All Kinds of Love. Ten Unconventional Ways to Celebrate the Day

Whimsy and Hugs!  It's high time I decorated for Valentine's Day--- just a touch here and there. Today was so spring-like the temptation was to head right on in to Easter! However, hold on to your mittens! It is Missouri, and Alexa says we are having snow on Thursday, February first.

I know I am surely no expert on Valentine dating, but I am here to announce that Valentine love can be yours! First, if you are blessed to have a partner today, I know you already know some ways to show that love in the form of the traditional gifts, cards, dinners out or in...  I will add only one idea here because this is the focus already of this Hallmark Day. 

1.) Remember a movie you went to see while you were just getting to know each other? With Netflix, YouTube, Amazon Prime and tons of other resources, you can probably find that movie and recreate that date... right down to the food you ate. Check out this Copykat website to make your restaurant's favorites.

Now, on to some other fresh ideas to celebrate the holiday with or without your Sweetie. 

2.) Nobody sees more Valentines than your postal workers so decide to extend your holiday sharing to these fine delivery folk. That's it. Whatever you decide to give, tie it up with a red bow and maybe a card or heart tag. "Valentine, You Bring It!" And  you have it. Gum, Candy, Hot cocoa mix, a pair of gloves from The Dollar Tree... Thanking these hard workers takes so little. 

 3.) Adopt a classroom. Do you have a teacher in your family? or in your circle of friends? Let them know you would like to do something fun for their students during February. I actually think NOT the 14th because most schools have plenty going on that day. Offer suggestions and be sure to check out what the school's regulations allow. Some don't accept food, and most won't allow home-baked goodness any more. but a cute pen/pencil and a notepad can be fun. Again the very abundance of Dollar options will save the day. Red and white twine and anything will let kids know they are special. You may want to deliver in person...or not. Up to you,

4.) What about the Senior Center? I personally don't think you can miss with any elderly attention. Reach out to a friend with an elderly parent or relative. A little bit of time is the greatest gift of all so visit if you can or send a little care package of lotions, teas, treats (check on sugar trouble)...  A warm shawl is often the very best gift because it is easy to handle, and they get cold often.

5.) Post your best holiday recipe with a photo on Facebook. Tag a fun group of friends if you wish or invite them to like, share, and comment. If you truly feel up to it, offer the ingredients in a box tied up in red cellophane .... or the finished product to a random commenter to be selected by a set time. 

6.) Contact a local church, civic center, or ministry to see if you can make or buy a few cards to send to shut-ins. Include on each card a cheerful story about Valentine's Day and maybe a scripture or a few scriptures that show love. You might not be able to get a list of names due to some privacy things, but maybe they could pass your cards out themselves if you drop them off or mail to the person in charge.

7.) Do you know a young couple with or without children? I think any young person...of any age... would love a gift card to a family restaurant. For any amount you care to give. Or maybe they would like you to make your special, one of a kind, cake, casserole, pot of soup... I was a teacher for 36 years, and it was pure love to come home to a meal cooked and ready by my mom, my gramma, or a friend.

8.) Techie love. If you are savvy with technology, offer a free session of training to a non-technical friend. They can come to you, or you can go there. Maybe they secretly wish for a Facebook account. Make it happen. Possibly they don't know of the wonders of YouTube. Be their guide. If, by chance, you are reading this and still the non-technical one, just call up your friend who is always on the computer and see if you can bring over a salad or jug of sweet tea and have a fun lesson. Either way, it's best if the teacher writes down steps or a tutorial refresher website. Now you can send a virtual valentine. You're welcome.

9.)  The Gopher Gift of love...  Call up a person who just doesn't get out much and offer to go buy them something... groceries on their list, a gift for them to give a special person in their life, a stack of all-occasion cards for them to send, personal or health items... They will want to pay for the items. Let them, They will offer to pay for your time, but say, "Not this time... Happy Valentine's Day."

10.) I saved the most unconventional for last. Be your own Valentine. Clean up your kitchen and set the table for one or ten... it doesn't matter. Plan a menu that is good, healthy, and just the wee bit out of the ordinary. Go get it from a restaurant or make it the day ahead. Put on  neat outfit and makeup. Set a little bit of time to watch something fun, read, scrapbook, call some friends, do your nails, listen to music or take a pampered nap...  whatever floats your boat as long as you know it is for yourself from yourself.

Whew! Don't I sound bossy? I am preaching to the choir. I hope I try some of these myself. They all require a little work and maybe some cash. Most can be done pretty easily and inexpensively. 

 Now...  I plan to cozy in and dream up some Valentine Love