My husband and I have been married for going on 13 years, and we are certainly fans of Valentine’s Day. We usually exchange a small gift or card or enjoy a date night at some point in the vicinity of the annual day of Love. Since our anniversary is right around the corner in March, however, we tend to focus more on that when it comes to celebrating our marriage. When it comes to Valentine’s Day, we do things a little different these days …
We make Valentine’s Day about the kids.
Not just about the kids … but mostly about the kids. For us, it’s more of a family holiday than a couple’s holiday.
We love to do a nice dinner.
We usually go out to eat at one of our favorite family restaurants. This could be a really nice restaurant or some gourmet pizza, whatever we’re feeling. In the past, I have also cooked something special. One year I made a steak dinner with red cherry tomatoes and pink mashed potatoes. It was pretty! It’s also fun to make heart shaped eggs, pancakes, fruit, french fries, cheese & pepperoni, brownies, etc. You can use a drop of red food coloring and heart-shaped cookie cutters to make pretty much anything look completely adorable!
We surprise the kids with a small gift.
Balloons, cards, or whatever sweet little gestures we find. We may include their favorite treats but usually we can avoid handing over a ton of candy. You know what speaks love to your children, so whatever that may be. Something that says “You are special, and I celebrate my love for you on this day.”
We talk about love. We celebrate love. We celebrate our love for each other.
Make cards for the kids and encourage them to make cards for those they love. Talk about what love means in your family and why you love each other. Talk about love languages and what speaks love for each one of you. Encourage. Show gratitude. Take time to value each other and understand what makes each others feel valued. This could be a great excuse (read: opportunity!) to regroup, communicate, and acknowledge each other in the midst of the chaos of every day life. Who knows what you may learn.
Here are just a few ideas to get you started … have fun!
- To begin with, I mean, now that Christmas is over, it’s fair to say we could all use another excuse to wear matching pajamas … like these adorable sets over at Hanna Anderson.
- Or how about matching Mommy & Me manicures with the little sweetheart in your life. Pinterest has so many amazing ideas for this! You could do them in a salon or at home … your little love won’t mind your artwork — she will just love the time spent with you!
- For the rough and tough kiddos, grab these heart shaped pinatas and get to swinging! Make a game of it! What a fun way for everyone to get an armful of their favorite treats!
- Read the story of Valentine’s Day:
- For your budding photographers or models, take a visit to the City Park Besthoff Sculpture Garden for an impromptu photo-shoot with the “Love” sculpture. Spend the day admiring art and then make some of your own. The photos and memories will last for years to come!
- Find your inner-FANCY and gather up all the pink and red glitter you can get your hands on for a “Lovely” Craft or if you prefer to snack on your crafts, how about sprinkles! How about edible glitter and sprinkles! Decorate your favorite version of Red Velvet Cake and serve it with strawberry milk!
- Last but not least, if you’re feeling super adventurous, you could always surprise the kids with a pair of Love Birds! Because who could resist these little sweeties! (You’re welcome).
Whatever it may be, I encourage you to start a new Valentine’s tradition this year! Don’t ditch your significant other, of course, but let the kids know that there are so many ways to celebrate LOVE and have a blast doing it!