Valentine's Day tends to divide people. Many enjoy the opportunity to spend the day with the person they love - any excuse to ramp up the romance and have a date night. On the flip side, many people resent and reject the holiday because of its commercial nature.

I suppose people do not like to be told that today is a good day to celebrate your love for someone and buy all kinds of cards, flowers and gifts while doing so. I’m probably somewhere in between both camps. I like the idea of celebrating the day but am aware of the fact that it’s a pretty hard day for a lot of people too.

For that reason, I wouldn’t be screaming it from the rooftops. When it comes to Valentine's Day I’m a “get each other a card and have a midweek takeaway for a treat” kind of girl.

Valentine's Day tends to be a big night for restaurants of all shapes and sizes. As a customer, you’ll probably struggle to get a reservation, pay extortionate prices and actually be less than blown away by the food. For this reason, it is easy to see why people resent the idea of going for a meal on February 14th. 

However, if you want to do something this year to celebrate the Day of Love, these ideas might just get you thinking. 

1. Make some fancy food together. Have you ever wanted an excuse to cook something a bit wacky and over the top? Well now is your chance. Pick up the fancy prawns or the syrupy balsamic vinegar in the knowledge that it’s a nice treat but considerably cheaper than heading out for a meal that night.

2. Re-create your first date. I love this idea. It might be a fairly unremarkable coffee shop or park visit but to you guys it is magical.

3. Be a tourist for the day. Stay local but see things through new eyes by doing a tour of some sort. Spend the day hopping on and off buses seeing your city in a whole new light. It’s cheap and cheerful and a real novelty for the day that is in it.

4. Get the kids involved and enjoy a “love” themed dinner as a family. The kids will love the excitement of it all and it’s an excuse to buy some love-heart confetti and pink napkins. Ah, go on!

5. Frame a nice photo of you and your significant other and actually display it somewhere in the house. How many times have you referred to them as “framers” but failed to actually frame them? Now is as good a time as any!

6. Set a new tradition. Every year you agonise over what to do together on the big day so why not set it in stone now? It could be as simple as breakfast for dinner or buying a new board-game

Tracey is a happy mammy to four-year-old Billy. She is a breastfeeder, gentle parent and has recently lost five stone so healthy family eating is her passion! You can find her at www.loveofliving.ie.