Naptime Blog

The most romantic day of the year is approaching very quickly.  The jewelry commercials are in full swing, making the day seem magical and amazing.  And for some of us, maybe it is.  If you are a parent who is married or in a romantic relationship, why shouldn’t it be?  Just because we have kids and jobs and chores and responsibilities doesn’t mean we cannot enjoy the day and the notion of “St. Valentine’s Day”.  As a matter of fact, maybe it isn’t a bad idea after all.  As a Marriage and Family Therapist, I always stress the importance of keeping the romance alive in a marriage.  It is so easy to forget to nurture the relationship when there are so many other things going on in the family.  So Valentine’s Day seems like a great day to focus on the romance and get those butterflies in your stomach once again.  All we need to do is be a little creative and have fun in the process!

Here are some ideas to help you have the best Valentine’s Day!  We can even involve the children, too!  Well, they can be involved in some Valentine’s Day fun!

What do you want for Valentine’s Day?

The stores are filled with chocolates and candy.  Florists love this time of year because their flower sales are never better than on Valentine’s Day.  Maybe you haven’t gotten chocolate hearts or roses since you were dating.  Would you like them again now?  Why not hint.  Or better yet, ask!  And if your budget does not allow for a dozen overpriced roses that will die in a few days (I love roses myself but I know some people do not like the thought of wasting money on something that will die in a short time), tell your significant other that you would LOVE a single red rose that represents so much and won’t break the bank.  Even dollar stores have silk flowers that will last much longer than the real thing, and it is the thought that counts, right?  Romance does not have to cost a fortune, and if you want to exchange the traditional chocolates and flowers gifts for Valentine’s Day, let your man know that’s what you want.

Turn on the television and you will see all the commercials for the different jewelry stores.   The open heart, the heart pendant, the hugs and kisses bracelet… gold, diamonds… diamonds, gold.  Are you overdue for a piece of jewelry?  You can give some hints!  Only you and your significant other know what is in your budget, and if your budget allows for a piece of jewelry for Valentine’s Day, why not tell him exactly what you want?  Be specific, show him a photo, take him to the jewelry store and show him.  If your honey is the type that likes to surprise you (and you are always happy with his choices) – GREAT!  If not, there is nothing wrong with giving a suggestion or two!

You might want a gift certificate for a mani/pedi, a massage, a day at the spa… voice your suggestions to your Valentine…  and I hope you get what you want! 
And while you’re at it, Valentine’s Day is a great time of the year for some “couple time”.  Although it might be difficult to get a dinner reservation on Valentine’s Day, and it might be hard to get a sitter, consider either going out a few days before or after the 14th, or order in.  It might also be a good time to whip out the recipe book on foods that are aphrodisiacs, put the kids to bed early, light a candle and enjoy your meal!

What to get your guy for Valentine’s Day:

In keeping with the same theme, why not ask your man what he wants for Valentine’s Day?  And if he is like my husband, who never helps by answering “nothing” or “I already have everything that I want”, you can always get him chocolates!  Other old favorites: cologne, a watch, anything electronic, tickets to ANY sporting event, a gift certificate to the nearest sports bar, a gift certificate to the movies or the video store, sexy boxers, or even a sexy nightie for YOU to wear FOR him!

Get Creative

Why not take out a 2 line ad in your local newspaper expressing your love to your man?  Or how about taking him on a surprise date to a place he’d enjoy: a driving range, a paint ball adventure, a car show are all interesting ideas.  I am always into personalized gifts, no matter how small.  Wouldn’t it be cute to have some fortune cookies personalized for your sweetie on Valentine’s Day?  And even if you have had a tough week, try to find a few moments in the course of the evening to flirt with your husband.  Send a cutesy or flirty text message…  maybe even a little naughty.  Give him a big kiss when he comes home from work (or when you get home from work).  Try to find the energy to enjoy each other.  After all, it is the day for lovers! 

Involve the Kids

Have the kids do Valentine’s Crafts for Daddy.  Bake some heart shaped cookies or cupcakes with the kids for dessert.  I always loved when my father came home from work on Valentine’s Day.  He’d bring home roses and chocolates for my mother and a chocolate heart for each of us.  We have continued this tradition with our children, and now that we are a family, we make it a day of love for the whole house, not just romantic love.  It adds to the ambience of the day, and makes everything a little sweeter.  When the kids go to bed (or to Grandma and Grandpa’s!) then it becomes a romantic holiday. 

If you are a single parent, why can’t your little one be your Valentine?  Make each other little cards.  Not only will you be enjoying some quality time with your children, he/she will love the opportunity to show you his or her creativity!

However you decide to celebrate (or not celebrate) Valentine’s Day, it only comes once a year.  Be creative, have fun, and show those you love the most how much they mean to you.

Enjoy!

Jennifer
Wife to Paul, Mom to Juliana (7), Anthony and Louis (1) and Joseph (4 months)www.nevaland.com

This entry was posted on Wednesday, February 10th, 2010 at 3:26 am and is filed under Holidays, Jennifer. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.