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Holidays are deeply rooted in traditions set forth many centuries ago. Valentine's Day is no different. It is a special day set aside to say 'I love you and you are someone special to me.' Many kinds of love are celebrated this day. Romantic love may be the most highlighted, but other kinds of love are also expressed: children to parents or grandparents, children to children, and adult friends, who may not be romantic but share a special bond. Because there are so many different kinds of love celebrated, there should be a variety of ways to express this admiration for another. You can use the traditional gifts to celebrate this holiday, or you can add a special touch by finding new, romantic ways to say I Love you.
Some Valentine's Day Facts:
Did you know that Valentine's Day is named for St. Valentine, who was executed by Roman Emperor Claudius II on February 14, 269 A.D.? He was put to death for secretly marrying men and woman after marriage was forbidden by the Emperor. While in jail, people would leave notes and flowers in admiration and support of Valentine. He was said to have sent a note to one admirer thanking her and saying, "Love from your Valentine." Coincidentally, February 14th was the holiday that honored Juno, the Roman Goddess of Love and Marriage. In 496 A.D. Pope Gelasius declared February 14th, St. Valentine's Day, thus paving the way for the traditions we celebrate today, set by many countries over the centuries.
Chocolates are still a time honored favorite of this holiday, but you can add a special touch by making the chocolates yourself. With chocolate molds and colored chocolates available at your local arts and crafts shop, you can add a personal touch to an ordinary box of chocolates. Also, if your loved one is a cookie fan, you can make sugar cookies in the shapes of lips and hearts and decorate with candy hearts or red sugar sprinkles.
Whenever you take the extra time to make a gift with your own hands, this in itself sends a very special message to the recipient. Even cards can be handmade, with the help of computer programs and clip art. You can personalize a card that says exactly what you want to say. Making gifts with your own hands is a time honored way to treasure a friend or loved one. This is especially a good idea for children. They can make handmade cards and gifts for grandparents or a special baby sitter. Construction paper, safety scissors, glue, and some glitter and they will make a Valentine worthy of the Hallmarkâ„¢ name. Or simply let them draw a picture or pick a favorite photograph of themselves with the receiver of the gift and put it in a wooden frame that has been jazzed up for the occasion.
Also, kids like giving out Valentines at school. Add a special touch by letting them help make heart shaped, sugar cookies with red, sugar sprinkles on top. It will sure to be a delightful treat everyone will enjoy.
Roses, of course are the other traditional gift on Valentine's Day. An alternative to paying the high price of real roses would be silk roses. The obvious advantage is that they will never die. Some florist will even make an arrangement of silk flowers including, not only the favorite of the holiday, but also some other favorites of the person who is receiving the gift. It may be a good idea to research the meaning behind the flowers you are sending. This will eliminate any chance of miss signals being sent.
Meanings Behind Some Flowers:
•Full Red Rose: Beauty
•Deep Red Rose: Bashful Shame
•White Rosebud: Heart Ignorant Of Love
•White Rose: I Am Worthy Of You
•Yellow Rose: Jealousy
•White & Red Rose Together: Unity
•Pink Carnation: Woman's Love
•Chrysanthemum: Cheerfulness In Old Age
Romance for some, may be the name of the game, so here are some different things you can do to add a little spice to your Valentine's Day. Candlelight dinner for two at a restaurant is a good idea. You could book a table at your favorite restaurant, but you could also make your Valentine's favorite meal at home. If you have kids, send them to a friends or grandparents for a sleep over or if old enough, out for a movie and pizza. If you like wine, have it chilling while you prepare the meal. Put on some quiet, background music, light the candles and you have a romantic setting. Another added feature to this could be a fireplace. If you have one, light a fire and set a card table up near it. You could omit the candles, if doing this. The fire itself will add a romantic flare to the evening, especially if it is cold in February, where you live. If you don't feel like cooking, or don't have the time, you could order out from your favorite restaurant. This works especially well if you have children. Once, they go to bed, you could have a late, quiet dinner for two. If you don't want to do a full course dinner, wine and cheese works well too, or whatever beverage and snack you and your loved one prefers. In fact, you could break open that box of home made chocolates and dig in. Any way you do it, setting the scene for a romantic, quiet time together will convey the feelings of love and companionship, you want to express.
