The True Meaning of Valentine's Day

The obvious sentiment around the Valentine holiday is to celebrate romantic love. For many people without a romantic interest in their lives, Valentine's Day is a poignant reminder of what is missing in their lives. This may be in part why Valentine's Day is a much maligned holiday. There is however, another way to look at February 14th. Look at it as a day to celebrate love. Love of yourself, your friends, your family and beyond. Valentine's Day is the red and pink color holiday that brightens up the drab grey of Winter with hearts, chocolates and flowers Here are some ideas to help you celebrate a day of  love.

For the kids in your life: tuck a valentine into their lunch boxes or backpacks when they aren't looking. Even the snarky teenagers will get a kick out of it even if they won't necessarily want to admit it. Heart shaped cookies in the lunch box along with a red apple would be a nice addition as well. Surprise the family with a heart shaped cake for dessert, super easy to make with a heart shape cake pan and a boxed cake mix. Have a fun meal that your kids like to have like pizza or other "junk food". With smaller kids, have them help you make Valentine cupcakes or cookies or draw their own Valentines. There are many crafts age appropriate you can do with the little ones.

For friends and family: a Valentine card is fun and easy and inexpensive if you send an e-card. Feeling crafty? Make them yourself! You can tuck in a coupon for an invitation to lunch or dinner or coffee that will be your treat. Crafty folks could knit or crochet a hat in Valentine colors for friends or family. A scarf is easy as well but takes more time in planning. Plan a small get together with friends and have a theme meal or drinks and appetizers and a home movie.

For the world: take time to volunteer. Visit the elderly, do something for the homeless, make a donation, do a random act of kindness.  Brightening up someone else's life is a good way to feel the love.

For yourself: take the day, if you are able, to indulge yourself from start to finish. Have a coffee out followed by a trip to your favorite bookstore or other store. Take a walk and enjoy nature, treat yourself to a favorite meal. Finally, relax in a tub with candles, your favorite drink and some music and take time to think about all you do have right now in your life, to be grateful for. Count off all of the love you have in your life right now including people, pets or passions that speak to your soul.

Gratitude is the biggest gift of love you can give to yourself. Embrace all that is working in your life and think of ways to give more of yourself to the ones in your life who mean the most to you and also to the world around you.  You will find yourself having not only a wonderful Valentine's Day, but a happier ever after.

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