Happy (almost) Valentine’s Day!

Some of you may have just rolled your eyes, and some of you may have just done a little dance for the exciting plans you have prepared. Regardless of which side of the spectrum you fall on, I’ve always wondered where on earth this Hallmark holiday stemmed from.

After consulting several reputable sources (sources: Huffington Post, History Channel), it seems as if the history of Valentine’s Day is often debated. There seem to be no less than three versions of Saint Valentine’s, and how the day came to be what it is.

Let’s take a closer look:

• Saint Valentine #1: This Saint Valentine had a problem with a Roman emperor who banned soldiers from getting married. The emperor felt that single men made better soldiers than those with wives and families. Living in the third century, Saint Valentine became an advocate for these soldiers and performed their marriages in secret. When this Saint Valentine was discovered, he was sentenced to death.
• Saint Valentine #2: This Saint Valentine was executed for his belief in Christianity, and before he was executed, he left a note for a loved one signed, “From your Valentine.”
• Saint Valentine #3: While there is no one star of this show, this theory dates back to a Middle Ages effort to “Christianize” the pagan holiday of Lupercalia, a fertility festival held in mid-February. At the end of the fifth century, the current Pope declared February 14 as Saint Valentine’s Day. While it wasn’t until much later that the actual day became associated with love, it was believed that February 14 was the beginning of birds’ mating season.

This Valentine’s Day, I didn’t want to buy expensive gifts, I wanted to be crafty and make something homemade! For this, I turned to Pinterest and found the idea to put together a “Date Jar,” which is essentially a jar filled with ideas for different dates and activities to do with your significant other.

Here’s how:

Step 1: Get materials

I picked up popsicle sticks from Target, Washi Tape in three different colors (red polka dot, silver, and gold) from Paper Source, and a ceramic mason jar, also from Paper Source. I also had a permanent marker to write on the popsicle sticks.

Step 2: Tape the ends of the sticks with the Washi tape. 

It’s easiest if you settle on a color code. Here’s mine:

• Red polka dots: Inexpensive, at-home dates perfect for weeknights
• Silver: Weekend dates that don’t require much planning and are pretty inexpensive
• Gold: Weekend dates that require the most planning, and are a bit more costly

 Step 3: Decorate Jar

I used some twine that was part of the mason jar packaging and Washi tape to make it a bit more festive!

 Step 4: Write out date ideas

Remember your color code! Here are a few examples I came up with:

• Red polka dots: Dress up for dinner at home, share five goals over a late night snack, set up a wine tasting, build a fort
• Silver: Chinese takeout and board games, pub and darts night, day at the lake, go for a drive somewhere new, coffee date
• Gold: Day trip to a new town, horseback riding, wine and paint class, go on a double date, go to a fancy dinner

Step 5: Arrange popsicle sticks in the jar

Make sure your Washi tape ends face upward.

Step 6: Have a Happy Valentine’s Day!

 What cute homemade Valentine’s Day gift ideas do you have? Share with us in the comments below!