Pink is my favorite color, I love any reason to put makeup on and “dinner” is one of my favorite date night activities, so naturally Valentine’s Day is one of my favorite holidays.
8 years and a baby later, Shawn and I’s Valentine’s Days have looked a lot different the last couple years compared to when we first started dating. Don’t get me wrong, because the first 2 years of our relationship was a long-distance one we didn’t always have the traditional fancy Valentine’s Day date night every single year.
Truthfully though, I wouldn’t have it any other way.
Whether you are in a relationship or you’re single, why should we let anyone define our Valentine’s Day the traditional way?
Valentine’s Day can pretty much be summed up in one word: love. And isn’t love something we were all commanded to do?
So if you’re not exactly feeling Valentine’s Day this year or if you are trying to figure out what you want to do, I challenge you to find an unconventional way to celebrate the holiday of love!
Family Date Night
This is probably a very accurate depiction of what our night is going to look like this Friday. If you have little ones at home, I get it. Date nights can sometimes come few and far between so why not use the holiday to urge your spouse to take you out? Well because that little one isn’t going to be little forever. I plan on making this Valentine’s special by having a movie night with my tribe. I want Raelynn to have memories of laying on the couch with us, watching Frozen 2 while eating pizza 10-20 years from now!
Plan the Night Yourself
As women, we often fantasize of the day we’re surprised with the perfect date. But why? If there’s something you’ve always dreamed of doing, just do it! Whether it is with someone special or by yourself, don’t let anything hold you back from it.
Take Someone Out
On the thought of being taken out on that “dream date”, have you thought of planning a dream date for someone else? Once again, it doesn’t necessarily have to be for a romantic partner. Plan a Galentine’s Day dinner for your friends or even consider taking out your parents on a date. It’s the holiday of love, so utilize the day to pour love on those close to you.
Date Night at Home
I’m a homebody. The idea of being in crowds makes me anxious and uncomfortable. So if you’re like me, instead of stressing about eating out, order it to-go and take it home. A quiet date night at home not only means fewer crowds but an opportunity to have an intimate conversation in a comfortable setting.
Group Dates
I’ve seen my sister and brother-in-law do this a couple of times and I’ve always admired it. If you have a couple of friends, invite them over for dinner and have a double or triple date night. This also works out perfectly if you have kids because it allows them to have a fun play-date with friends!
Chance it/Date Night Jar
If you’re feeling really wild and spontaneous, don’t plan your Valentine’s Day. Leave it to lady luck and create a date night jar! Write out a list of your favorite dates on strips of paper and randomly pull one out the morning of Valentine’s Day. Boom, your date is set in stone.
Talk it out
Shawn and I are huge dreamers and we love having long, deep conversations about life. I remember most of our dates over the years by our conversations. Grab your significant other and go for a walk in the park or a pointless drive and just talk about you guys’ future. If you’re not really a talker or have no idea how to start the perfect conversation, look into picking up some conversation cards for couples on amazon.
Bake Pinterest Goodies
Something else I plan on doing with Raelynn on Valentine’s Day is baking some sort of Valentine’s Day goodie. This is a super fun way to spend time with a little one or even your friends. Also, who doesn’t love a good reason to bake?!
Romantic…Brunch
Instead of ending your day celebrating Valentine’s Day, why not start it off celebrating love. Make strawberry heart-shaped pancakes, or make reservations at your favorite brunch spot!
Celebrate Feb 15th...
Or celebrate February 16th, 13th or even the 25th. This was a lesson I learned early on in my relationship when we were long-distance and FaceTime dates were regular. Maybe you’re working on the night of the 14th or just have a scheduling conflict with your friends, don’t let a day stop you from celebrating your loved ones!
XO.
Michelle
[…] Very similar to last year, we’ll probably be spending this Valentine’s Day cuddling in bed and having a movie night. In case you’re new here, last year I shared a handful of non-traditional ways to celebrate Valentine’s Day. […]