Valentine’s Day is a day known for love and connection. However, for those without a partner or spouse, it can be depressing. If you’re celebrating Valentine’s Day this year without that special someone, know that it says nothing about your worth. The Bible teaches us that we are both terrible and wonderful (Psalm 139:14). You are part of God’s work (Ephesians 2:10).
It may be difficult to accept these truths when Valentine’s Day is officially upon us, but it’s something we must do nonetheless. You are worthy, loved, and cherished by God Himself (1 John 3:1). Instead of giving in to a heart of dissatisfaction and sadness, lean into this season of life. You can achieve this by celebrating Valentine’s Day as a single person. Here are seven activities to help you achieve this.
1. Galentine’s Festival
The best alternative to the usual Valentine’s Day celebration is a Galentine’s celebration. Celebrate with friends or enjoy a girls’ night out. Fun activities include making your own homemade decorations, playing Galentine-themed games, baking fun treats, and watching fun movies. Playing board games, listening to music, or just catching up with each other can all be fun ways to celebrate Galentine’s.
Here are some ideas for Galentine games.
● Galentine’s trivia (measure how much you know each other)
● This or That (an either/or game; for example, “Would you rather live in New York City or Miami?”)
● Create your own Galentine Card (share what you love about your friends and friendships in a handmade card)
Homemade decoration ideas:
● Various crafts of Pioneer Woman
● 30+ Valentine’s Day Decorations from Sunnyside Home
Sweet treat ideas:
●Red velvet sandwich cookie
●Valentine brownie
●Valentine Banana Pops
2. Spend time doing your favorite hobbies
Hobbies can help you take your mind off things. Think about hobbies you already enjoy. This could be playing mini golf, cycling, or painting. You could also pick up a new hobby, such as taking up a sport you’ve always wanted to try or learning a new craft.
Hobbies are a great way to pass your time, especially when you’re alone. Spending time alone doesn’t have to be a bad thing. Learning to enjoy alone time can help you find fulfillment in life. You don’t need a partner or spouse to have a happy Valentine’s Day.
3. Watch your favorite Happily Ever After movie
Valentine’s Day reminds us of the reality that we are alone, but we can change the way we think about it. Instead of leaning into sadness, choose to watch your favorite “Happily Ever After” movie. Some of these movies include Disney classics like “Cinderella,” “Sleeping Beauty,” and “The Princess Diaries.”
You can watch these movies alone or with others. Have a girls’ night out or watch these movies with your mom. Take some time to relax and unwind from the stressors of the holidays. Watch your favorite movie and enjoy some popcorn with the girls.
4. Talk to God in prayer and study His Word.
Let’s be honest, spending Valentine’s Day alone can be tough. Rather than allowing your pain to consume you, why not turn to your Heavenly Father? We can bring all our worries, fears, and difficulties to God (1 Peter 5:7). He listens to all our concerns.
The Lord says to us, “Then call upon me, and come and pray, and I will hear you” (Jeremiah 29:12). God hears all our prayers. There is no one who is not noticed by God. Tell God your deepest pain. Allow God to heal these broken parts and redeem your Valentine’s Day (Psalm 147:3).
God doesn’t want you to feel inferior on Valentine’s Day. God wants you to know that you are loved, valued, and valued. God says, “You are perfectly beautiful, my love, and you have no fault” (Song of Solomon 4:7). Despite what you think about yourself or what others say about you, you are more than enough and are loved beyond measure.
5. Spend time with family
Valentine’s Day doesn’t have to be spent alone, unless you want to be alone. If you don’t want to be alone on Valentine’s Day, spend time with your family. Play with your mom, go shopping with your cousins, or go out to dinner with your sisters. Spending Valentine’s Day with your family will bring more happiness and peace into your life. It will bring light to your eyes and hope to your heart.
6. Get out into nature
Going out into nature naturally boosts your mood. Don’t stay cooped up at home all day. Instead, go for a walk or hike. Let’s go to the mountains or the sea. Embracing God’s beautiful creation around you will help you feel more at ease during this difficult holiday.
You might even forget it’s Valentine’s Day when you change the scenery from an empty house to a beautiful outdoor setting. Take time to talk to God while climbing a mountain or walking along the coast. Praise God for surrounding you with so much beauty.
7. Know that it’s okay to cry.
It’s also important to know that it’s okay to cry. You don’t have to be the strongest soldier on Valentine’s Day, and you don’t have to pretend you don’t care. If you need time alone to sit and cry, that’s okay. Talk to God and rest in the promise that He is always with you (Psalm 23:1-6).
Hebrews 13:5 says, “Keep your life free from the love of money, and be content with what you have, for God has said, ‘I will never leave you nor forsake you.'” God is right next to you on Valentine’s Day. God understands your pain, sorrow, and tears.
God doesn’t expect you to smile if you don’t want to. Be honest and sincere with God. Reveal your feelings to God and weep. God will receive each tear (Psalm 56:8).
8. Take a mini vacation
Valentine’s Day may be too heavy for some people, such as those who have gone through a breakup or divorce. If you have to go out for a day or even a weekend, take time to step away from the situation. Seeing others happy with their significant other on Valentine’s Day can make you feel terrible and bring up bitter feelings. Therefore, consider removing yourself from settings.
Take a trip to see your parents or spend a weekend in another city. Do what you love and develop new skills. You could go to Italy and try gelato or go to France and see the Eiffel Tower. There are many things to see in this world, and God created them. From the Great Pyramids of Giza to Iguazu Falls, there are countless attractions to see.
This Valentine’s Day, take some time to rest and enjoy yourself to the fullest. Give yourself permission to step away from your daily routine and help your soul. God is with you wherever you go and will always make sure you know you are loved (Matthew 28:20b; Romans 8:37-39).
Photo credit: Unsplash/Sixteen Miles Out
Vivian Bricker earned a Bachelor of Arts in Ministry and then a Master of Arts with an emphasis in Theology. She loves theology, ministry, and all things helping others learn about Jesus. For more of her content, visit Cultivate: https://cultivatechristianity.wordpress.com/.
