Valentine’s Day is supposed to be about showing people extra love and affection. But Valentine’s Day 2021 may look a lot different than in years past. That doesn’t mean we can’t still show our loved ones that we care or have a romantic Valentine’s Day date. Here are 10 ways to enjoy Valentine’s Day 2021 during a pandemic.
Why Celebrating Valentine’s Day 2021 During COVID Matters
Enduring a year-long lockdown has offered me a lot of moments to reflect. These moments of introspection didn’t come easy. Initially, the fears surrounding a virus killing so many caused my obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) symptoms to flare up.
Around this time, I started to really rely on Tranquility Labs’ Tranquilene. Its proprietary blend of botanicals, vitamins, and minerals is formulated to boost both GABA and serotonin.
With my brain chemicals firing on all cylinders, I was able to make the lifestyle changes necessary to navigate this pandemic. Now, I tend to look at things a little more calmly.
For years, we’ve put a lot of pressure on couples to deliver big on Valentine’s Day gifts and dates. It became more about the pictures we post of Valentine’s Day restaurants and presents and less about the company.
This pandemic has caused us to rein things and recalibrate. Now, we can’t rely on the lavishness we used to. It’s time to use our brains and express our love in more creative ways!
2021 Valentine’s Day Date Ideas
We’re living in the new normal. There’s a heavy emphasis on the word “normal.” While it’s new, we need to embrace what we know so that we can feel some resemblance of the life we lived before the pandemic.
That’s why it’s still important to celebrate holidays during COVID-19. They might look different, but the sentiments are still there. After all, it’s the thought that counts! Here are ten ideas for 2021 Valentine’s Day with kids, your spouse, or other loved ones.
RomCom Movie Night
This pandemic has been the year of binge-watching. Why not get in the spirit of things with a RomCom? Make a game of it!
Everyone participating needs to write down their top five favorite RomComs on small pieces of paper. Depending on how many people and how much time you have to watch movies, we’ll assume one person gets a pick each.
Have every person put all of their pieces into a hat at once and draw from their list of faves. Everybody must do the same to create the night’s movie lineup!
You can play for keeps and throw everybody’s choices in at once and see which movies win, too. However, somebody might miss out on one of their options.
If RomComs aren’t your thing, you can still snuggle up on the couch and get your binge on. Watch each other’s favorites.
In some relationships, that might mean enduring a movie you can’t stand. Switch things up by having the other person choose the snack.
Then, swap roles for the next movie. That way, everybody gets something they enjoy.
Scavenger Hunt
Valentine’s Day gifts have gotten very lavish. So, let’s simplify things this year. Instead of one big gift, get a bunch of little meaningful ones.
Scavenger hunts are a lot of fun and can be incredibly meaningful. You can leave a bunch of gag gifts or sentimental gifts with a nice note and a clue as to where they can find the next Valentine’s Day gift.
I plan on doing one this year. Through guided meditation and the help of Tranquilene, I created the intent of wooing my wife.
With my calm mind, I thought of things that happened in our relationship that made either one of us smile. Then, I jotted them down. Now, I have five little clues that lead to a “big” gift.
Say you have an inside joke where they burnt a wooden spoon ten years ago that you still razz them about. Get a wooden spoon as a stop on the journey.
How about you know they love a pie from a specific bakery. Make a clue about the fridge and put one of those pies in there.
Of course, all of this has to lead up to a big ending. Nobody wants to do a scavenger hunt and end with a new wooden spoon. That’s up to you. You can even use some of the options on this list of 2021 Valentine’s Day date ideas.
Make Chocolate-Covered Strawberries
The way to any person’s heart, regardless of gender, is through their stomach. Don’t let them fool you.
Almost everybody loves chocolate and strawberries. Combined? That’s Valentine’s Day!
Making chocolate-covered strawberries seems like a grand gesture. However, they’re quite simple to make.
You simply melt chocolate on the stovetop. Once it starts to cool, dip the strawberries in, holding onto the green tops. As you pull the fruits out, allow some of the chocolate to drip off into the pot.
Then, put your chocolate-dipped strawberries on a plate to cool. When you’re done and the chocolate hardens, put these delicious treats into the refrigerator.
Stores will charge you an arm-and-a-leg to make these decadent Valentine’s Day gifts. However, it’s very inexpensive to do it yourself. Plus, the time and effort say more to the person eating them.
Now, if you’re not going to see your loved one this holiday, here is one of the best Valentine’s Day long distance relationship tips: get chocolate-covered strawberries delivered. It’s the edible arrangement everyone deep down wants!
Go Hiking
If you’ve been following my journey, you would know how important I find that sun and fresh air are for keeping anxiety in check. There is no doubt that Valentine’s Day 2021 comes with more concern than usual holidays due to the coronavirus. So, it’s best to combat this negativity by heading outside.
After all, we’ve been locked inside for almost a year. Why stay in the same bubble you’re in every day?
One study found that just a 90-minute walk in nature can lower activity within the subgenual prefrontal cortex (sgPFC). sgPFC activity is strongly associated with ruminating thoughts.
By being in nature, you will become more present with your company. You’ll be less likely to experience wandering thoughts or check your devices.
February is cold in many places. So, be sure to bundle up. Bring a warm thermos and enjoy some hot cocoa or tea at a summit. Cuddle up with the kids and have a quick snack at an overlook. Just be outside and be present with those you love most.
Take A Virtual Cooking Class
Turn the heat up in your relationship by cooking together! Split the responsibilities and create a strong bond with your loved one by preparing a dish you both would enjoy.
I highly suggest you both try a recipe that’s new to you both. A recent analysis of 11,000 studies found that shared experiences are some of the primary reasons couples last.
