Valentine’s Day is one of the biggest celebrated days of the year in the U.S. next to Christmas and back-to-school, with estimates of 2011 U.S. sales being over $18.7 billion, and the average customer spending $116.21 on family members, friends, co-workers, and even gifts for pets like these. (Sorry, I think the chocolate and champagne for your dog is going a little too far!)
The leading Valentine’s Day purchases are flowers and jewelry, but The Nielson Company estimates more than 58 million pounds of chocolate candy will be bought this year. Even for a chocolate lover like me, that sounds like a LOT of chocolate!
What are your plans for Valentine’s Day? Here are a few fun ideas:
- Make these delicious raspberry tarts for your love.
- Make Paula Deen’s red velvet cupcakes with cream cheese frosting – my husband loves cream cheese!
- Create a love cd with his favorite songs or load some on his Ipod. Include the new country song, Are You Gonna Kiss Me Or Not, by Thompson Square.
- Send him roses for a change! (Order your kids flowers, too – they’ll love it and it makes them feel so special, especially teen girls.)
- Don’t forget the Godiva chocolates that you both can enjoy.
- Book a weekend, bed-and-breakfast getaway. These Red Horse Inn cottages are beautiful! If the budget is tight, find somewhere locally for just a night.
- Serve a restaurant-quality meal without the damage to your budget! One suggestion is this chicken piccata recipe from Giada De Laurentiis’ book, EveryDay Italian.
- Watch a movie with him – one that he likes, not a chic flic! (This means no Meryl Streep or Reese Witherspoon!)
- Rarely will your man turn down a great massage from you. Find an almond oil or lotion he especially likes, and make your bedroom a sanctuary, where he can relax and get away from the pressures of work. You can add candles for a soft light and music he enjoys. Vary slow smooth movements of your hands with gentle touches and firmer movements. Ask him what feels good, and notice his physical responses to your massage. Do this until he’s practically putty in your hands and willing to do anything you ask (just kidding)! 🙂
- Go out for a Starbucks and to the bookstore, go-carting, browsing an antique store, or just someplace you can relax and enjoy each other with no pressure of time and hurry.
Some people feel that Valentine’s Day is just another day to rip you off and get your money. But it only comes once a year! Let your husband, children, friends, and all those God has brought into your life know how much you love them on Valentine’s Day.
And remember more than anyone, to give your devotion and adoration to our King Jesus, who truly understands the concept of sacrificial love for us.
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