Alternative Valentine’s Day
At first you might say, “Isn’t Valentine’s Day all about sending and getting flowers, going out on a hot date with your significant other, and adults gorging on the worlds largest chocolate bar?” I say the opposite is true (except for the chocolate part, because yum!).
My husband and I have a new tradition of staying in! In fact, in the last few years we decided to keep the kids home too, instead of shipping them off to their grandma’s house. And we had a “fancy night” – we lit the candles, had a fancy meal, we ate on the fancy plates, drank out of the fancy glasses and even wore fancy clothes. My kids LOVED it and it was a perfect night celebrating the people I loved the most.
Through the years Nathan & I have more often than not stayed at home on Valentine’s Day. I will cook dinner and we won’t be bothered by long lines, a waiter, or pretending we know which wine to order. The night is easy, romantic and spent 100% on each other.
Don’t get me wrong. I love a nice dinner out with my spouse! I would just rather that night be one that isn’t spent with everyone else in Mid-Missouri and when the price isn’t reflective on that. Valentine’s Day is when EVERYONE goes out to eat and everyone buys flowers or chocolates and I have a sneaking suspicion that retailers mark up their prices on that specific day. Why not buy your Valentine flowers 2 weeks after Valentine’s Day. Or better yet – 2 weeks before the big love day (that will keep ‘em on their toes!).
So, if you are looking for a cheaper/differenter/family-friendlier option then my vote is date at home! You could even theme it with a fireside night, a spa night or a romantic picnic in the bedroom.
What better way to celebrate the people/person you love the most?