How to Celebrate Valentine’s Day, Native Style

Valentine’s Day is next week, but don’t panic! There are many things we can all do to make this Valentine’s Day the best ever!

Now, many folks already know the general things to send to your loved one. But nothing screams “love” more than realizing that so much thought was put into your Valentine’s gift. If you are stuck about how to make your Native love fall in love all over again, here are a few suggestions.

• First off, speak nicely to them. Offer special words to the loved ones in your life to make them feel cherished. The three words “I love you” go a long way — say it and actually mean it.
• Write a hand drum song for your love. Tell them, from the heart, how you feel. Write it down, then when you see your loved one to celebrate Valentine’s Day, belt it out! If you cannot think of a thing to say, go check out Randy or Fawn Wood, Ulali or Northern Cree for inspiration.
• Prepare a special basket especially for them.
  • For a singer: Put throat lozenges, bitter root and some tobacco in a basket for them to use around the drum. The lozenges and bitter root are for their throat, and the tobacco is used to pray before singing. Also, a gas card will go a long way in their expenses when they travel. Additionally, finding someone who can make personalized drum sticks for the entire group would be an awesome gift!
  • For a dancer: Offering an accessory to their regalia, a new beaded item or a gift certificate to a fabric store will go over like bannock on a cold day.
  • For a beader: Offering new beads, a new container that will help them get more organized, new needles and a gift certificate to a fabric and/or bead supplier will scream “pure love” to that special someone.
  • For a writer: Nothing satisfies a writer more than a simple pen and clean note pad. If you want to add bling, bead that pen and get a personalized pad.

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  A promissory note of more of your time. Offer a special certificate to your loved one, promising to spend the weekend with them at their favorite pow-wow.

• Now flowers are always appreciated, but certain colors represent different things to your loved one. For example, we know that red represents love and beauty, but pink represents perfect happiness. Yellow roses say that I enjoy your friendship, but a yellow rose with red trim says that you are falling in love. Lavender roses stand for falling in love at first sight, but coral or orange says that you have pure desire for your partner. White signifies innocence and purity, while blue roses represent impossible love. CHOOSE WISELY and let the roses speak a message you may not be able to convey.
• If there is no significant person in your life, buy yourself flowers. I still enjoy doing this, because I most certainly know that I am worth it. Fresh flowers bring such joy to the person that receives them – treat yourself like your loved one would.

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  Offer to cook a meal for your loved one. Whether you cook and serve them breakfast in bed, pack them a delicious lunch or prepare a romantic dinner, make sure that time is spent in making your partner feel special. If you are not a great cook, everyone takes reservations.

• Offer a scavenger hunt for your loved one on Valentine’s Day. Leave notes all day, leading from one thing to another. Make sure that with each note, more anticipation is created to make the finale worth the weight. Leaving just a note, a gift, or a suggestion will mean the world to your loved one, and keep them happy all day. Use your imagination, and have a good time.
• Spice up your life—refer to the article about spices and see how everyday spices can be used for many other purposes.
• Jewelry is always appreciated, but rather than just looking at diamonds and pearls, a gift of silver and turquoise will not only show your loved one that you respect their culture, but that you will also support a Native entrepreneur. For women, rings, bracelets and necklaces are incredible, and for men, bolos, necklaces and tie clips are awesome gifts.
• If you have a “honey do list” that has been getting dusty, knock off some of those chores for your loved ones. Also, if you have a neighbor that is not able to get out, offer to run an errand or take them to the store. Don’t let the giving spirit stop with just those around you.
• Buying a special piece of clothing for your loved one can make them smile and also make you very happy. If you are not sure of size or style, take them on a shopping spree and let them choose their favorite items.
• Tickets to a future event are a wonderful idea. Opening up a card and seeing tickets to a Brooke Simpson concert or to the Gathering of Nations will make your loved one’s heart sing big!
• Shower yourself with love. Take a long hot bath, treat yourself to a manicure or a pedicure, a haircut or treatment, a massage or a hazelnut latte. Regardless of what you do, treat yourself with love!
• Offer prayers for those who may not know or have never experienced love in their life. Pray for a softer heart, kinder soul and a giving spirit. If this is you, ask God to help you be a better person. What a great gift that would be to everyone!!!!

Regardless of how you spend your Valentine’s Day, don’t let the idea of giving love end that day. Continue to express your love and offer your love generously. Maybe if we all did this, love would fill the world and overcome all other ailments. I think that would be pretty awesome, how about you?