In this post, I’m sharing ten creative ways to celebrate love this Valentine’s Day. Because whether or not you have a romantic partner, you can celebrate love–love of family, friends, and most importantly our God. And you can do it without spending a dime on a store-bought card. 

People have serious mixed feelings this time of year. February 14 brings out the fun-loving romantics, the guilty ones, and the I-don’t-buy-into-this-consumer-stuff rebels. We also know many who are widowed or divorced or some who have stayed single by choice or haven’t found their life partner yet. All this talk of love and romance is just too much. Yes, florists, card companies, chocolate-makers, and jewelry stores have done a bang-up job giving us opportunities to buy, buy, buy. Or to feel guilty or left out. 

But no matter how you see this particular holiday, any time we can celebrate love and friendship, it’s a blessing. Everyone loves to be loved and to know that they are loved. Sometimes it’s with a gift, but oftentimes it’s with time and words. You can reach out in love to so many people, not just a romantic partner.

If you need ideas, I’ve come up with some ways you can celebrate love. Here are ten ways to do just that – for this or any time of year. 

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase from a link, I may earn a small commission—at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

#1. Handwrite a note.

I’ve written about how to share a Mother’s Day story here, and the same principles apply to writing a special note for Valentine’s Day. Nothing could be more beautiful than your words and your story given to a loved one. Hallmark says it pretty well. You say it best. Start early and share your heart. 

#2. Read a poem aloud.

You could hand write this in a blank card, or just light a candle and read it aloud to a loved one. This would be a fun read with your little ones. 

Here’s one of the most beautiful love poems of all time, written by Elizabeth Barrett Browning to her husband.

How do I love thee? Let me count the ways.

I love thee to the depth and breadth and height

My soul can reach, when feeling out of sight

For the ends of being and ideal grace.

I love thee to the level of every day’s

Most quiet need, by sun and candle-light.

I love thee freely, as men strive for right.

I love thee purely, as they turn from praise.

I love thee with the passion put to use

In my old griefs, and with my childhood’s faith.

I love thee with a love I seemed to lose

With my lost saints. I love thee with the breath,

Smiles, tears, of all my life; and, if God choose,

I shall but love thee better after death.

#3. Watch a romantic movie. 

So many to choose from! And be sure to have popcorn. Here are 14 of my favorites (because February 14): 

1. The Notebook
2. Roman Holiday
3. The Titanic
4. Dirty Dancing
5. Sleepless in Seattle
6. You’ve Got Mail
7. P. S. I Love You
8. Pride and Prejudice (2005)
9. Love Story
10. While You Were Sleeping
11. Notting Hill 
12. La La Land
13. West Side Story
14. The Princess Bride

#4. Read a children’s book about love.

Love You Forever by Robert Munsch and Sheila McGraw. Have the tissues nearby. 

#5. Dance in the kitchen while you listen to a love song.

Dance? Are you crazy? I love to put on music and dance as I clean the dinner dishes or waltz around the house with my grandkids. I realize it may not be everyone’s cup of tea to do a two-step or foxtrot, but when you play one of these songs, everyone will tap their toes and smile. Even those with two left feet. 

• This Will Be by Natalie Cole
• Unforgettable by Nat King Cole and Natalie Cole
• Can’t Take My Eyes Off You by Frankie Valli
• My Guy by Mary Wells

Check out my Spotify playlist! 

#6. Read a romance.

I love a good romance, a beautiful love story like Pride and Prejudice, or even those without a happy-ever-after ending like Cold Mountain, The Great Gatsby, or even Romeo and Juliet. 

One of my all-time Christ-centered romances is the classic Redeeming Love by Francine Rivers. I’m also sometimes caught up in a lighter beachy read when I don’t want to think too hard. (I’ve read my share of Emily Henry – R-rated for sure so I turn the pages fast – and Danielle Steele.) 

If you want to discover a new romance writer in the Christian book world where you don’t have to turn the pages fast, here’s a start: Rachel Hauck, Becky Wade, Karen Witemeyer, Roseanna M. White, Kristi Cambron, Lauraine Snelling, Susie May Warren. So many more. 

#7. Call a friend.

Nothing says “I love you” better than your in-real-life words. Pick up the phone and chat. 

#8. Visit someone who lives alone. 

Or someone who is homebound because of injury or illness. Perhaps it’s someone in your neighborhood. Or if you have a church community, you may already know people who could use a friendly pick-me-up visit. Make a plan to stop by with a smile and a little conversation. Be prepared to listen. You will brighten their day, and your day will be blessed. 

#9. Give a homemade gift.

Here are a few ideas to get you thinking. 

1. Knit/crochet a small dishcloth in pink or red. 
2. Embroider a tea towel with simple hearts. 
3. Bake some cookies to share. 
4. Make a homemade granola and put into mason jars to share. 
5. Write a “coupon” to be redeemed for babysitting time and give it to a young couple with a  new baby so they can have a date night. 
6. Give a “coupon” to your grandkids to redeem for a special game day or an outing to the zoo or a fun park.
7. Pray for someone using a prayer card and then snap a picture of it and share.

#10. Share what’s most important about Valentine’s Day.

It’s all about love and red roses, right? Well, not quite. 

The story behind Valentine’s Day is fascinating. The day used to be recognized as St. Valentine’s Day to remember the saint who was martyred for his faith around A.D. 270 under Claudius II in Rome. There are various legends around his martyrdom, but what’s important is that as a martyr he was a witness to Christian faith.  

But today, we’ve lost the “Saint” on St. Valentine’s Day. Instead, we’ve focused on worldly definitions of love. According to this excellent article:

“A martyr is first and foremost a witness to the divine love that is at the HEART of the Christian faith: not eros, but agape. Valentine joins the hosts of others who died to witness to the shocking love that Christ our Lord poured forth into this crazy world. He came among us in the flesh, suffered, died and rose again. He ascended on high so that He might rule His own by uniting them in saving faith to His transformative love.”

That should change how we see Valentine’s Day. In fact, that should change how we see everything. 

Read 1 Corinthians to remember what love is all about. And then John 3:16. 

Now go in peace and love well. Love your loved ones, your neighbors, and even your enemies. Happy St. Valentine’s Day.

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