Valentine's Day: Love It, Hate It, or Make It Your Own
Valentine's Day: Love It, Hate It, or Make It Your Own- string of paper hearts
Valentine's Day: Love It, Hate It, or Make It Your Own
Okay, let's just jump right into this one. I have always hated Valentines Day… and before you start wondering no I am not just saying that and no im not just trying to play it cool. Me not liking Valentine's day definitely was primarily influenced by mom (sorry mom), but in the business of keeping it real that is my truth. My parents got married on Valentines Day & well if you’ve been here long enough you know enough about me to know how that all worked out. If not, definitely circle back to my first blog. I made it easy and linked it for you here 🙂
Anyways, I spent my younger years trying to take care of my mom on Valentine's Day. Not because she asked me to or needed me to. I just sort of felt a responsibility to do so. As soon as I had money of my own every single year I would send my mom flowers on Valentines Day. I am not entirely sure when it stopped or why it stopped, but eventually it did. I think we were both ready to leave it in the past and maybe I was hoping I can find some joy in the day. I’ll let you in on a secret though… I still haven’t, but I'm hoping that changes this year. Make sure to keep reading and you’ll learn how I plan to do that.
Love Balloons
Valentine's Day tends to divide the room—some people lean into the hearts, flowers, and endless pink; others roll their eyes and count down to February 15th. Whatever your take, the holiday doesn’t have to feel exclusive or overwhelming. It can be a perfect time to turn inward, celebrate your relationship with yourself, or create traditions that resonate with you.
Here are some ideas to make Valentine's Day your own, whether you're flying solo or simply want to celebrate in a way that feels authentic to you:
Date Yourself
Who says Valentine's Day is reserved for couples? Treat yourself the way you'd like someone else to treat you. Take yourself out to your favorite restaurant, or pick up your go-to takeout and light candles at home. Dress up if you’re in the mood—or wear your coziest sweats. It’s about showing up for yourself.
Not into dinner? Try planning an activity:
Have a movie marathon (rom-coms optional).
Sign up for a class you’ve been curious about.
Take a solo hike with your favorite playlist or podcast.
When you start dating yourself, you'll see just how fun, creative, and nurturing you can be on your own terms.
*SPOILER ALERT* dating yourself isn’t limited to just February 14th. I encourage you to make a habit of it. Once a month sound good to you? Do you accept the challenge?
Practice Self-Love
Valentine's Day can also be a reminder to turn up the self-love. Self-care doesn’t have to mean bubble baths (though they’re a nice option). Think about what makes you feel seen, loved, and cared for.
Write yourself a love letter. Highlight your favorite qualities, things you’ve overcome, or small wins worth celebrating.
Indulge in your favorite hobbies, foods, or comforts—unapologetically.
Start a gratitude practice or jot down affirmations.
The act of self-love is about appreciating where you are right now, flaws and all, without waiting for someone else to validate you.
Lean In—If That Feels Right
Maybe you secretly—or not-so-secretly—love Valentine’s Day! That’s amazing, too. If it feels good, lean all the way in. Decorate your space, bake heart-shaped cookies, or host a Galentine’s party. Celebrate the relationships that matter in your life—friends, family, pets, or yourself.
It’s okay to feel sentimental and let yourself enjoy the holiday if that’s what you’re craving. Joy doesn’t need an explanation.
Candy hearts
Leaning in is exactly what feels right to me this year. I want to make all the little moments count with my son, to let him feel the excitement and feel all the love. One of my favorite childhood memories is that my aunt would send me a card for every holiday. She does this for my son now too which I love so much, but I want to start this too. I wish I had started this sooner since one of my nieces is 12, but it's never too late right?
I am also so excited to make my son feel extra special this Valentines day. I have already started collecting things for a little Valentine's Day basket for him. Here’s what i got him:
-Little Blue Truck Valentines Day (we love the little blue truck around here)
-Montisory knives so I can slow down everything I do in the kitchen. Only half kidding, but he loves to help so I thought this would be cute.
If you're a parent and need some inspo, I hope this helps! These are *NOT* affiliate links, just thought I could make it a little easier for you if needed!
Regardless of how you feel about the day, I hope that you remember Valentine's Day doesn’t have to fit anyone else’s rules. Whether you love it, hate it, or feel completely neutral, it’s a chance to reconnect—with yourself or with others. Do what feels right, and leave the rest behind.
Till next time,
-C
