enjoy feeling like you've escaped from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, even if it's just for one night. Some B&Bs even have spas where a couple could enjoy a relaxing massage if they were so inclined.
- If a B&B sounds too expensive, plan a wine tasting for two! You don't have to live in Napa to enjoy this idea. Many cities have local wineries that usually offer samples of many of their delicious fares. You and your schmoopie can make memories sipping wine and enjoying each other's company. Maybe plan a picnic afterward with your purchased bottle if the weather is agreeable?
- Of course, you don't have to spend money to make memories with a loved one. If money is tight, invite your honey to take a long leisurely stroll around a local lake. Stop to admire the view on a park bench or a blanket. Exchange cute cards and whisper sweet nothings. Or if it's too cold for all that walking, the local library is another free option. The two of you can grab a blanket, a thermos of hot cocoa and an armful of books that interest you. Settle into a cozy nook and share with one another what you find interesting -- quietly, of course.
- If all else fails, there is always dinner and a movie! It may sound tired, but there is a reason this is a go-to idea for dates: it never fails to be a quality time! If it sounds too generic to you, give this old idea your own modern spin... my boyfriend, for instance, once took me to a murder mystery dinner theater. That's dinner and a show, all in one!
No matter what you think about Valentine's Day, it is not about flowers and balloons or public displays of affection. It is purely and simply about love. And everyone just wants to be loved.
Is that so wrong?
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