Dining out on Valentine's Day/Mother's Day

For as long as I can remember I don't recall a dining experience that was issue free if it happened on either Valentine's Day or Mother's Day. I'm talking about making reservations up to weeks ahead at top restaurants, same of them no longer in existence. What should be a relaxed and enjoyable experience ends up being less than expected. Which brings me to the reason for this thread. Year after year when Valentine's Day approaches and I ask my wife if she wants to eat out on Valentine's Day or wait and eat on another day when we know it won't be so busy she always wants to eat on Valentines Day. I also always get the same answer on Mother's Day.

How do you handle eating out on these days. I know it's going to be busy, the staff is going to be stressed, the kitchen is going to be operating at max levels, and in most restaurants fixed menus will be offered which is fine if the food has not been prepared too far in advance (days). Maybe it's just me, but to keep doing the same thing year after year and expecting different results is not logical, but that's what happens.
I don't mind paying for good food, wine, and service, but to pay the same for hurried food and rushed service is wrong. Your thoughts