Valentine’s Day at a Distance
How to send love this Valentine’s Day.
2020 taught us how to think about holidays in a different light, showing us that we don’t need to be physically present with one another to celebrate and share experiences. The same applies to Valentine’s Day with many couples and loved ones separated by blocks, plane rides, oceans and continents. For those who have been lucky enough to be with their loved ones during the Pandemic (or not if you’re driving each other crazy by now) you are in the minority as many couples find themselves needing to invent new and creative ways of connecting. If you’re one of those couples, or simply want to celebrate Valentine’s Day with friends (Galentine’s Day) or family members, we have some suggestions on how to do that and stay safe.
Showing love and gratitude has never felt more important in a year where it feels like all we truly can count on is one another. So, whether you’re living together or miles apart, here are some ways to have fun, stay safe, save money and share gratitude.
If food is your love language, or you simply LOVE to eat (don’t we all?!) cooking together can be a great way to connect. Is there somewhere you traveled and can’t get that one dish out of your taste buds? How about your favorite restaurant or type of food that if it was a normal year you’d be sitting down to dine? Were you planning a trip somewhere and couldn't wait to have the cultural food? Well, you can make it from the comfort of your own home, and computer!
Decide on a favorite dish from your journey together, make a shopping list and gather your ingredients. Look up some recipes and cook it together! There are some great online resources for recipes and guides that aren’t too complicated. New York Times Cooking is a great resource, Pinterest, those dusty cookbooks in your cabinet, or a simple internet search. Cook together, and enjoy the meal while reminiscing or dreaming about travel.
Another idea is to use a new kitchen appliance together! Did you get an airfryer for Christmas, or maybe a pasta maker? Explore your new appliance together!
Takeout is another great way to connect, enjoy and not have to work so hard. Most restaurants are open for takeout and would love your business. Is there one that you’ve always wanted to try? Many restaurants will offer Valentine’s Day meals for 1 or 2 with multiple courses packed up and ready to go.
If you’re interested in cooking or maybe just snacking, how about a premade kit? TakeOutKit.com has great cooking kits for international foods, whereas Williams-Sonoma has kits for everything including your cake for dessert, cocktails for happy hour or cheese making for your charcuterie board.
Okay so maybe you’re not feeling so confident about cooking by yourself. Online cooking classes could be a great solution! MasterClass, Sur La Table,Murray’s Cheese, Counter Culture Coffee, EventBrite all have options for online cooking classes for things from sushi to paella. Or more importantly, make your own chocolate! Whatever you’re craving, you can find a class to guide you through it. Check out your local businesses to see if they are offering anything similar. Supporting local business has never been so important! You might need some resources or equipment for some of these so just make sure to check it out in advance.
Valentine’s Day is about sharing love, whether it’s a friend, family member, or partner, we all could use this holiday to appreciate one another and eat more chocolate! This is also a great opportunity to make homemade valentine’s cards with your kids or grandkids. Check out Pinterest or Red Tricycle to find some fun creative cards you can make with your little ones. Share cards with friends and neighbors, seniors and other community members. A simple homemade card sends more love than we have any idea.
Source: https://apnews.com/article/valentines-meal-during-pandemic-b331f369b8203143d63e16e7b2797ef4