Amidst the uncertainties of 2021, one thing is certain: Valentine’s Day is going to look very different this year. The threat of Covid—not to mention the impossibility of finding a sitter—has put a serious damper on how couples celebrate this typically romantic, pseudo holiday.
February 14th is the second busiest day for restaurants (Mothers’ Day being first) and many of us typically dress up and head out for a special meal. But most restaurants across the country are either closed or offering severely limited or outside-only service. Those of us who don’t live in SoCal or Florida may not feel terribly excited about sitting in sub-zero temperatures covered in blankets. (Though that definitely eliminates the pressure of what to wear because the only our coats and shoes will be visible.) Take out, it seems, is a much better option for dinner. Order early, especially if you’re hoping for delivery.
For a more involved but less risky eating option, consider watching an on-line cooking class together and making your own dinner. There’s never been a better time to learn from master chefs and cooking experts from across the globe. Udemy or Rouxbe both offer classes starting as low as $13 for everything from Sushi, to Moroccan, to gluten-free. Just make sure you have all the ingredients on hand before you start. Once you’ve decided what your cuisine is going to be, have the wine of your choice delivered. Try Naked Wines or call your favorite local spirit shop. Many now offer delivery services.
If your beloved craves chocolate, rather than opting for the nondescript variety you can grab at the local chain store, take it up a notch and order something from Taza (Somerverville, MA) Lake Champlain Chocolates, or check out this article for more fabulous ideas. Many chocolatiers now offer curbside pick-up and have upped their shipping game.
Just because we can’t or choose not to go out, there’s no reason we can’t make the evening festive. Grab some bees’ wax candles at Whole Foods or order here or here. If you’re going to have flowers delivered, take care of that this week. Most florists create special bouquets for Valentine’s day but they are expecting higher than usual request for deliveries.
The gap between dinner and the bedroom (you’re on your own for the latter folks) still needs to be filled. Since live theater and other entertainment venues remain closed, we’re going to have to get a bit more creative. If dancing is your jam, check out some of the online classes offered by CLI studio, Steezy Studios, or just google YouTube dance lessons and be prepared for some ridiculously fit and impossibly perky dance instructors. (This one seemed doable and fun.) CLI studio offers everything from ballet, to hip hop, to salsa. Steezy Studios tends toward more contemporary, urban dance styles. If the kids are still up, this could be a family activity.
If you lack the requisite energy for exercise, consider reading to each other in bed. I’m not suggesting erotica but rather something that’s light-hearted, fun, and has short chapters. Like C. S. Lewis’ The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe or A. A. Milne’s Winne the Pooh. (Seriously! When was the last time you read this? Oh, you’ve got young kids. Never mind.)
If money is not an issue, some smaller museums around the country are offering special events. The Columbus (OH) Museum of Art is allowing a few lucky patrons to reserve a private gallery space and providing them with wine and cheese. Check your local museum or cultural center to see if they might be offering something similar.
It’s definitely not going to be business as usual this year. However, if you’ve got a spouse or partner, there’s reason to celebrate. (Provided you can figure out what to do with the kids and can stay awake past eight.)
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