Did you know you only get 18 Valentine’s Days (if you are lucky) to spend with your kids? That is it! Eighteen. And then they are off into the world, making their own traditions.
Okay, so what? It isn’t a holiday for them, or don’t they get enough on all the other holidays? This may be true, but what if you focused on making memories instead of candy, toys, or money gifts for this particular holiday?
This idea stems from one of my favorite childhood memories. Although I did grow up when material gifts were a bit rarer than they are today, I remember waiting twelve months for new socks and underwear that were sure to be left in my stocking. Heaven forbid we get those just because. Okay, off my soap opera box and back to the memory-making.
As a child and into my teens, my mom would take Valentine’s Day off of work or, at minimum, leave early and decorate the home as if it were someone’s birthday. Pink and white streams would be strung from the back entry to the dining room. Red balloons tied here and there. The only tablecloth we owned would come out and placed on the table with the special occasion china that rarely saw an ounce of food, most certainly passed down from someone. She would buy the fancy-themed napkins I only saw at my grandma’s house. The dangerously tall candles would be placed in their holders to be lit when our special meal was served.
At each of our assigned dinner time chairs would be a Valentine’s card from our parents. No toys, candy, or gifts of money. Just a card telling them that they loved us. Sometimes, it was even just a Valentine from the box of 20 you bought for $1.99 to give out in class. But it was enough; whatever it was, it was enough.
Every year we had the same meal, kabobs! I can’t remember if she made them in the oven or my dad brought out the grill in the ridiculous cold temps the Midwest sees in the middle of February. As I write this on February 10th, it is at 3 degrees, but it feels like 8 below, which is not the best grilling weather. However, I remember them tasting like summer. Either way, they were a treat, and it was one of the only times my mom would splurge to buy good steak and chicken breasts.
After dinner, they would top off the night with our family favorite – Dairy Queen Cake!
So yes, there were some gifts in the form of food we did not have in our typical weekly menu, and my parents had to spend some money to make the memory happen. But it has been 24 years since I sat at that table for Valentine’s Day with my mom, dad, brother, and sister, and the memory is still vivid. It has been 24 years of calling my mom to reminisce about those dinners and ask her what size cake she and my dad will enjoy as they celebrate the love of a family on Valentine’s Day.
So, I challenge you to start a family tradition with your kids and make them excited to be with you on this holiday about love. It might not include streamers, balloons, or kabobs. Your special treat might be in another form than an ice cream cake.
Remember, it is about the memories made and, hopefully, the future calls to reminisce about those Valentine’s Days.
Here are some ideas to help get you started!
Valentine’s Day Decorations
Pizza and Malts
Where are my peeps that dip their french fries in their ice cream? For those who think that sounds gross–you cannot knock it until you try it! And for those who find it delicious, the pizza and malt combo has a similar matchup of salty and sweet. However, I do not dip my pizza into the malt; I just enjoy them together in the same meal. For Valentine’s Day, this is a great way to do a simple and fun tradition with your family. Bonus—many pizza places sell heart-shaped pizzas on Valentine’s Day.
Looking for a fun spin on pizza and malts? Grab these Vikko Milkshake Glasses and Heart-Shaped Straws!
We are doing breakfast pizza this year with chocolate protein shakes since we have to be on the road in the evening since the pizza and malt tradition is what my kids know and love!
Cereal for Dinner
We have all heard of breakfast for dinner, but how much fun would breaking the rules and getting the sugary cereals to enjoy or each family member’s favorite? Go old-school and stick a prize inside the box or their valentine. Make an annual tradition with these heart-shaped bowls.
Everyone Loves Chinese Food
Whether you take out or make your own, you could put a festive spin on this by decorating with pink and white lanterns. Ensure you don’t forget the chopsticks, and think about how much fun personalized fortune cookies would be!
Charcuterie Board Wings
As we all know, these aren’t just for adults anymore! You could go as simple as meat and cheese or get a little more creative with appetizers–I think a variety of wings and dips could be entertaining, especially for those who like to risk becoming fire-breathing dragons. I hear the siblings’ dares and laugh as they see who can eat the hottest! Bring it all together with these heart-shaped charcuterie boards.
Fondue Fun
What a fantastic way to unite the family and make the meal last longer since you have to cook while you sit and talk. If you have younger kids, start with a chocolate fondue pot, and as they get older, you can upgrade to the ones that will deep fry meats. A few ideas to dip in the chocolate are strawberries, angel food cake, orange slices, marshmallows, and bananas. For deep frying, anything stabbed with the poker will work; just make sure you cook thoroughly. Here are a few fondue pots if you do not already have one.
No matter when you start, the most important thing is that you do. Traditions aren’t about perfection—they’re about connection, joy, and creating memories that last a lifetime. So whether your little ones are six months, six years, or sixteen, embrace the moment, make it memorable, and watch your new tradition become truly meaningful. I’d love to hear about your family traditions—share them in the comments!
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