7 Fun Ways to Celebrate Valentine’s Day as a Family

Confession: I have not always been a fan of Valentine’s Day.

As a mom, I objected to the commercialism, the sugar-high, and the obvious cheese-factor. Seemed something of a waste of time and energy, as far as I was concerned (guess that disqualifies me from the “Fun Mom of the Year Award”?).

But now our family – including this formerly dubious mom – looks forward to our Valentine’s celebration each year.

So what changed? You wonder.

Mostly my attitude.

And I have my husband, Matthew, to thank for that. He began conspiring with the kids to come up with some sweet ideas on how they could bless each other…and me.

Hard to refuse, right?

Not only that, but they somehow managed to avoid the sappy commercialism that I detested so much and put together a celebration that truly communicated love to one another.

And that’s something this mom can get behind. To me, that’s worth – more than worth – a little extra time and  expense. I’m all about encouraging love around here!

So in case you too have had your doubts….or have wanted to do something, but are looking for some creative ideas?

Here are 7 options for a Fun Family Valentine’s Celebration!

This post may contain affiliate links through which Club31Women might get a small compensation – with no additional cost to you.  See my disclosure policy here.

1. Exchange Valentine’s cards as a family.

You can make your own with construction paper, scissors, and crayons or coloring pencils.

OR, if you’re a non-crafty mom like me, you can find some really sweet family cards {like the ones above at Ever Thine Home}!

Or these chocolate-scented, scratch-n-sniff Valentines (yes, I’m serious! and they’re really yummy smelling!).

2. Express love and appreciation for one another.

This one can be closely related to the first one. My husband encouraged each one of our children to share around the table what they loved and appreciated about each other. Some of them simply read their cards aloud, while others prepared a few thoughtful words to say. But you might want to have tissue ready – in case your son in college thanks you for the washed clothes and good food, for instance……*sniff Love notes are welcome in our home any day of the year! 

3. Bake something special together.

So maybe it’s just because I have a weakness for rice-crispie treats, but I think this is sooo adorable! And rather do-able! So if you’re going to splurge on a bit of sugar, you might want to try these Heart-Shaped Rice-Crispie Treat Pops from my friend Alison over at PintSizedTreasures. Basically, all you need is a heart-shaped cookie cutter and a rice-crispie treat recipe!

OR for another fun, yummy option? These Valentine Pretzel Buttons from Becky over at YourModernFamily. Super easy and a delicious salty-sweet! (I love recipes with only three ingredients! Square pretzels, red/pink M & M’s, and Hershey’s Kisses.)

4. Create a fun craft together.

I can’t believe this non-crafty mom just suggested that. But honestly, isn’t this a cute idea? And so simple that I think even I could do it. Mostly what you need is a heart-shaped muffin tin and crayon pieces. Directions (and free printables!) are available from my friend, Crystal, HERE.

5. Cook up a creative love-breakfast for your family.

My mom used to do this for us when we were kids and I still have fond memories! Besides, this year Valentine’s Day falls on a Sunday and all the more reason to make a special breakfast. So why not make some heart-shaped pancakes or waffles for your family? Such a happy way to start off the day!

Whole-Wheat Pancakes with Strawberry Sauce Recipe

Or, Almond Waffles Recipe from CatzintheKitchen

6. Make heart-shaped….everything.

Well, maybe not literally everything, but at least bunches of stuff. Playdough. Sandwiches (cut out the bread with cookie cutters). Construction paper. Napkins. Basically, plan on an all-out heart theme for the day. Yep. Just give your kids (if they’re old enough) a set of heart-shaped cookie-cutters and see what they come up with! You might be surprised…..

7. Focus on the true meaning of Love.

Don’t let the world falsely define love for your family, but direct them toward the True Author of Love. Go through I Corinthians 13 and other verses in the Bible which talk about the real meaning of love.

This year I’m hanging up these Valentines across the fireplace mantle in our living room as a daily reminder of what Love really is. Each card has a definition of an aspect of love, as well as a short story and simple questions. I’m thinking we might just keep it up all year long….? {Valentine’s garland available from Ever Thine Home}

I Corinthians 13

Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude.  It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth.

Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.

Love never ends.

My hope is that our family grows in their love for one another – and for their God and Savior each day.

And I hope the same for you and yours.

Happy Valentine’s Day!!

*And how do you and your family enjoy celebrating Valentine’s? Please share! 

**More Ideas:  15 Surprisingly Romantic (and affordable) Gift Ideas for the Man You Love! 

 

In His grace,

 

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