Tuesday, January 26, 2021

New Valentine's Day Traditions: Having Fun During COVID-19


New Valentine's Day Traditions: Having Fun During COVID-19

Valentine's Day is about "love" and it's not just for couples.  Something we could all use during the Coronavirus/COVID-19 pandemic. So, here are a few ways to celebrate

For Singles
1) Turn Your Home Into a Spa -  Light some candles, make a hot bath, order some lotion, a bottle of wine.  

2) Random Acts of Kindness - Do something nice for someone else who is single.  A small gesture can go a long way.  A simple note, candy, or some guilty pleasure you know they like.  For ideas, visit: https://www.randomactsofkindness.org/

3) Singles Only - Host a singles-only virtual party.  Invite a diverse group of people from various parts of your life.  Encourage dressing up and fun cocktails.  Invite people to show off a talent or interest they have.  

4) You're Such A Miranda - Binge watch Sex and the City.  If that's too much about relationships for you, there are plenty of comedies and stand-up streaming as well.

5) I'm Not Cooking For Just Myself - Treat yourself to your favorite takeout.

6) Treat Yo' Self - It's good to spoil yourself sometimes.  Personally, I'm not a big fan about "stuff."  I have too much and somehow I keep collecting more.  But, I do like the simple pleasures of food and drink.  It can be a whole meal.  But, I've had lots of great times just with a bag of chips and a can of something for a neighborhood walk.  

7) More Please! - Make your favorite dessert.  Is there anything better than that?  This photo of homemade snicker bars (below) was taken 7 years ago and I can still taste them from memory.  Here's the recipe just in case: https://butterwithasideofbread.com/homemade-snickers-bars/


For Couples
1) Breakfast Date - Mimosa and pajamas.  It's Sunday this year, so start early.

2) Hiking - Go to favorite or meaningful spot

3) Takeout Lunch - Eat on hike or while enjoying overlook

4) Virtual Wine Tasting - There are plenty to choose from.  Order a variety of wine and learn about them from the comfort of your own home.  The best part, you don't have to drive afterwards.  Here's an article that may help: https://www.liquor.com/best-virtual-wine-tastings-5025086

5) Make a Special Dinner - Favorite foods or what you had on first date.  Or from some other occasion like a honeymoon or special event.  You can keep it simple and just make something you both really like too.  

6) Board Games Are Sexy? - Get a game to spice up the relationship: https://www.mydomaine.com/the-best-sexy-board-games-for-couples-1021943

7) Make Cocktails - There's lot of options and even virtual classes: https://www.virtualcocktailclass.com/

8) Game Night - Valentine's Day doesn't have to be only couples in love.  Some couples have kids.  Or they see each other every moment of every day and would like to have a virtual double date.  Here are some game ideas: SongPop, Heads Up Houseparty, Ticket To Ride, Animal Crossing, Mario Kart Tour, Coin Master, Harry Potter: Hogwarts mystery, Exploding Kittens, Words With Friends, Werewolf, Jackbox, Scrabble, Clue, Marvel Strike Force, Fortnite, Golf Battle, Quiz Up, Scattergories, Fishdom, and so many more!!!

9) Romantic Movies - Snuggle on the couch with a glass of wine.  Here's a list of the best romantic movies: https://www.rottentomatoes.com/top/bestofrt/top_100_romance_movies/



For Kids
1) Decorate the House - Cover your house with hearts.  Write a note on each one telling about something or someone you're grateful for.

2) Special Meal and/or dessert - Make something fun for the kids.  It can be something silly like a heart shaped pizza.  

3) I Love My Family - Start the day with a big family hug.  Write messages to each other saying what you love about them.  And then find an activity you can all do together to have fun.  

4) Love Notes - Write several notes to your kids saying what you love about them.  Put them in places they'll randomly find them like their shoes, cereal box, backpack, lunchbox, TV, phone charger, pillow, etc.  


For Everyone
1) Will You Be My Valentine? - Make and send Valentine Day cards for friends, family, and other loved ones.  Let them know how grateful you are to have them in your life.

2) Unite Family and Friends With Video Chat - Use Zoom, Skype, Facetime, or other video chat service to talk with family and friends that are near and far. Start a "room" where people can join you for the day. Let them come and go as they please. 

3) Volunteer - What is important to you? There's so much need in the world. Spare a moment to help and organization that will make the world a better place.

4) Valentine Call - Zoom or call a friend, family member, co-worker or other person that you're grateful to know. Tell them you appreciate for them. And why you care for them.

5) Thankful Expression - Everyone has some form of creative outlet: drawing, singing, dancing, woodworking, etc. Make a gift for someone special

6) Support Local Businesses - Many local businesses offer curbside pick-up, delivery, and other COVID-19/Coronavirus safe options for their products.  Supporting small businesses struggling in your community will help your neighbors have a good holiday too.

7) Romantic Music - There's so many love songs and so much you can do with it.  Listen to a radio stations, make your own playlist, make a mixtape for someone, write your own song, etc.!  Music is a great way to get in the Valentine spirit.

8) Share Memories - Ask questions like "what was your best gift?" "what is your earliest Valentine's Day memory?" and "what's the strangest thing you've experienced during the Valentine's?"  Get things started and it can provide you fun entertainment.

9) Share Memories Online - Post a Valentine's Day photo and tell us a story about it.  Let us know who was there, what you're doing, when this happened, where it was, and why it was special.  Then invite your friends and family to do the same.

10) Get Dressed Up - Want to make a moment feel special?  Wear something fancy.  We've all been home wearing pajamas and being lazy.  Do something fun, eat a nice meal, and take photos while looking stylish.


DON'T FORGET TO HAVE FUN!
And, please feel free to contact if you have any questions or suggestions!
Health and Safety Considerations for gathering:
1) No indoor activities
2) No sharing bathrooms
3) Wash hands before and after gathering.  Don't touch your face.
4) Bring your own food, snacks, drinks, and utensils.
5) Do not attend if you have asthma, heart disease, diabetes, overweight, have/survived cancer, or 50+ year old.
6) Do not attend if you have or have had Coronavirus or showing symptoms (https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/symptoms-testing/symptoms.html).
8) Limit attendance.  Check local health department for guidelines and restrictions.
9) Talk with everyone about comfort levels.  Expect and allow non-participation and last minute cancellations.

Mike Kraus was born on the industrial shoreline of Muskegon, Michigan. After earning his Fine Arts Degree from The School of the Art Institute of Chicago, he attended Grand Valley State University for his graduate degree. From there, he gained varied experiences from the Chicago Architecture Foundation, Art Institute of Chicago, Hauenstein Center For Presidential Studies, Lollypop Farm Humane Society, and the Children's Memorial Foundation. And every place he worked, he had his sketchbook with him and found ways to be actively creative. In 2014, Kraus became a full-time artist by establishing Mike Kraus Art. Since then, he has sold hundreds of paintings that are displayed in nearly every state and dozens of countries. Currently, Kraus lives in Rochester, New York with his beautiful wife and goofy dog.

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