| Valentine's Day is a day for romance. | | | | to a mug or teapot. |
| Traditionally a day when we hope to receive | | | | |
| cards, flowers and maybe a gift from those | | | | It is traditional to give your partners gifts |
| that we love or admire. Cards are usually | | | | for Valentine's but it's also a nice gesture |
| given anonymously. It's great fun to try and | | | | to show your other loved ones how you feel |
| disguise your token of appreciation and | | | | about them on this special day. Secret cards |
| maddening trying to work out who the sender | | | | to confuse your children (my grandfather |
| of your's is. It is always a thrill to | | | | always used to send me a card from whoever my |
| receive a Valentine from someone we have | | | | love of the moment was be it David Cassidy or |
| feelings for, particularly if it is a new | | | | David Soul). Anonymous cards to friends, but |
| potential relationship. | | | | with a clue that it might be from their best |
| | | | friend so that their hopes aren't raised too |
| The story goes that in the 3rd century St | | | | much, nobody wants to be cruel. |
| Valentine married a couple in secret at a | | | | |
| time when it was banned by Emporer Cladius | | | | Surprise someone |
| 11. For this he was sentenced to death and | | | | |
| while in prison he fell in love with the | | | | I know we show our appreciation on Mother's |
| jailer's blind daughter (allegedly the power | | | | and Father's Day but still, particularly if |
| of his love restored her sight). Just before | | | | people are on their own, it's nice to feel |
| he died he sent her a message signed "from | | | | that you are loved - send flowers to your mum |
| your Valentine". | | | | or an "I Love You" mug to your dad. They |
| | | | won't expect it and will be thrilled to be |
| Gifts for your loved ones | | | | thought of. |
| | | | |
| Long-established symbols of love are hearts, | | | | Restaurants are always packed on Valentine's |
| red roses and kisses and traditional gifts of | | | | Day - full of little tables for two. Your |
| flowers, chocolates and perfume are given at | | | | favourite local never feels the same on this |
| Valentines. Heart shaped gifts or items | | | | night. If you are determined to go out |
| decorated with Hearts are also popular. If | | | | together for a romantic meal why not try |
| you've been with your sweetheart for some | | | | something different. What about a picnic (I |
| time then you may be past flowers and | | | | know it's winter) but if it's a bright, dry |
| chocolate and need inspiration for a more | | | | day nothing could be nicer. You could take |
| original gift. Heart shaped pottery or | | | | hot chicken or sausages, flasks of soup and a |
| pottery decorated with hearts would be a | | | | bottle of red wine. Find a sheltered spot |
| long-lasting token. Your partner would think | | | | somewhere beautiful and tuck in. You can |
| of you each morning as he or she sipped their | | | | always drop into the local pub for something |
| morning tea from their Heart covered mug or | | | | warming once you've had your lunch. |
| serve a romantic breakfast in bed on Hearts | | | | |
| pottery. You could fill a jug with flowers | | | | Whatever you do for Valentines Day do it with |
| or add a personal message or their pet-name | | | | the ones you love. |