Each year, the business of Valentine's Day profits with the somewhat obligatory buying of candy, roses, trinkets, etc. It's amazing to watch as year after year, people think they have to spend large amounts of money to tell their significant other or partner that they are loved. It's also amazing how some go out of their way to tell their loved one how special he or she is only on February 14th. Sharing affection for one another should not be reserved to just one day a year just because it's Valentine's Day. There are simple things one can do everyday and creative ways to show loved ones how much they are appreciated without spending a lot of money.
How Did Valentine's Day Get Started?
There are many stories and legends surrounding the story behind Saint Valentine. The day itself has some Roman and Catholic origins. Ultimately, Valentine was a Catholic priest who was performing secret marriages for young lovers without the King's approval. When the King found out, he had Valentine put to death on February 14th 269 AD. The night before his death, he sent a note to his loved one and signed it " From Your Valentine." Over 200 hundred years later, Pope Galasius instituted the celebration of Valentines Day in 496 AD to commemorate the day that St. Valentinus was martyred. And so, the spending and lavishing of gifts began.
Red and Pink Construction Paper and Dollie Heart Valentines
Those that were born in the 1970s or before can remember creating simple Valentines from red and pink construction paper, paper heart dollies and remnants of lace, foil, tissue paper or whatever was on hand. School children made Valentine boxes from recycled shoe boxes or a grocery paper sack. Wives wrote love notes to their husbands and stuck them on his pillow, the bathroom mirror or in his lunch sack with his bologna sandwich. Husbands would arrange to take wives to a movie or out to dinner so she could have a night off from her domestic duties.
America has forgotten that it is the thought that counts. A dozen long stem red roses are nice, but one would have done the job. The "reservation required, " romantic dinner for two is a lovely thought and would be enjoyable, but so would a Netflix movie and the brown bag special from Sonic.
There are thousands of trinkets and cute little gifts that can purchased from the local retail chains. However, gifts from the heart are more graciously received and remembered more fondly than any cute little teddy bear or dancing gorilla. The point here is keep it simple. Keep it practical and give a gift that comes straight from the heart.
Practical Ways to Say " I Love You"
Give that loved one a special gift that will be remembered for days, months and maybe years to come, without spending a lot of money. Here are a few ideas.
- Buy a set of candles, bubble bath, and message oil for romance at home.
- Bring home dinner and a movie.
- Arrange for a babysitter where the kids go to Grandma's house or somewhere else for the night.
- Forgo eating out: save money and cook dinner for her at home.
- Clean the kitchen after cooking dinner for your wife.
- Bring home your wife's favorite ice cream.
- Leave post it notes of love and affection in various spots throughout the house.
Final Thoughts on Valentine's Day
These were just a few ideas. However, the unique thing about these ideas is that not one of them costs an arm and a leg, and each and every one of them can used anytime of the year, not just on Valentine's Day. Save money and improve relationships by putting into practice several of these ideas throughout the year on a regular basis. Don't forget Valentine's Day, just make sure that loved ones are showered with love and affection throughout the other 364 days of the year as well.
Amy Wingfield - Amy, a freelance writer since 1999, has combined her passion for writing and for Christian music.There's always a story behind the ...
