Valentine’s Day is just about a month away and already the stores are filled with decorations and cards. You do not have to spend a lot on commercial items to enjoy the day and make it special. Follow these simple tips and you will be on your way to a fun and enjoyable day with the ones you love.

• Valentine’s Day is on a Saturday in 2009. Dedicate this day by spending it with those you love by doing the things that you love. Perhaps you have small children? Take them sledding and bake cookies and make hot chocolate with them. Do you have a significant other? Enjoy a fun day by going on a hike, prepare a meal for each other, go to the movies, rent a movie, or just find time to cuddle by the warmth of a fire. Perhaps you have a close circle of friends? Go out for lunch and spend time talking. These close emotional bonds we have with each other foster such a rich life.
• Decorate by using items from nature. I am a big proponent of seeking decorative elements from nature. Go on a hike, find a big branch, bring it home and spray paint it white, stick it in a pot of sand, and hang lights or hearts from it. Simple yet fun, elegant and contemporary.
• Create your own personal Valentine cards. I never understood the store bought little Valentine cards that children send to each other? To me, they seem so impersonal. If you have children and even if you don’t, gather some fun construction paper, hearts, glitter glue, and fun markers, crayons, and pens and spend an afternoon creating Valentine cards for those you love. Write a special message on them and mail! The receiver will feel so uplifted, touched, and flattered. You will also feel good in return.
• Bake some simple yet fun Valentine cookies. Snowflakes and hearts are fun and easy cut out cookies to bake. The children in your life can help decorate them with sprinkles and frosting. Leave a plate out for guests or visitors to enjoy and freeze some to have as a treat later in the winter.
• Create a loving meal with those that you love. Perhaps it is just you and your significant other? Prepare your favorite meal together or surprise your loved one with something special. Perhaps you will spend the day with your whole family? Plan something fun that involves the whole family. A fun pizza party with a whole wheat crust and toppings galore!

Take time this Valentine’s Day to stop and truly enjoy the people you love. Our crazy hectic lives get in the way; make this day an excuse to return to the simplicity of just being together.