Yeah, I know: it’s a Hallmark Holiday, created just so we’ll spend money. And yes, we should really be celebrating our romantic relationships every day instead of waiting until February 14th each year.
But sometimes we let life get in the way, and we don’t always show our loved ones how much they mean to us. I always enjoy doing something a bit special for Valentine’s Day. Just because all the corporations want me to buy cards and gifts and wrapping paper and ribbons and a pile of other junk that’s going to end up in landfill, doesn’t mean I have to do things their way. My favourite Valentine’s occasions always have two elements:
Sharing a meal - it doesn’t have to be anything fancy, although this year I’m going to make it local and vegetarian (I’ll post a photo if it turns out well!). We cook together, with organic wine and some fair-trade chocolate for dessert with some of our favourite music playing. I’ve tried candlelight before, but sometimes it’s still broad daylight when we’re eating so it’s a bit silly!
Doing something fun and relaxing together - picnics, movies, the beach, watching the sun set, stargazing, whatever… as long as you can do it together, it doesn’t really matter what it is. This year the 14th is a Sunday, so we’ve got all day to hang out.
If you’re single, you shouldn’t miss the opportunity to eat good food and do something fun anyway. One of the most memorable Valentine’s Day events I’ve been to was when my friends decided that we’d go out together in a big group. We had a pasta dinner in a cheap and cheerful Italian restaurant, then went to a swing-dance class that had a Valentine’s special, it was a great night out.
Over the next couple of weeks there’ll be a lot of advertising telling us that the best way to show someone you love them is by buying jewellery, or kitchen appliances, or anything red with a love-heart on it. But I’m making plans now for a good meal and a day out, skipping the manufactured junk for shared time with someone I love. I feel like this isn’t just more eco-friendly, it’s going to be more fun.
