Not Really…. Just Switch It Up With These International Valentine’s Day Traditions

By. Nikia Wells

We all know about the usual Valentine’s Day razzle dazzle. Be it elaborate set dinner menus at jam packed restaurants, meticulously planned grand gestures of love painted in red, white & pink, or last minute, dust gilded teddy bears picked up from beside the road in a quick effort to show affection – the annual holiday sticks to its usual beats. And, while some view Valentine’s Day as a way to celebrate romance and spark passion, others may see it as the same old mix of chocolates, flowers and expected activities.

For those who love the idea of love, and want to celebrate this Valentine’s Day in a way that ditches the old for something fresh and exciting, here are a few ways to switch it up for you and your special someone.

White Day – In several East Asian countries, women usually give out chocolates, many times homemade, to friends, coworkers and classmates on February 14. And, a month later, men usually return the favor by gifting white colored treats to women. Why not switch things up and delay showering the love of your life with affection, so that they can truly be surprised when you do unveil the fruits of your labour.

Get Chopped This Valentine’s Day – We know. We know. A blog on a website that caters to home cooks will obviously say enjoy a quiet, peaceful, romantic dinner at home away from busy restaurants, but hear us out. Instead of simply dining on a regular-degular plate of ‘fettuccine” or “surf & turf”, make the night a fun, interactive and exciting one by facing off against the one you love for a night of “Chopped”, like the US reality TV show. Choose an ingredient (or several) and see which one of you can make the best dish. It’s a win/win, because a couple that can survive cooking in a kitchen together is a lasting one, and you will hopefully enjoy a unique, delicious, and unforgettable meal at the end of the night.

Show Your Love to Everyone – While Valentine’s Day is a newer celebration in Denmark, it has grown steam in recent years. The Danes usually give white flowers to lovers and friends. So, why not make everyone in your life feel special, by giving them a white flower to show that you care. No one will feel forgotten, and it wont single out just one special someone.

Surprise – It’s Your Wedding Day! – In the Philippines, Valentine’s Day is a big deal. So much so, that large group weddings are common. This Valentine’s Day, think outside the box. Gather up a couple of your single friends, save a few dollars on catering, and plan the ultimate group wedding. Extra points if you surprise your bride or groom-to-be with the wedding they never knew they wanted…or asked for.

If you prefer to have a quiet, enjoyable, and successful Valentine’s Day that doesn’t rock the boat, consider trying a few of the easy Showman recipes, opening a nice bottle of wine, and flipping on Netflix/Amazon Prime/Disney+ or Youtube (and not following any of the tips above.)