Why Valentine’s Day Is the Perfect Holiday for Familiar Traditions

The “Season of Love” is just around the corner, and it’s time to start planning how you’ll show your favorite people that you care. Valentine’s gifts don’t have to be excessive or dramatic. Much of society is starting to trend toward more practical, minimalist gifts. You don’t need to spend a lot of money on a gift to make it meaningful. In fact, some of the best gifts don’t cost money at all. Your time is one of the most thoughtful gifts you can give someone you love. It’s free but highly meaningful and can deepen your connection with your significant other. Engaging in familiar traditions with your valentine is also a wonderful way to make the Season of Love more comforting and enjoyable. 

Why Familiar Traditions Mean Even More on Valentine’s Day

Familiar traditions feel even more comforting on Valentine’s Day because they typically encourage emotional connections. Engaging in beloved traditional activities each year can enhance your sense of belonging and reaffirm the bond you share with someone special in your life. Your annual tradition could be as simple as having Valentine’s Day cookies delivered right to your loved one’s door. Every year, your loved one will look forward to their delicious Valentine’s cookie delivery with anticipation. Each time they open the package and bite into a mouthwatering cookie, they’ll be reminded of your love and devotion.

Meaningful Valentine’s Day Traditions to Try This Year

There’s no need to worry if you don’t already have Valentine’s Day traditions that you enjoy with loved ones. You can always create new traditions that will stand the test of time. Here are a few meaningful Valentine’s Day traditions you might consider implementing this year:

Write Love Letters to Your Future Selves

Each Valentine’s Day, consider writing love letters to each other, but putting them in a “time capsule” to open next year. Include a goal you want to achieve with your partner by next Valentine’s Day, and a favorite memory you enjoyed with your partner that year. It can be a lot of fun to read and reminisce over last year’s love letter before writing a new one each Valentine’s Day.

Reenact Your First Date

If you can remember the basics of your first date with your significant other, you can pull off this fun and nostalgic Valentine’s Day tradition. Each year, reenact your first date with your loved one. If you went to a blockbuster movie, consider renting and watching that same movie at home. Or you can go to the same movie theater you went to back then and watch whatever’s playing. Take a photo each year to document your “first date” journey through the years.

Take a Couple’s Dancing Class

Looking for an annual tradition that helps bring the spark back to your relationship? Consider enrolling in a couple’s dance class each year. You could try a different genre of dance each year or stick to the same one. Whether you choose to learn ballroom dance or Samba, you’re sure to have fun and feel even closer to each other afterward. 

Listen to Each Other’s Favorite Music Playlists

Music is often called the universal language of the soul, and it’s easy to see why. You can learn a lot about a person based on the type of music they like to listen to. To get a deeper insight into how your loved one views the world, start a Valentine’s Day tradition of listening to their favorite music playlist. Let them listen to your favorite playlist in return. You may be surprised to discover how much their music choices surprise, delight, or inspire you.

Use Your Partner’s “Love Language” to Show You Care

Author Gary Chapman claims that there are five different love languages, and each person has one or two they “speak.” Each love language describes a specific way a person prefers to give and receive love. They are:

1. Acts of service
2. Words of affirmation
3. Quality time
4. Receiving gifts
5. Physical touch

Each Valentine’s Day, make an effort to show your partner you love them using their preferred love language. For example, if they love to give and receive acts of service, go out of your way to do something helpful for them. If they enjoy receiving gifts, give them something thoughtful like a care basket of their favorite comforting soups or a meaningful trinket. 

Pick a New Activity to Try Together

Sit down with your partner and brainstorm different activities neither of you has tried before. Ideas include pottery making, axe throwing, or watercolor painting. Choose one activity to try together on or near Valentine’s Day. Learning something new together can create lasting memories while enhancing feelings of comfort and closeness.

Renew Your Vows

Each year, take about 30 minutes to write down your current vows to your loved one. You can be serious, comedic, or a little bit of both. Share your vows with each other over a bowl of ice cream or a glass of wine. Next year, review the previous year’s vows together before writing and sharing your newest versions.

Love is in the Air

The Season of Love is a beautiful excuse to celebrate your love and devotion to your partner. If you want to make your connection even stronger, consider adding one or more of these Valentine’s Day traditions to your annual celebrations. Here’s to making your relationship even stronger and more fulfilling with each passing year!