A Different Kind Of Valentine’s Day

IMG_20140304_044545 

Flowers, candy, romance and red hearts are all that seem to flood the store windows leading up to Valentine’s Day. But what is the real story behind this auspicious day? Rather, who did it all begin with?

Valentine’s Day

Valentine’s Day is traditionally observed on February 14 each year and celebrated in many countries accross the world. Once upon a time, Valentine’s Day was associated with romantic couples only. Although in recent times this day of celebration is seen in a much larger perspective. The idea behind this tradition is to celebrate love, receive love and give love to everyone around us, including family, friends and our loved ones.

Celebrating Valentine’s Day as a Family

We all know that more than flowers or chocolate, we need LOVE!

Often, despite our good intentions, we forget to tell our spouses, children and loved ones just how important they are to us. Valentine’s Day could be a great way to connect with our own families; to show more love, appreciation and kindness to individual members on this wonderful day!

Here are some simple ideas how:

Are gifts necessary? encourage kind acts and gestures within the family as opposed to gifts.

Special Breakfast: prepare or purchase something you don’t usually eat, as a special treat for the hubby and kids!

Get crafty: the little kids can make Valentine’s Day cards for one another or for Mum and Dad.

Invest in a Heart-Shaped Cutter: buy a simple heart shaped cookie cutter that can be used to make heart-shaped pancakes, eggs, cookies and sandwiches to get into the spirit!

A letter of Appreciation: write this just for your hubby, telling him how wonderful he is and the things you love about him, specifically.

Homemade gift certificate: this is one of my favourite ideas as it involves spening valuable, quality time with one another. This could be a massage for hubby or some quality time with each child (15 minutes of reading, playing with them or snuggling together in bed).

Acts of generosity: extend kind acts beyond just the family and teach your children how to reach out to others. Have the children bake some cookies and drop them off at a neighbours house. If they are older, they could write a letter to a friend they do not usually play with.

 

“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.”

Corinthians 13:4-7

Originally posted 2014-02-12 22:30:53.

Share your thoughts below!