Celebrating Valentine’s Day in lockdown
Check out our favourite ways to spend the most romantic day of the year while in lockdown. They’re real winners if your partners’ love language is quality time or acts of service.
Plan their favourite meal: You don’t have to be a whizz in the kitchen to make this one work. Ordering in their favourite takeaway or pre-made meals works just as well. Or, if you’re keen to cook up a storm in the kitchen, have a go at their favourite dish yourself. It’s a great way to make Valentine’s Day special at home – and costs a fraction of the price of dinner at a fancy restaurant.
Make a playlist: Put together a line-up of romantic songs for your loved one on your preferred streaming service. It’s a thoughtful gift that you can enjoy together. Most services have pre-made playlists for galentines, palentines, famentines and valentines. But if you don’t want it to get too soppy, or prefer to get personal, keep track of their favourite songs in the weeks leading up to the 14th. Listen out for the tunes they blast in the shower, or ones they vibe to whilst cooking, and add them to your playlist as you go.
Go on a romantic walk: Make good use of the opportunity to get outside for some exercise by going for a walk together. You can take a warming flask of tea with you and explore your local area. Or, if you don’t fancy leaving the house, try making use of any outdoor space you have. Light your barbecue or fire pit to roast some marshmallows for a bit of family fun, or simply cosy up under some blankets together and gaze at the winter sky.
Get dressed up: Yes, V-day may look a little different this year – but it doesn’t have to stop you from dressing to impress. We’ve all loved cosying up in our joggers and pyjamas while working from home, so mix things up a bit. Put on your gladrags, whatever that means to you. It could be throwing on some jeans for the first time in months, or going full glam and digging out a suit. Either way, it’ll make things feel a bit more normal.
Set up a home cinema: Pillow fort, anyone? Bring all your blankets and cushions into a room with a television. Order in some snacks in advance – think microwave popcorn and sweet treats – and voila. You have your own little cinema. Snuggle up together and throw on one of your favourite films. It doesn’t have to be a rom-com just because it’s Valentine’s Day!
Look to the future: Things are really uncertain at the moment, but it won’t last forever. Escape from national lockdowns and hand sanitiser for a while by looking forward. Chat with your partner, friends or family about some of the things you want to do when life returns to normal. Where do you want to travel first? Which restaurants do you want to visit, and how do you want to spend your weekends? It’s a great way to enjoy some quality time together.