Family Valentine's Day Traditions

Tomorrow is Valentine's Day, a holiday my children love celebrating together as a family! Valentine's Day is probably not the first holiday you think of when you think of family holidays and traditions. Typically it’s a day for couples to celebrate their love; the idea of families celebrating Valentine's Day isn't a familiar concept. If the meaning of Valentine’s Day is essentially about love and we all love our children, why not celebrate this holiday together?

Do you shrug off Valentine's Day as another commercial money generator? Why not look at it as an opportunity to share the love with your family and children in such a special way?

My husband gets the kids and I matching Valentine's Day presents, most years it is flowers. This year we will enjoy hot chocolate with heart-shaped marshmallows with our breakfast and heart-shaped pasta for dinner with a yummy 'red' themed dessert that we make together after school. 

If you are looking for ways to share the Valentine's Day love with your family here are some great ideas to get the kids involved and show them just how much they mean to you.

• Post-it notes – in lunch boxes or even around the house, a little note to say 'just because I love you' can really make a child’s day.
• Valentine's Craft – Grab some red paper and crayons or pencils and you and the kids can create a very personalized Valentine's card or creation for those that you love.
• A homemade gift certificate – Valentine's Day doesn't have to mean spending a fortune. Why not wrap up a gift certificate for a night off packing the dish-washer or an extra half hour of game time? Sure to be a hit for all.
• Valentine's meals – Some sweet heart-shaped pancakes for breakfast are a great way to share the love over a meal this Valentine's Day. Sit together as a family and take turns telling each other what you love about your family.
• Set the mood – Children love candles. What better day to set up some candles and create a loved up mood to spend the evening in.
• Spread the love – Why not try something completely new and start a Valentine's Day pay it forward. Tell the kids to pick a person they love (grandparents are a great idea) call them and take the time to tell them why you love them and then let them know to pass the love on by calling someone they love and continuing the chain.

I substitute the commercial side of Valentine's Day for quality time with my family sharing simple acts of love with our children, hoping to create memories that will last a lifetime. It doesn't have to be a grand gesture; sometimes it's the smallest ones that have the biggest impact.

Have your say... What are your Valentine's Day traditions? Share your ideas in the comments.

Laura Mares is an experienced photographer specializing in capturing timeless family keepsakes. Laura works on location and in her fully equipped home studio, located in Mt. Lebanon, eight miles south of Pittsburgh, PA. Laura’s style is creative, natural, and timeless. Would you like beautiful portraits of your newborn baby, to update your child and family portraits or to document a milestone in your life such as a wedding, graduation, birthday or reunion? If you are interested in high quality, timeless photographs, book your session today, call (412) 654-3367 or email [email protected]. To view a wide range of gorgeous portraits and to get great tips, advice and beautiful inspiration follow us on Instagram and Facebook.