Alternatives to Valentine’s Day
One of my all time favorite guilty pleasure movies is Valentine’s Day. It’s got a star-studded cast that tells a million different overlapping storylines about different people celebrating Valentine’s Day. As you can predict, things go awry for almost everyone between miscommunications, embarrassing moments, and heartbreak. Spoiler alert (although it’s been eight years), it turns out well for just about everyone in the end.
It gets me thinking though – we put SO MUCH pressure on this day sometimes. Anything we put that much pressure on is destined to not live up to the expectations we’ve built up in our head. That’s why Cody and I have said goodbye to Valentine’s day.
Here are some ideas of what to do instead of the stereotypical Valentine’s Day that will share the love with others!
Tip Higher Than Normal
It’s a well-known fact that servers are underpaid. Find a restaurant that might not be the typical Valentine’s date location, and make someone’s day! Double your tip, or if you can afford it, tip 100% or above!
Go Serve
Find a place you can volunteer for a few hours. It might be at a local school during an event, or at a place like Feed My Starving Children. Whether your impact is felt directly on Valentine’s day or later, showing love to others on this holiday will make a difference in someone’s lives!
Cook a meal for a family
Cody and I have done this one a few times and it is SO much fun. It ends up being a double date and we get to celebrate our friendship with another couple. This is a great option that is more inexpensive or great for a family who can’t leave little ones with a babysitter for whatever reason.
Watch someone’s kids (for free)
This one is one of our favorites when we get a chance. Perhaps you can watch the kids of someone who is struggling financially and might not be able to afford a babysitter and a night out. Maybe you just want to surprise a friend with a free night of babysitting. I have yet to meet a parent who doesn’t enjoy free babysitting!
What is your plan for the 14th this year? We’d love to hear from you!