By Virginia George, Contributing Writer
I remember the days of decorating Valentine shoeboxes, of filling out Valentine cards and choosing your favorite designs for your best friends. When you walk into any store from mid-January on, you’re bombarded with pink and red. Hearts, candies, and plush toys fill the aisles and end caps.
When I began to think about what Valentine’s day was going to mean for my kids I knew I didn’t want them to see it as another holiday all about candy and themselves. I also didn’t want them to show up to school with lame Valentines.
Last year I sewed heart shaped rice bags and attached a poem I wrote. This year we’re going with mustache straws.
In my Valentine ponderance I also decided I wanted to go further than making sure to have candy-less Valentines. I wanted to learn the origin of Valentine’s Day and come up with ways to celebrate it, honoring the man for whom it was named. Here are a few ideas of how we are going to celebrate Valentine’s Day this year, and you can celebrate with us:
- Read a story about St. Valentine. St. Valentine was a real person. Read about where our traditions began. This year I purchased “Saint Valentine” by Robert Sabuda. It has beautiful mosaic pictures and depicts a version of the St. Valentine story just a little different than the one Katie posted last week.
- A Valentine craft. Just like the mosaics in the book, you can make your own heart shaped mosaic craft. Print the template, cut out the hearts, glue pieces of tissue to wax paper, and glue the wax paper to the back of the heart. Hang it in the window, let the sun shine through, and remember to love a little extra every day!
click to print mosaic Valentine craft
- Heart shaped pancakes. As much as I don’t want to encourage the commercial nature of Valentine’s Day, let’s be honest. Heart shaped pancakes are fun.
- Write a letter. The first Valentine was written by St. Valentine, a man sentenced to death for his beliefs. You can write a letter to a missionary that your church supports. Older children can write for themselves, while a younger child can maybe only sign their name and draw a picture.
- Learn about being blind or visually impaired. In the story of St. Valentine, the jailor’s daughter was blind. It’s important to choose these activities wisely. Rather than leading people around the house blindfolded, show children how people with visual impairment do things. Learn how to write their name in Braille, or consider how something might be done without eyesight. There are a lot of ideas of ways to learn how a blind person might adapt. Adventures in Odyssey also has a great story called “Pen Pal” where we are given insight into the life of a blind girl.
- Spend some time with your spouse. After the kids are in bed, focus on your spouse. If you’re looking for an inexpensive way to strengthen your intimate relationship, consider purchasing a book like ”31 Days to Better Sex” where you can learn how to be closer to your spouse. Or do a puzzle. Have a cup of tea together. Just make it a point to do something to focus on your relationship.