Here are some interesting ways to make the celebrations more joyful and fun.

Secret Angel

Play this fun game and make the day extra special for someone by being their secret angel. A day before, write down the names of your family member and ask them to draw a slip each. The person whose name appears on your slip would be the beneficiary of your gifts.

The idea is to make that special someone's day easier and beautiful by going that extra mile. It could be a surprise gift, or cooking their favourite dish, or getting their clothes for the day ironed and shoes polished…..get the drift? And of course, without getting caught!

Round the day off by getting together and guessing each other's secret angels.

We are Family

A get together can be a great way to celebrate Valentine's Day. So, get home early and throw an impromptu party. Rope in your mama-mami's, chacha-chachi's and cousins and get the party started!

Get Constructive

Do what St. Valentine set out to do - spread love. Get your family together and  spend some time in an orphanage or old age home. Give these special people a reason to smile and wipe their tears away. Shower them with your love and undivided attention. Be their angel for the day.

A Simple Rendezvous

If fancy celebrations don't impress you, then go the simpler way. Like a dinner date.

For working couple Shridhar and Nitya Rao, a cosy dinner outing with parents and children is the perfect opportunity to spend some quality time with them in an otherwise hectic day.

"The commercialisation that has seeped into Valentine's Day makes it pretentious to celebrate it. Moreover, work leaves us both with very little time for our family. So we came up with the idea of taking our folks to their favourite restaurant for a special dinner date," says Nitya Rao.

I just called to say…

"I love you." Make this your Valentine's Day ritual. Pick up the phone and call your near and dear ones, especially your grandparents. Let them know that you are there and you care. Express your gratitude and affection for their wonderful presence and support.

The gestures need not be expensive. However, a bit of indulgence on your part will go a long way in making your loved ones day special. So shake up those conventions with some innovative and non-traditional ideas. After all, it is all about loving your family.