Getting ready for Valentine's Day

We love Valentine's Day around my house. When my children were very young, I had to make a decision about how I wanted to celebrate it or not celebrate it. Since they aren't in a traditional school, they don't have the usual classroom parties or exchange of Valentine cards with 25 other children.

I recall, fondly, my own experiences with Valentine cards. My mother would take me to the store so I could choose the ones I wanted to give to my classmates. I would read each one and decide which message was appropriate for each friend. Back then, you could buy nice cards that didn't have a licensed character on it. The messages were more varied and cute.


So, if there was a particular person for whom I had a special liking, that person would get a special card. Even at a young age, I remember that romance and special feelings were emphasized at Valentine's Day. Sometime during the day, the teacher allowed everyone to walk around the room distributing cards. Some years the teacher would have us make little pockets from construction paper so the cards could be tucked in there.

I would read my cards from friends over and over, paying particular attention to the ones from boys. Did they mean what the card said, "Be mine"? Seems silly today.

In junior high school, a student club sold carnations to be given out during the first period of class. A student could buy a flower, attach a message and it would be delivered by the club on Valentine's Day. My friend, Cindy, received one from her mother. I thought that was so thoughtful. I didn't get any and it made me very sad. I felt unpopular, unloved.

I wanted to spare my children the focus on boy/girl feelings at such a young age. They have plenty of time to unlock those types of emotions when the time is right and when God has shown them who He has designed for them to marry (if that is to be). So, I decided early on that Valentine's Day would be special in our family every year no matter if there was a boyfriend or girlfriend to celebrate with. They don't call it Singles Awareness Day for nothing. I don't want them to go looking for love in the wrong places.

We emphasize our love for each other and our love for God. We show our appreciation for each other. It's not hard to make cards for each person in the family using construction paper, lace doilies, scrapbook paper, markers, crayons, whatever you have on hand. You could use yarn or fabric to decorate the cards, too.

We write special messages on each card telling the recipient something we appreciate about them, a particular memory of them, or anything encouraging they would enjoy. Often, they are so funny we can't stop laughing. We read them aloud around the dinner table in the evening.

Another way we make Valentine's Day special is with the color red. I prepare something red to eat such as lasagna, or spaghetti. This year, I think something with strawberries for dessert will be in order since my dad brought me a whole flat of them. The table will be decorated with red accents and maybe some dark chocolate. Sometimes, I buy a gift for each person. Just another way to make memories in our family.

This is the first year we will be missing a member of the family. Kayla is away at college. I mailed a box to her so she can participate across the miles. Each child made a card for her. I made one and my husband made one. Eleven cards to read from people who love her bunches.

Allison and Carolyn have been making cookies this week, using this recipe from Blonde Designs.

I can't end without telling you that in my senior year of high school, once again, a student club sold Valentine cookies to be delivered during the first period of class. Since I was new in the school, I didn't have a lot of close friends. But, a guy sent me one anonymously. And, it made my day. I found out later the guy who sent it wasn't someone I was interested in, but the momentary pleasure of receiving that Valentine was very special.

Make sure your children feel loved this Valentine's Day. How do you celebrate? I'd love to hear your ideas.