Have you ever wondered how Valentine’s Day came to be? Do your kids know? According to kids.nationalgeographic.com, the heart filled holiday got its name from a Roman priest named Valentine, who helped couples secretly get married. As the story goes, marriage was banned in Rome because it was thought that unmarried men made better soldiers. Valentine thought this was unfair, so he broke the rules and performed marriages anyway. He kept the ceremonies quiet, but he was eventually killed for defying the emperor. Prior to his death, Valentine supposedly wrote the first-ever “valentine” to his jailer’s daughter, with whom he’d fallen in love. Later, in the 5th century, Pope Gelasius I declared the day of his death as St. Valentine’s Day.
Today Valentine’s Day is celebrated in schools all over America with handmade shoebox “mailboxes” and neatly folded cards adorned with the names of each classmate, a far cry from its original meaning about love.
Are you looking for ways to infuse more Love into this special day? Here are some fun family ideas beyond Conversation Hearts to celebrate this special day.
Get Outside
Whatever the weather, get outside and look for heart shaped things out in nature… rocks, clouds, ice formations – or draw your own hearts in the snow
Get away
Plan a weekend getaway or a staycation! A hotel swimming pool or even a local ice skating rink can create family magic. Explore a new part of town or a new city together. Just walking around without any plans can create an unexpected adventure.
Surprise Mommy or Daddy
Plan a simple heart themed (surprise) meal for your spouse. Kids are great at using cookie cutters – and even better at taste testing! Check out some fun ideas here: https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/holidays/valentines-day-ideas/g471/heart-shaped-foods
Think of others
Do a rose drop for some lonely hearts. If you know of someone who has lost a partner, or who is spending the holiday alone, make a special delivery. Create cards together, think of people who might appreciate your visit, bundle up, and be prepared to light up some faces.
Breakfast in Bed
Make breakfast in bed for Mom or Dad. Kids are great at mixing pancake batter or using cutouts to make eggs in heart shaped toast (see above recipe link). Ask kids to add the special touch, whether it’s adding a flower, their favorite stuffed animal, or a special Valentine’s Day masterpiece.
Crafts & Baking Time
Crafts and baking are always a hit with the younger set. Stay cozy inside and check out these ideas: https://www.pinterest.com/thegunnysack/valentines-day-recipes-and-crafts/
Whatever you end up doing, make it a family affair and allow your kids to see how much fun it is to touch someone else’s heart!
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