Now I'll admit that I don't normally celebrate Valentine's Day. I do a few things with my husband, but normally I'm working at a chocolate shop (Au Chocolat) this week, which leaves me too exhausted to put on a big celebration.
Now, I'm not working there this week, but I'm still too exhausted to really celebrate. That said, I do have a few favorite things I like to do to celebrate this (and honestly many holidays).
1. Create a special meal. Now, this has in the past resulted in zucchini puffs and lemon-marscapone heart tart-shaped things. This week it will probably involve pancakes. We missed National Pancake Day last week, so we're due.
2. Desserts. It's like making a special meal, except more specialized. My husband likes cheesecake and pumpkin, so those are always good choices. I like salted caramels and chocolate, so I'm in today's market stupidly easy to please.
3. Watch cheesy movies. Back when I was single I went to see Valentine, a horror movie, with one of my also single guy friends. While that was a lot of fun and a little thumbing of the nose at all the people that think Valentine's Day has to be romantic, there is something to be said for watching something cheesy. I also approve of movies that are only tangentially related to the holiday in question. I don't remember if I have one specifically for Valentine's Day, but I still love Sweeney Todd for all things Thanksgiving.
4. Scruffing the dog/petting the cat. While I do get to enjoy these activities every day, it is nice to remember how special the love of a pet is.
5. Play a game. I used to be interested in playing games a lot more often, but that has fallen by the wayside as I do more knitting and other crafts. It's hard to play a game when your hands are otherwise occupied. Valentine's and other special occasions are good times to remember that I actually like playing games.
6. Make something. Homemade cards, little drawings (mine are only a half-step above stick figures), Lego (just for my husband). All good choices.
7. Candy. A couple of years ago Au Chocolat had these giant sugar daddies that were very popular and hilarious (they were, for lack of a better term, frat paddle sized). Two years ago they had boob mugs, which people filled with foil wrapped chocolates or m&ms. I've also seen candy g-strings and other questionable items. I'd rather have one or two simple and delicious chocolates than those, but they exist if you have a different goal in mind.
8. Chocolate Body Paint. I have never given this to someone with any intent beyond gag gift. However, this has resulted in at least one thank you card from a boyfriend. If I give you some, I promise I don't need or want to know anything. And thank you cards are definitely not necessary!
9. A nap. It's still the only gift I ask for on a regular basis, but lately I've been giving myself so many naps that I'm not sure anyone else would want to even try to give me one!
10. Cuddling. If we had a fireplace, I'd say in front of a fire. Barring that, we've used a random "fireplace" movie from Netflix during a Christmas party, and we could pretend to cuddle in front of that I suppose.
How about you?
