Written by Angela Caban,

Spending Valentine’s Day alone is just another reminder for military spouses all over how lonely deployments and separations make them feel. As a military spouse myself, the hardest part was seeing my other friends and their spouses together. I wanted to have my spouse with me and didn’t think twice about secluding myself that day. What is extremely funny, is that o my husband Valentine’s Day is just another day. Showing your love the other 364 days a year is the important thing. Valentine’s Day has turned into a commercial holiday, and what counts is the love you show each other year round, not just on this day.

But to a military spouse, this day can still be tough to deal with. Throughout the years of spending this day alone, many friends and I have come up with ways to keep busy and make it fun – and you don’t have to boycott the holiday!

Make it Fun for the Kids

If you have children, make Valentine’s Day all about them. Show the kids how much you love them by creating activities such as; baking cookies, making crafts or a special dinner for the family. Also, take this time to write out special notes to send to your soldier in a care package. This is one sure way that will shift the sadness of this holiday and make it about your kids and how much you love them. 

Take Care of Yourself

Many times we may forget that we are just as important. Take this day and do some of the things that you enjoy. Try doing something that you don’t normally get a chance to do; spa, movies, shopping or even a quiet night at home with music and candles. Do anything to get you and your mind to wind down and relax. Take that time to remember that your loved one will be coming home soon!

Send a Sexy Care Package

This is a great opportunity to do something romantic for your loved one. It is a small but sweet gesture that shows them just how much you are thinking about them. What are some great Valentine’s care package ideas? How about sexy messages on note cards, letters, candy and pictures. You can also include letters or pictures from the kids. Just don’t forget the guidelines to sending packages!

Postpone Valentine’s Day

Another of my favorites! Who says Valentine’s Day needs to be celebrated on the 14th? You can have your own celebration one loved one returns. It will make the holiday all that more special for you both. And take the day to plan for your loved ones return, it ends up being a very exciting day.

Not spending Valentine’s Day alone?

Okay so what if you and your loved one are together this year, what can you do to keep the holiday fun, affordable and special? One year in particular when my husband was home, we made the holiday special by reminding ourselves why we love each other. And because we spend many months out of the year apart, we need that reminder every now and then. There was no need to go broke buying expensive gifts.

What can you do?

Our favorite thing to do, without spending a whole lot, is a simple dinner and a movie. This is special to us because now that we have a very busy life we don’t get to do this that often. Even if you stay in, make it a special night for both.

For more on Angela Caban, visit her website at www.angelacaban.com.

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