Reorganized Simplicity: 52 Week Marriage Challenge Week #5: Stay at Home Date Night (Plus Date Ideas)

Valentine's Day is only a week away. I must admit that I used to hate Valentine's Day. I made the conscious decision this year to approach Valentine's Day in a completely different manner. This year I am using Valentine's Day as a day to show others the same love that Christ showed us.

And he said to him, "You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the great and first commandment. And second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself" Matthew 22:37-39

God's commandment applies to our spouses as well. We should be loving our spouse with all our heart, soul, and mind. I challenge you to treat Valentine's Day as a great opportunity to express this love rather than as a chore or another dreaded holiday.

With that in mind, this week's challenge is focused on something that you can plan for Valentine's Day. If you have missed any of the previous Marriage Challenges, the links are at the bottom of this post.

Week #5: Stay at Home Date Night

Many of you probably have kids and many of you probably hate going out on Valentine's Day. Restaurants often jack up prices on Valentine's Day and/or have a limited menu. Places are crowded. I don't know about you, but this makes me very grumpy. Skip the crowds this year and plan a stay at home date night.

Have a movie marathon with snacks. Both husband and wife can make a selection which should keep everyone happy.
Cook a meal together. Clothing optional.
Play board games.
If cooking isn't your thing, pick up a meal from a fast food or take-out restaurant and enjoy it in candlelight.
Go for a walk and hold hands.
Make ice cream sundaes with all the toppings.
Make a CD of your favorite love songs and slow dance.
Give each other massages.
Play strip poker or any other fun adult game (naked Twister anyone?).
Make a bucket list of things you want to do together as a couple.
Start a fire in your fire pit or fireplace and make s'mores (my husband would love this one).
Look through your wedding album together and reminisce.
Take a candlelit bubble bath.
Go on a scavenger hunt in your house/backyard.
Have a pillow fight.
Plan a picnic in your backyard complete with candles and wine (this will depend on your weather of course).
If it is too cold outside, have a picnic right in your living room.
Read a book together.
Go to bed early, snuggle up and talk (and do whatever else comes naturally).
Take turns asking each other questions. Even married couples can get to know each other better!