Celebrate Valentine's Day... Without the Tradition

photo courtesy of bostonherald.com

I will be honest: despite my love of romance, Valentine's Day is not at the top of my list when it comes to favorite holidays.  Sure, the decorations, candy and flowers associated with it are nice (glitter-covered hearts, roses and candies that say "text me") - but I wonder... are they necessary?  For me personally, it's all about celebrating the love on any and every day of the year - because it's always special...  And, there is the romantic in me.  It's not that I dislike Valentine's Day, I'm just somewhat indifferent to the hoopla that surrounds it.  Trust me, I'm not about to throw an "I Hate Valentine's Day Party" any time soon - speaking of which, have you seen the movie Valentine's Day?  The scene where Jennifer Garner beats up a heart shaped-pinata at her annual display of Valentines dislike is quite entertaining. 

OK, all things aside... let's talk Valentine's Day celebrations that don't focus on the traditional.  At the end of the day, why does this holiday have to be focused primarily on romantic love or couples for that matter?  Even though Jennifer Garner's annual party was a gathering to bash the day itself and ill-fated episodes of love experienced by the attendees - the idea behind it had merit, and it kind of looked like fun.  I'm not going to promote dislike of Valentines Day in any respect - but let's look at some avenues of celebrating the holiday that take it outside of the Valentine's " chocolate box" so to say.

With a holiday that's focused on couples, where does that leave groups of friends and those who are single?  Epicurious.com suggests throwing a mixer with great cocktails, food and your closest friends.  Come to think of it, I like that idea across the board.  Why not make Valentines Day a party instead of a one-on-one celebration - couple or single?

Even ehow.com gives pointers on how to celebrate the day in a non-traditional manner either as a couple or single.  Why not take a late-night trip for breakfast to Denny's in PJ's, I ask?

But seriously - here is a great suggestion for celebrating the holiday: giving back to the community.  Suite101.com suggests multiple non-traditional options, all of which, contribute to the greater good.  Buy gifts where a percentage of the expense goes back to a charity, spend time with family, give and/or plant seeds instead of purchasing a bouquet or donate to charity in someone's honor... all of the above celebrate love in a different capacity.

At the end of the day Valentines doesn't just need to be about romance, dinners, chocolates and flowers - it can be about celebrating the love we feel in partnerships, with friends, with family and for our community.  Try viewing the holiday this year through a different set of lenses and experience it from a new angle.

For other not-so-traditional Valentines related activities, visit letspartymagazine.com and learn how to throw a DIY Valentine's Day soiree for children. 

Kate Sepe joins Let's Party Magazine.com as the Event Trends Blogger with a background in nonprofit event planning and management. Kate is currently a Special Events Manager with the National Kidney Foundation of Arizona. Kate is a board member with the International Special Events Society (ISES) of Arizona. She expresses a true love and passion for the event industry and is thankful for the opportunity to share unique ideas and popular trends with readers.