How to Embrace Valentine’s Day During a Military Deployment

Thinking back a bit, there are several Valentine’s Days during a deployment that were spent alone in my house. One of the best parts of Valentine’s Day is that if you really want to you can celebrate your love and relationship anytime of the year in a variety of ways. At the same time, I completely understand that spending the romantic holiday away from your spouse is tough.

If you are about to experience a Valentine’s Day during a deployment, you’re not alone. There are thousands of military spouses around the world in your exact same position. While spending Valentine’s Day without your significant other is certainly challenging, there are a lot of creative ways to celebrate the upcoming romantic holiday.

Related: 13 Amazing Pre-Deployment Gift Ideas for Husband or Wife

Host a Valentine’s Day party with friends.

I know Valentine’s Day is supposed to be a romantic holiday, but really you can spend it with anyone you care about. Invite friends over for a Valentine’s Day dinner party, and serve heavy appetizers and fun and fancy drinks. You could even do a small Valentine’s Day gift exchange.

Or make and back any one of these 14 Edible Valentine’s Day Gifts that cupid would die for from The Super Mommy Club.

Take your kids on a Valentine’s Day date.

Valentine’s Day is an awesome opportunity to teach little kids what the holiday is all about. Head to the park for special Valentine’s Day picnic and exchange Valentine’s cards. You could even do a Valentine’s Day craft or activity together during the picnic.

Or host a Valentine’s Day tea party like this one from Mama Papa Bubba.

Or try out one of these awesome Valentine’s Day crafts for kids from Toddler Approved.

Send a Valentine’s Day care package.

Make a super festive Valentine’s Day care package. Decorate the inside with shades of red and pink, followed by a design of hearts, cupids, and arrows. Fill the box with candies, Valentine’s letters and cards, romantic books, and homemade paper flowers.

Check out these 8 Romantic Care Package Ideas from Jo, My Gosh to inspire you.

Celebrate Valentine’s Day over Skype.

If your service member is able to video chat via Skype try to celebrate Valentine’s Day that way. You could look at old pictures together and remember all the special times you had over the years. You could also share what you love about each other. Both are great gifts that you don’t have to make or send in order to enjoy.

Treat yourself to a Valentine’s Day gift.

Hey, if you aren’t able to celebrate Valentine’s Day with someone you love, go ahead and shower yourself with a little love and treat yourself to a gift. One of the most favorite things I ever treated myself to was essential oils. They are perfect to help you elevate your mood during deployment, help you manage occasional stress, and help you feel your best! Honestly, they are amazing. Here’s how I snagged an amazing deal on the Young Living Essential Oils.

Pretend the holiday doesn’t exist.

Sometimes, it isn’t feasible to really do anything during Valentine’s Day. Sometimes it’s more challenging to celebrate it than it is to forget about it altogether. Hey, I totally understand that. Feel free to pretend like it doesn’t exist. A few short days after the holiday, no one will be mentioning it anyway.

Want more on military life?

• The Real Reason Being a Military Wife is so Hard
• 43 Awesome Tips Every New Military Wife Needs to Know
• The One Thing You Miss Most During Deployment
• 6 Military Homecoming Outfits to Make Him Swoon

What’s your best tip for surviving Valentine’s Day during a military deployment? Let’s chat in the comments!