It’s not as much fun if you both take a cooking class where salmon is the entree. Yet, one of you already makes a delectable smoked salmon.
Pick a class that is out of your element. Learn how to make biryani, sushi, or homemade gnocchi. When both of you are outside of your comfort zones, there is more opportunity to laugh, grow, and create memories.
Virtual cooking classes are also great Valentine’s Day long distance tips. You can both Zoom into the same session and cook the meal together over the session. After, the chef can log off, and the two of you can share an intimate dinner virtually.
Couples Massage
As a New York Times article about the power of touch explains succinctly, “Touch has been found, among other things, to reduce stress, heart rate, and blood pressure. Touch has even been found to lower the level of cortisol in the body (especially in women) which, when elevated, impedes our working memory and, most critically, the immune system’s resiliency.”
With all of this social distancing, many of us long for touch. However, we don’t always take a moment to really embrace these interactions. Stop and enjoy each other’s company with a couples massage.
Buy a massage oil or make a blend using a fruit oil mixed with essential oils. Then, treat each other to touch therapy.
Sometimes people really need a professional massage. Many massage parlors are adhering to Centers for Disease Control (CDC) protocols.
If you both feel comfortable, consider getting a couples massage with professionals. In some instances, these professionals will also travel to your house. These options all depend on the comfort levels of everybody involved.
Hire A Private Chef
Some couples feel comfortable dining out in a pandemic. If you are one of those couples or families, then, by all means, there are plenty of Valentine’s Day restaurants that you could visit.
In the past, Valentine’s Day restaurants were overbooked and overpriced. Visits were on timed blocks, and people were crammed in and out of seats.
Today, the atmosphere is less hectic. Waitstaff can pay more attention to you. While there will still be time limits due to COVID, you won’t feel as rushed with people coming in and out at all times.
With that said, many people are still cautious about dining out. Understandably so. Bring the chef to you!
Many chefs are doing in-home meals for Valentine’s Day dates. Just make sure that the chef follows all of the safety protocols that you and your family request.
Food is always one of the top Valentine’s Day long distance relationship tips. Get your loved ones a meal delivered from their favorite restaurant. Try to get something similar from your local place and enjoy it over a video chat.
Hotel Getaway
Many couples like to take their Valentine’s Day date on the road. Unfortunately, COVID-19 travel restrictions make that impossible, or close to it, for many couples and families. You can still have a staycation of sorts by booking a hotel getaway.
Many hotels are specializing in socially distanced stays. Order room service or make reservations at their restaurant. If you feel comfortable, many casinos are operating around the world. Plan an all-nighter and try to win enough to finance your future house!
If a hotel getaway is not within your budget or comfort zone, see if someone can take the kids overnight. Some families see each other regularly. So, having the grandparents or aunt and uncle take the kids for a night might not be a bad idea.
Many parents just want a good night’s rest for a holiday. Spice things up by getting your snooze on together. I highly recommend the fast-acting melatonin spray, Tranquility Labs’ Sleep-Fast.
Make Valentine’s Day Cards for the Neighborhood
Since the beginning of COVID-19, we’ve seen a rise in children’s mental health emergencies. One of the staples for kids every year is to give out valentines to their friends. Unfortunately, many children will be in homeschool. So, they lose out on another time-honored tradition.
Occupy your children with creativity. Sit down and make cards for all the neighbors on your street. Even make them for the people you don’t know.
When you deliver the cards, make sure to stay distant. Wear gloves in case the recipient is uncomfortable with surface contact.
If you don’t want to interact with your neighbors, you don’t have to. Simply place the card in a spot that’s visible to anyone walking up the pathway. They’ll really appreciate the sentiment.
Of course, you can also make homemade Valentine’s Day decorations with the kids. Cut large hearts out of wood and paint them for lawn displays. Wrap your fence posts in red and pink garland.
Go all out this Valentine’s Day. The whole neighborhood deserves the festiveness!
Adopt a Pet
Nothing creates a stronger bond in a family or relationship than a pet. Adopting a pet is a large undertaking where everybody pitches in. We also experience love and affection from this animal, which is a unique bond that pet owners will share for a lifetime.
In fact, having a pet enriches your life in many ways. A recent study looked at the positive impacts pets have on our lives versus those who don’t have any.
Those who have pets are:
- More Likely to Volunteer
- More Likely to Take a Holiday
- More Likely to Pay Off Their Mortgage
- More Likely to Retire Earlier
These are all things we want out of a partner and in life. Furthermore, 6 out of 10 pet owners believe they laugh more because of their furbabies.
Remember what I said about the importance of shared experiences? Saving the life of a rescue animal will have a long-term positive effect on your relationship. Use this holiday to start this journey together.
Celebrate 2021 Valentine’s Day with Your Loved Ones
Even in a pandemic, we need extra love. Valentine’s Day is a holiday where we celebrate this emotion. Whether you’re buying Valentine’s gifts or planning a date, do so with intent.
Take a moment to think about ways you can make this holiday special. Don’t waste money at expensive Valentine’s Day restaurants when you can make them chocolate-covered strawberries or take a virtual cooking class together.
This holiday is about the people in your life, not the gifts we snap for social media. Instead of being upset that COVID-19 ruined your Valentine’s Day date, come up with a new plan. You’ll be amazed by how much more fun you’ll have when you put some extra thought and effort into your holiday celebrations.
Essential Takeaways:
- Don’t let COVID-19 ruin your 2021 Valentine’s Day plans
- Stay-at-home Valentine’s Day date ideas include RomCom movie night, a scavenger hunt, and a virtual cooking class
- Create lifetime memories by adopting a pet, going on a hotel getaway, or hiking
