Creating the Perfect Valentines Celebration

by Sierra A. Martin

How do you celebrate Valentines Day? This year will you opt for the traditional box of chocolates, flowers, and a special night on the town? These traditional Valentines Day celebrations are great, but there are many other Valentines ideas you should know about.

Valentines Day is celebrated with purchases of flowers specifically 180 million red roses and 36 million boxes of delectable chocolates. Many Valentine traditions around the globe far surpass the gold standard of mere flowers and chocolates.

Valentines Day celebration in England:
In England, it is customary to present your beloved with elaborate handmade Valentines containing poems or other heartfelt sentiments intended solely for your lover.

Valentines Day celebration in France:
In France the French whose lives are the epitome of romance choose to renew loving sentiments by spending Valentines day together and enjoying the feeling of being in love.

Valentines Day celebration in Germany:
In Germany you will find lovers who adore flowers. They gather large bouquets of flowers for Valentines – the bigger the better. You must caution though as it is not the cost that wins the heart rather the murmuring sentiments that each flower holds, creating that special twinkle in your beloved’s eye.

Valentines Day celebration in Ireland:
In Ireland it is well know the Irish adore music. Whether singing in the local pub, engaging in country folk music, or playing the fiddle. The melodies will forever remain the basis of the Valentines Day tradition.

Valentines Day celebration in Italy:
In Italy the lovers trade common large festive gatherings for intimate soul revealing time. They are likely to share a special vino, poetry reading, and classical music for Valentines.

Valentines Day celebration in United states:
In the United States our traditions involve selecting flowers based on the particular meaning and thoughts held toward the relationship. Dancing is also part of the romantic ritual between couples on Valentines Day.

We all have heard the expression about a rose just being a rose, but this is not completely accurate since the color of this exquisite flower shows representation of the givers intentions and most authentic feelings.

Red Flowers – Love, Respect, and Courage
Pink Flowers – Elegance, Grace, Poetic, and Romance
White Flowers – Purity and Innocence
Yellow Flowers – Friendship, Joy, and Jealousy
Yellow Flowers with Red Tip – Falling in Love
Peach Flowers – Romance, Excitement, and Gratitude
White and Red Flowers – Unity
Lavender Flowers – Love at First Sight
Blue Flowers – Unattainable or Impossible
Mixed Color Flowers - You are Everything to Me

Today with many men and women still value tradition on Valentines Day these are other romantic gestures that are sure to score considerably higher with your sweetheart. In searching for alternative and unique Valentines gift options I learned some ideas that are both fun and clever.

Valentines Day Idea #1:
Create a special memorial book using photos of the times spent together. Begin with your earliest memories and build to present day. Include fun things like movie ticket or concert ticket stubs, shells from that vacation, or packages of seeds for your lovers’ garden. Finish with a hand written note or poem and use a thick ribbon to tie it all together.

Valentines Day Idea #2:
Is your darling an outdoor lover? Try hand carving a special message whether it be in the snow, beach, or the side of a tree. My personal favorite is choosing a tree that can be seen for inside your home. Carve a heart with your initials inside and use a little red nail polish to accent the carving. A little clear spray paint will seal it for years to come.

Valentines Day Idea #3:
You can also choose to immortalize your lives together by using a company called Book by You where you fill out a questionnaire and choose one of the themed books. They will personalize your book including photo on the back cover. What a novel idea for today’s Romeo and Juliet. For more information contact them at www.bookbyyou.com

Valentines Day Idea #4:
Does your Valentine light up your life? If so perhaps naming a star after your significant other will help shed a little light on your special day. The bonus here is the proceeds also benefit various charities. For more information contact www.starfoundation.net

Valentines Day Idea #5:
Whether you’re new to the dating scene or blissfully married, romance is always a necessity. Many times romantic movies are considered “chick flicks” Valentines is truly the day to share those movies that create unmistakable warmth in the romance department. I recommend the following movies, which will not leave any woman un-touched:

Pride and Prejudice
The Notebook
The Wedding Planner
Chocolat
A Walk to Remember
An Officer and a Gentleman
Body Guard
Message in a Bottle
Casablanca
Doctor Zhivago

If the above ideas are not enough, I have a source of more romantic ideas! I have had the pleasure of meeting Steven C. Smith author of a book CHEAP DATES. In his book you will find an abundance of whimsical and romantic dating venues, many of which are great for Valentines Day. This is what he writes about his book: “Let's face it: Coming up with a creative yet affordable night out can be a challenge. But there are ways to put a charge in your dating life without putting a big charge on your credit card.” “If you’re looking for entertaining, adventurous, or just plain fun dating ideas that won't break the bank, this refreshing guide is your ideal companion.” You can buy the book at www.amazon.com


So as the Valentine holiday approaches take a little time to foster the glow in your beloved eyes. Take those few pragmatic steps that clearly demonstrate your love is more than mere words. Your love is made plausible by the contrived and robust actions of not only Valentines Day but each and everyday. May your days be filled with essence of love and may cupids’ arrow find its way into the depths of your heart.

“Love is composed of a single soul inhabiting 2 bodies” Aristotle