Wednesday, February 11, 2015

Have no fear for Valentines Day

by Julie O'Melia
The month of February is once again upon us. It seems that just yesterday we were all decorating our Christmas tree while A Christmas Story was being played in a never-ending marathon. February may be the shortest month, but it should not be looked over. February 14th is the ominous date marked on everyone’s calendar. Some try to overlook it, only to fail because Valentine’s Day is seriously unavoidable. You can’t walk into a store without having your eyes blinded by a sea of Pepto-Bismol colored candy, balloons and stuffed animals. Everywhere, men are panicking because the upcoming holiday has slipped from their minds. They’re all thinking: wasn’t Christmas just yesterday? Suddenly you realize that not only have you forgotten about the ever-important holiday, you are also broke from spending so much on Christmas presents. If you fall into any of these categories, fear not, because there is hope for you.  There are plenty of easy and cheap Valentine’s Day ideas. They might not include a diamond necklace, but they should suffice.
No time to book a reservation? No problem. The best restaurant is your kitchen. Surprise your partner by cooking their favorite dinner, or baking some delicious treats. If you’re not into surprises, work together and make something that you both love. That way if it ends up tasting horrible, nobody’s to blame!
This idea is great for all of the busybodies out there that have no time to cook a meal. If you and your significant other are always stuck at work or practice, there’s nothing like coming out of a grueling practice or shift to a sweet surprise. Leave your partners favorite candy and a real Valentine’s Day card in the windshield of their car. This sweet and simple gesture is quick and easy, so you won’t be late for your own practice. If your partner doesn’t drive then that’s an easy fix. Simply leave your small surprise on their doorstep and make something to come home to.
For those of you who love the outdoors, ice-skating is the most perfect and romantic date idea. Venture to the scenic Frog Pond in Boston, and lace up. Not only is Frog Pond cheap, it’s also fun and little different from the typical movies-and popcorn type of dates. After spending hours in the freezing cold, grab a hot chocolate to end the night.
Everyone loves the beach, and just because it’s February doesn’t mean that you can’t enjoy it! Beaches are deserted during these cold months, so you will have the entire area to yourselves. Bundle up and take a walk down the shore, and look for any little sea creatures that might have washed up. After your little adventure drive until you find an open spot to eat. For example, Brown’s in Hampton Beach New Hampshire is open on the weekends all winter long. Not only is it cheap, it’s also fresh and delicious seafood.
Valentine’s Day is always marketed as a holiday about spending money, and trying to prove to someone how much you love them depending on the amount of money that you are willing to spend on them. Some find that the best way to show you love someone is to simply put in a little effort to show them that you care. By remembering that your partner happens to love Kit Kats, or taking time out of your busy day to leave them a surprise is something that they will keep with them longer than they would a piece of jewelry. Senior Lauren McCarthy shares her point of view on Valentine’s Day,
“I think the best gifts are the simplest ones. I’m not really interested in fancy things. Simple gifts are the kind that only people who really know you get you and that’s what makes them special,” said McCarthy.
Valentine’s Day is a day about appreciation, and you shouldn’t have to spend a ton of money to be appreciated.

No comments:

Post a Comment

Columns