Will You Be My Valentine?
Valentine’s Day is a less than two weeks away and I can’t help but think it’s become much more commercial and heavily celebrated than it was even 10 years ago. Maybe I feel that way because I didn’t have kids 10 years ago and holidays and their traditions seem to intensify with children. I find this to be especially true when they’re in elementary school. Don’t get me wrong I love traditions and holidays but sometimes I struggle with making the celebration manageable yet manageable.
So, that brings up the question of how to celebrate Valentine’s Day. The options are endless..balloons, heart shaped pancakes , DIY school Valentine’s, parties, themed clothes, presents you name it. What I’ve found that works best for me and my family is to try and stick to a “rule of three.” This means that we focus our efforts on three manageable i.e. somewhat low effort yet high impact traditions.
This almost always involves some sort of fun themed breakfast and holiday themed children’s books that we read leading up to the day but has also involved flowers for our daughters’ first Valentine’s Day, personalized cards and even festive attire. Whatever you do, enjoy the holiday and just make it fun especially for the kids! If you’re looking for festive ways to celebrate please read on for my TAKE on Valentin’e Day celebrations.
Festive Attire
I have a hard time avoiding matching holiday pajamas for my brood and this year I fell hard for this rainbow heart version from Primary.com. My 20 month old loves them so much she even attempts to put them on herself! Aside from pajamas which I generally fall prey too at all holidays I don’t really get into Valentine themed clothes unless it leggings. Heart leggings I find are appropriate at all times! This year, I ordered these heart leggings from Gymboree and I genuinely love the print but perhaps I’m feeling a little bit sentimental as the brand is going out of business.
Holiday Themed Books
I love to collect children’s books and they always help to build excitement around the holiday. We have a couple of new favorites this year; LOVE and Mirabel’s Missing Valentines. LOVE is not so much Valentine specific but has a lovely message and incredible illustrations and Mirabel’s Missing Valentines is just darling and perfect for a shy child. Both of these have been often requested at bedtime in addition, to my list from last year.
Personalized Gifts
In general, I love a personalized gift, even if it’s just a card or a personalized note. It shows you put a little extra thought into something and people like to know you care. I don’t always think ahead but when I do I can always find something amazing. This year this amazing spoon for my cereal loving children caught my eye as well as these festive conversation heart balloons! If you’re into sending a personalized note to friends or family this personalized stationary set is adorned with the most classic red heart!
