Valentine’s Day is a time when we celebrate love and romance. Every February 14th, cultures around the world recognize this holiday and look to enjoy a memorable Valentine’s Day experience. Though the precise history is unclear, most believe Valentine’s Day replaced the Roman pagan festival of Lupercalia. Lupercalia was a fertility festival on the ides of February where priests sacrificed goats. Women were then touched by the goat’s skin because it was believed to make them more fertile. But Lupercalia was deemed un-Christian by the Pope in 5th century AD and replaced with Valentine’s Day.
Starting in the Middle Ages, Valentine’s Day became increasing popular and remains so today. But Valentine’s Day in 2021 will look a little different than past years. The coronavirus pandemic was only starting to emerge a year prior. Lockdowns and quarantines had yet to be enforced in the U.S. Thus, this year will be a bit more challenging when thinking about a romantic Valentine’s Day experience. Fortunately, love and romance always rise to the occasion and persevere regardless of the situation. With that in mind, here are 10 ideas for you to consider for your Valentine’s Day in 2021.
- Have a Real Hands-On Romantic Dinner Date
If you’re looking for something fun, try arranging virtual cooking lessons and cook with your partner. This Valentine’s Day experience lets you both participate in a creative experience that you’ll be able to share. Try something challenging and that you both find appealing. Plus, pull out all the stops in making the grand finale a romantic one. Candles, wine, good food, and great company is a great recipe for Valentine’s Day in 2021.
- Arrange an Intimate Affair with a Couples Massage
While you may not be able to get a masseuse to come to your home, that’s no reason to give up. One great idea for Valentine’s Day in 2021 might be to give each other an intimate massage. There are plenty of massage tutorials and guides to help you both in such an endeavor. Or instead, simply let your own instincts lead the way. Who knows, this might be a Valentine’s Day experience that turns out to be a tradition.
- Turn Your Home into a Romantic Theater
Though movie theaters are closed, and you might be bored with streaming, romantic movies might still be a consideration. If so, another great idea for Valentine’s Day in 2021 would be to turn your home or living room into an intimate theater-like affair. Streaming lights, candles, pillows, and incense can create the perfect mood. And with the right movie, your Valentine’s day experience will be complete.
- Reconnect with Each Other in Nature
Exploring scenic sights outdoors is another wonderful way to spend Valentine’s Day in 2021. Perhaps, you can go ice-skating together and share some fun. Maybe, you could plan an escape to a wooded cabin and sit by the fire. Even day hikes and evening campfires can create a romantic Valentin’s Day experience. From star-gazing to holding hands, outdoor experiences are worth considering. (For more socially-distanced outdoor experiences and apps that can facilitate them, check out this Project Bold Life story.)
- Recreate Your First or Favorite Date Night
If you’re feeling a bit more nostalgic, one Valentine’s Day experience to consider might be recreating a past date. Whether it’s your first date or one that’s most memorable, such a recreation can rekindle strong feelings. Even if you cannot attend a restaurant or event where it occurred, you can still mimic the dating experience at home. For those with some creativity, this might be a nice opportunity to revisit your time together over the years. (For more on dating tips, check out this Project Bold Life story.)
- Escape to a 5-Star Hotel for a Night
Valentine’s Day in 2021 will be different in many ways, but you can still have “normal” holiday experiences. Many couples choose to escape to a luxury hotel for an evening to celebrate their love and romance. Fortunately, this Valentine’s day experience is still available to us despite the pandemic. Even if the hotel is right down the road, the change in scenery is often enough to make the evening magical.
- Create the Ultimate Home Wine and Cheese Pairing
What’s more romantic that a wine and cheese pairing with your partner? Arrange to have a variety of different wines to sample along with different cheeses, fruits, nuts, and jams. This Valentine’s Day experience is inherently sensual from the start, leading to an opportunity for more intimate expressions. That’s why this is a great idea for Valentine’s Day in 2021, or anytime for that matter.
- Arrange an Evening of Virtual Dance Lessons
Dancing outside your home may be a bit challenging with social distancing and contact restrictions. But that doesn’t mean you still can’t share this type of Valentine’s Day experience with your significant other. Virtual dance lessons are readily available on line, if you would like to learn together as a couple. Likewise, you can turn a room into a small dance floor and enjoy an evening of romantic fun. Though it may not be quite the same, it will still make for a Valentine’s Day in 2021 worth remembering.
- Volunteer as a Couple for Community Charity
It’s no secret that giving is always more rewarding in a relationship than taking. At the same time, giving to others as a couple is a wonder way to express love as a Valentine’s day experience. Sit down with your partner and find the right community project or charity that inspires you both. Then, make arrangements to participate in acts of giving together for your Valentine’s Day in 2021. Not only will it warm your heart, but it will bring you closer together as well.
- Create a Romantic Concert of Oldies but Goodies
Many of us enjoy live music concerts and miss them dearly. Virtual concerts are currently the norm, which offers a great temporary solution during the pandemic. One unique spin on this idea for Valentine’s Day in 2021 might be to create your own home concert. If you both enjoy the same genre of music, putting together some songs and music videos might be ideal. Oldies but goodies, romantic melodies, or music that makes you want to dance are all good considerations.
A Valentine’s Day to Remember
One thing is for certain, Valentine’s Day in 2021 will be unique in many ways. Many restaurants will be closed or limited in their capacity. Entertainment events will be unlikely. And extensive travel, especially out of the country, is ill-advised even if available. Despite these obstacles, however, you can still make your Valentine’s Day experience this year a phenomenal one. After all, it’s not so much about what you do but who you spend it with.
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