Valentine's Day has always been a special holiday around here. It was my great-grandmother's absolute favorite, and in her memory we continue a time honored tradition of doing something just a little bit special.
This year I scored tiny mailboxes and personalized them with my children's names. I then stuffed them with one thing to eat, one thing to make, and one thing to use (that mushroom is a pencil sharpener that we actually need). They're also going to get a little love note inside. But shh! Don't tell, these little treats are going to be in hiding for two weeks. At a total cost of $7 per box (courtesy Tarjay), I could have done worse.
Do you do anything special for Valentine's Day, or do you revile it as a Hallmark holiday designed to throw money away? Do you bake, or give cards to classmates? What do you think is most appreciated?
(Image: Elisabeth Wilborn)
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I've never really done much for the kids, other than doing a craft at the beginning of the month that would hang until the holiday and maybe cookies for the day. This year is the first my son will spend it at school, so I'm thrilled to have him hand out cards to his classmates. (I'm totally that mom--he handed stuff out for Halloween and Christmas, too.)
I've been wanting to get some of those mailboxes for my kids, but not really for Valentine's, more like to put up in their room to leave random notes and treats every once in a while. I know my son will get a kick out of that, and probably the baby will catch on. Good idea with the Valentine's treats!
Heh, just bought the same mailbox (in white) from Target, and I'm going to be filling it with a card and some Hershey kisses. It was on sale at our local store for $3.00, so now might be the time to look if you're interested.
Last year me and my daughter made the little conversation heart cheesecakes from Hungry Happenings' website: www.hungryhappenings.com . I try and do a craft each year with the kids, or maybe make something special.
Any holiday whose purpose is to show people that you care about them is a winner in my book. My husband once make a snarky comment about the commercialization of the holiday and my reply was the same I give everyone who complains: "You don't have to buy anything for Valentine's Day to show someone you love them. You are excused from the holiday if you have done something sweet and special for your significant other on any other day of the year. Changing the oil in a car does not count unless it is accompanied by a kiss. A good kiss."
Don't have a sweetie? Stop thinking of it as a heavy-duty romantic holiday and send lighthearted Valentine cards to family members or friends. Anonymous is always fun. Last year someone put up cardboard signs at a major intersection near where I worked that looked like large conversation hearts. Who could resist large pink signs that anonymously announced "I heart U" and "U R fab"? They made me feel so good, I just know they were meant for me. I'm sure everyone else felt the same way.