Create Valentine’s Day Family Traditions

Valentine's Day inspires images of chocolate candy, flowers, champagne, and candle lit dinners. However you can make a place for family tradition in this romantic holiday. Get your kids involved in the festivities and create some new traditions and memories they'll hold dear for a lifetime.

Make it a Family Holiday

Start by helping your kids make Valentine cards for the family. Recycle photos from magazines by pasting them onto recycled card stock. Add some trim, and a personalized message.

Look up the history of the holiday on the Internet. Find out more about Cupid. You can play Valentine's trivia while you are making cards and decorations.

Rather than exchange small gifts, have the kids make coupons that are redeemable for help around the house. Make your own coupons that your children can redeem.

Cook with Love

Buy some cookie cutters in the shape of hearts and cupids and make Valentine's cookies. Plan a special family meal with a Valentine theme. Be creative. Anyone can make a heart shaped cake. But how about a heart shaped meatloaf? Serve red fruit juice in stemmed glasses and toast the occasion.

You can't have Valentine's Day without chocolate. But be good to your kids and the environment by choosing Fair Trade and organic certified chocolate. For a healthier option, buy chocolate with no milk and little sugar added. Think of a novel replacement for the traditional Valentine cards your children give their classmates. For example, you can make bookmarks on your computer using a lightweight card stock.

End the day by curling up with a book that goes with the theme of the day. For suggestions, consult your librarian.

photo by Nas Kamui