Often the best childhood memories come from family traditions that have been lovingly repeated over the years. Family traditions keep the family at the center of a celebration, spending time together and creating lasting memories. If you don’t have a Valentine’s Day family tradition yet, why not start one this year? It could be the beginning of many wonderful years of Valentine’s Day memories with your family.
A Valentine’s family tradition doesn’t have to be expensive. The main idea is to spend time with the family together. Here are some inexpensive ways you can start a Valentine’s Day family tradition in your family.
Make a treat together
Most people associate chocolates with Valentine’s Day, but how about making a different gift together that your family can share? One fun gift you can make is Rice Krispies hearts. All you need is the basic recipe for Rice Krispies Squares, Heart Shaped Cookie Cutters, and Red Sprinkles. Lightly grease the inside of the heart shaped cookie cutters and press some Rice Krispies square mix into the cookie cutters. Then remove the cookie cutters and add the sprinkles. Repeat as needed with the rest of the mixture. It is simple enough for young children to help out.
Another simple idea is to bake a cake in a heart-shaped cake pan. Make some red (or at least pink) frosting and then the kids can decorate the top with sprinkles and heart-shaped candies.
Play a family game
Games are a great way for families to interact with each other and have fun at the same time. Pick a favorite family game and have fun together. Make sure it’s a game that everyone enjoys so no one is frustrated or left out. It’s also fun learning a new game together so the whole family has the same level of experience.
A card game that has hearts as the central theme is a good combination to create a Valentine’s Day family playtime tradition. Capture the Hearts is a simple card game that the whole family can easily understand and play. The object of the game is to win as many hearts as possible. The only knowledge of the cards that is required is to know the order of the cards.
See a favorite family movie
The movie doesn’t have to be mushy and sentimental, as long as it’s a movie that the whole family enjoys. It doesn’t even have to be a movie you’ve seen if it’s a movie the whole family wants to see. Pop some popcorn or eat some of the treats you’ve made for Valentine’s Day and enjoy some time together.
Exchange homemade cards
Instead of buying cards, try making cards at home. You will save money and have beautiful memories. Cards can be as simple as folding a sheet of paper and cutting a heart with a straight edge of the heart along the fold. Write a personalized message for each family member on a separate heart card for each. Encourage other family members to do the same and you’ll have fun exchanging special cards wholeheartedly.
The holidays are very special for children and Valentine’s Day can be even more memorable if you create your own family tradition. Your children can even use their traditions when they grow up with their own families.