Gift Ideas For The Man In Your Life:
•Gift Certificate At A Golf Club For A Game
•Gift Certificate For His Favorite Sporting Goods Store
•Homemade Chocolates Or Cookies
•Gift Certificate For His Favorite Computer Store
•Romantic Getaway
Another romantic venture that says I love you to someone special is a romantic getaway. Bed and Breakfasts' work well for this. They are a nice alternative to a hotel by having a more elegant setting. The Bed and Breakfast experience is not for everyone, but if you like meeting other people and being a little pampered with a nice, big breakfast, this may be for you. However, if you like the idea of room service and a jacuzzi, a hotel room may be the way to go. Either way, you have quiet time to yourselves, in a place where your focus can be and stay where you want it, on each other. If you want to really get away from it all and really want to go all out, a weekend cruise may be just the ticket. Weekend cruises to the Bahamas and other ports are available at pretty reasonable rates. This would be especially nice if you plan on proposing this Valentine's Day. Although, if you are not sure how it will go, you may want to pack a inflatable raft, just in case. Check with your local travel agent about great weekend escapes or even look it up on the Internet using such keywords as weekend getaway, weekend cruises, and travel.
Gift Ideas For The Woman In Your Life:
•Gift Certificate For a Full Day Of Beauty
•Gift Certificate To Her Favorite Place To Shop
•Candlelight Dinner And Dancing At Home
•Renting a Movie That Has Special Meaning To Both Of You
•Romantic Getaway Cruise for Two
There are lots of things you can do that are inexpensive, yet adequate to celebrate your love for another. A simply walk in the park can be very romantic, even if its cold. See if a romantic movie is playing. If not, rent a movie that has special meaning to you both, such as the movie you saw on your first date. This would be a romantic gesture because it would show that you remember things that most people are accused of forgetting. Another effective and simple gesture is a phone call at work just to say, "I love you." If you enjoy reading and like poetry, add that to your quiet evening in front of the fire. Take turns reading out loud to each other. It may be just what the evening needs to turn into romance.
Another great gift idea for her is a full day of beauty at her favorite salon. Some hair salons offer great packages that include massages, facials, manicures, etc. You can purchase the package and put the certificate in a card. A day of relaxation may be very much appreciated. Gift certificates, although thought by some to be an easy way out, are actually a good gift. If he or she has a favorite store, get a gift certificate from there. It will give that person a chance to go out shopping for themselves and that is always fun. For the man in your life who likes to play golf, how about a certificate for a free game at the local golf course. If he enjoys other sports, get him a certificate to his favorite sporting goods store, where he can pick what he needs or wants for his favorite sporting event.
Whether you choose the time honored traditional favorites or try something new this Valentine's Day, just remembering to say I love you as often as you can is probably one of the most treasured gifts anyone could receive. It doesn't cost a penny and your love is essentially the best gift you can give of yourself. In today's materialistic world, it is a good idea to remember this:
The Giving Of Yourself
You don't have to give me gold or silver or anything of wealth.
The gift that means the most to me is the giving of yourself.
No need for a string of pearls, or materials of satin and lace,
the best gift you could give me, is the smile upon your face.
No need for sweet aromas, that only fill the air,
the best gift you could give me is to show me that you care.
No need for things that sparkle, for everything will one day dull.
The best gift you could give me is what lives inside your soul.
Give me what's inside your heart and it will last through time.
The only gift I want from you, is for you to always be mine.
No need to give me gold or silver or anything of wealth.
The gift that means the most to me is the giving of yourself.
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