Valentine's Day Do's
10 Ways to Enjoy the Day

By Anna Katherine Montgomery

Ahh…Valentine's Day. If you think it's all about the romance, think again. Here are 10 ways to spend the day.

1. Make a collage of your dreams. Gather old magazines and flip through them to find pictures of your dream house, your favorite outfits, cool haircuts, stories you love. Now cut them out and paste them on poster board, making a collage that shows pictures of your favorite dreams. Add to it or change it anytime!
   
   
2. Make your own cards. Everybody likes to get a little note saying how much they are appreciated. Surprise your family and friends with a little handwritten note saying, "Happy Valentine's Day"—it can be as simple as using a piece of white paper with a bright red pen. E-cards are fun, too, and super fast to send. A little love goes a long way.
   
   
3. Make goodie bags for your neighbors. Store shelves are stocked with tons of candy and chances are there's plenty left on Valentine's Day, sometimes on sale. Grab a couple of bags of Valentine's chocolates, some clear sandwich bags, some blank stickers and magic markers, and fill up some surprise goodie bags to give to your unsuspecting neighbors and spread some joy.
   
   
4. Mingle with some animals. All those adorable little puppies and kittens in your local animal shelter are waiting for a home and a Valentine. Drop by and offer to play with some of these lovable furry creatures—they'll love it and you will too.
   
   
5. Pamper yourself. Valentine's Day is a great day to remember to be good to yourself, too. Pick up some great bubble bath and take a relaxing soak, imagine you're at the beach taking in the waves or reading one of your favorite books—just don't drop it in the tub!
   
   
6. Make a wish box. Decorate a box your way using your imagination. On little slips of paper write out things you've always wanted to do, whether it's a day hanging out with your best friend, visiting a faraway place, or just seeing that movie you've heard so much about. Place all your wishes inside; as time goes on, you can add to them or look back to see how many of your wishes have been granted.
   
   
7. Scream for ice cream. Have an ice cream sundae fest. Pick your favorite flavors of ice cream, add a little chocolate syrup, some whip cream and cherries or maybe pick some fun different toppings you've never tried.
   
   
8. Party in pajamas. Grab some friends and plan a pajama party. Make a simple red-and-white theme in honor of Valentine's Day. Buy some red hots, make cupcakes, and tell each other all about the funniest things you've ever heard a boy say or said to one. Write it all down and make a little book of funny quotes to commemorate your event.
   
   
9. Have a comedy fest. Check out some comedy greats and laugh along with awesome flicks—Lucille Ball, Carol Burnett, and Reese Witherspoon all have hilarious and positive TV shows and films available on VHS and DVD. "Legally Blonde" shows how one girl overcame romantic disappointment to become better and stronger than ever.
   
   
10. Gab with Grandma. Grandmothers have been there, you can be sure. Take some time to call or visit yours and ask her to share with you stories of her life and memories of Valentine's Days past. Take along a tape recorder and save her conversation, write it up later and present it to her as a collection of stories you've shared. She will love the gift and you will, too, for years to come as you remember this special time you shared.