With Valentine’s Day on the horizon, it got me thinking— Oh boy…here she goes again. I know. I do wear myself out with all of my thinking—BUT this one is a good one to share. Why is it that we see Valentine’s Day as the main day to show our love to our significant other? Why aren’t we focusing on how to carve out more time to be together and show that love on a daily basis? It doesn’t need to be a big chocolate or floral gesture; it could even be in the mundane of tasks.
Quality time doesn’t need to be about a dozen (expensive!) red roses, big trips, or expensive plans. Sometimes, the most meaningful. moments happen in the in-between times—a regular weekend, quiet evening, or spontaneous day off. I thought about how to share my ideas for creating a year of togetherness with this blog and decided to do it seasonally. But considering, you may be reading this from a super warm state- and listen Florida is a warm state, but NOT TODAY!- or you could be reading it where it rains all the time-so take if you what it is and apply it to you and where you are.
No matter the time of year, there are countless ways couples can stay connected, have fun, and keep their relationship feeling fresh. (This is a reminder to myself as well. And I would say that it is one for Jason, but he doesn’t read my blogs because he is too busy wearing more hats than actually fit on his head. )
Anyway! Here’s a season-by-season guide to ideas you can enjoy together all year long.
Spring: Fresh Starts & New Adventures
Growing up in Ohio, Spring meant true warmth was on its way. Bright colorful flowers began popping up and the leaves began growing again. Florida Spring is a little different for me, but I anticipate a slower summer with my kids less stressed from school and sports.
Spring is all about renewal—making it the perfect time to try something new together.
- Take a spontaneous day road trip to a nearby town you’ve never explored. Have no plan in mind and just enjoy the adventure!
- Start a new tradition just for the two of you.
- Start a garden (even a small herb garden counts!)
- Have a picnic at a local park or botanical garden or even at a local lake in your neighborhood
- Attend a farmers market and cook a meal using what you find
- Create spring goals together over coffee or wine—travel, finances, or personal growth
Spring invites you to shake off routine and lean into curiosity as a couple.
Summer: Playful, Spontaneous & Social
Summers in Florida are HOT and humid. For us, weddings slow down (A TINY BIT! We do have a wonderful indoor option which leads us to a busier summer than I had anticipated. I am NOT complaining- that is a good issue to have and we truly love sharing this space).
Summer is ideal for memory making with its long days and warm nights.
- Plan a beach, lake, or pool day
- Go to outdoor concerts or movie nights
- Try a new outdoor hobby like kayaking, paddle boarding, hiking, or biking. (Can I just tell you that Jason bought me a paddle board for Christmas TWO years ago and I have used in ONE TIME!? THIS is MY summer!!)
- Host a backyard game night or BBQ with friends
- Take sunset walks and unplug – NO PHONES OR WORK ALLOWED- together
Summer is about being present, playful, and soaking up time side by side.
Fall: Cozy, Intentional & Reflective
Fall was always my favorite season as a Northern girl. It meant. back to school shopping, cooler evenings, Friday night lights, AND the sport I played…field hockey. If I close my eyes, I can put myself back to those days with the smell of chimney smoke in the air, brisk breezes with leaves beginning to change color and to fall. I walked to and from school, so I can also hear the crunching of leaves beneath my feet and feel the anticipation of a field hockey game.
Ok. Goodness! Enough of my memory lane!!
Fall encourages deeper connection as life slows down and falls into the school/work routine
- Visit a pumpkin patch or apple orchard or a local farm
- Take a cooking class and cook comfort meals together
- Have a weekly “coffee date” to check in with each other
- Watch favorite movies or start a new series together
- Have a game night in for the just the two of you
Here is a list of some of my top 5 romantic movies to watch with your love!
Fall is perfect for cozy moments and meaningful conversations.
Read here for some of my favorite recipes!!
Winter: Cozy Bonds & Thoughtful Traditions
Winter brings quieter moments that allow love to feel especially close as the holidays and new year draws near. I love how neighborhoods come to life into the holiday season with twinkly lights with glimpses of Christmas trees through windows.
- Create a winter tradition just for the two of you
- Build a shared vision board for the upcoming year
- Home spa night
- Have themed date nights at home (Italian night, game night, spa night)
- Plan a dream trip even if you can’t take it yet
- Volunteer together during the holiday season
- Write letters to each other reflecting on the year
- Go on a date and reflect upon the year to celebrate how far you have come
Winter reminds couples that warmth isn’t just about the weather—it’s about connection. And this winter has been a COLD one here in Florida!
Again, let’s spend the year remembering that showing our love is not limited to a season- despite Valentine’s day being around the corner.
All-Year Ideas That Never Go Out of Season
No matter the month, these habits help relationships thrive:
- Schedule regular date nights (at home or out)
- Learn something new together—a class, skill, or hobby
- Exercise or take walks together
- Plan future trips or dream experiences
- Practice gratitude by sharing one thing you appreciate about each other daily
Photo Credit || Drip In Grace
Final Thoughts
Relationships grow when couples are intentional about spending time together—not perfectly, but consistently. Jason and I work side by side most of the days- other than the days when he is at the fire station. Despite being together so much, we still try hard to dedicate intentional time to be with one another. It helps that we have hired some great girls to help at the venue so that we can find our way back to one another a bit more.
Whether you’re planning adventures or simply enjoying everyday moments, the key is choosing each other, again and again, throughout the year.
No matter the season, love is always the answer.
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