Valentine’s Day Gives – For Any Culture
Valentine’s Day is a popular western tradition on February 14th that celebrates romantic love between couples and unconditional love between families and friends. WE love our Valentine’s Day gives that can be used any day of the year and in any country. Over the years, and through the influence of western media, Valentine’s Day has spread throughout the world. In some countries it is has been embraced, in others countries Valentine’s type celebrations are held on alternative months or days and combine their local traditions. In Japan, there are two days of gift giving, February 14th where women give chocolate to men, March 14th where men give gifts to women. In Brazil, Valentine’s Day is celebrated in July.
Two countries, Mexico and Finland celebrate February 14th as a day of friendship and love, El Dia de Amor y Amistad in Mexico, so no one gets left out. Small presents are shared with both friends and romantic partners as a way to say, I appreciate you and recognize your deep friendship and love. If you choose to share with a romantic partner, great, but you can also give presents to good friends.
365give recognizes that Valentine’s Day is not an international holiday which is why we have created our own tradition of giving on February 14th. We give every day, and so do our members, but large holidays like Valentine’s Day are a wonderful way to give differently, to be inspired by a holiday but not necessarily follow the traditional gifts or sentiments that some cultures embrace.
Would You Consider Celebrating Valentine’s Day Differently?
Instead of roses, chocolates or gifts given to your partner, husband, wife, girlfriend or boyfriend, what if we gave to someone we did not know. Or honored a friendship, like Mexico and Finland, instead of a romantic partner? Sounds good to me. Surprising someone or a group of people is always a great way to give. Here are our ideas for Valentine’s Day that honors all traditions, all cultures and mixes up the western idea of Valentine’s Day. We also love that everyone is included in these gives. If anything, choose a give that honors and supports someone you know is alone.
10 Valentine’s Day Gives We Love
- Bake cookies or a cake for a local shelter. Home made treats are special and will warm the hearts of those who are living outside of a home.
- Write thank you cards to public service workers; local police, local firefighters, park gardeners, sanitation workers, postal workers
- Smile at every single person you see today, every single person.
- Take an elderly friend for a walk or out for coffee. If they are unable to get out of the house, read to them or just have a cup of tea.
- Make a donation to a favorite charity instead of having a dinner out or buying a present. Let your partner know where you made the donation and how it will help others.
- Post a nice review on social media about a business you love.
- Visit a local animal shelter and show cats and dogs some love for an hour. Nic loves reading to dogs in the shelters when he visits.
- Send a card of appreciation to a local veteran. This could just be what someone needs to hear today.
- Give a friend a big hug just because.
- Donate a book to someone who you know could use it.
Bonus Give – Instead of buying flowers, why not plant a flower! The planet will thank you!
February 14th is a Celebration of Unconditional Love and Friendship
No matter where you live, February 14th is a day of unconditional love and friendship. Make a give that counts today, put some extra thought into who you want to surprise with your daily give. Flowers and chocolates are not necessary, but your give of the day is.
If you are a member of 365give, please post your give on our Impact Map so everyone can see how you celebrated this day of unconditional love. If you are not a member, sign up for your free membership and start adding your daily gives to the Impact Map.