Valentine’s Day can look very different for many people depending on what stage they are in their lives. Whether you are in a relationship, single, celebrating “Galentine’s” or hanging with your kids, Valentine’s is a day to show those around you how much you love and appreciate them.
Valentine’s Day Before Kids
Valentine’s Day before kids looked very different. You hope you have a hot date. You go shopping to find the perfect outfit and the perfect gift for that special someone. If you don’t happen to have a date, you rally up your gal pals and spend your night out on the town. Either way, it is a day to celebrate, look nice, and enjoy the people you love.
Valentine’s Day After Kids
After kids, Valentine’s can look very different. When you have babies, the last thing on your mind is, “Are we going to a fancy restaurant?” or “What am I going to wear?” You might trade your outings for a movie night in, gifts might take a backseat, and your bottle of wine might turn into a bottle of milk. All of that is ok. Motherhood is full of seasons and it is up to us to make each season special.
Creating Traditions
I love creating traditions and making memories. At the end of the day, it is all we take with us. In our house, we have a “fairy” that comes to decorate the night before birthdays and the night before Valentine’s Day! After a few years, the kids have figured out that I am the “fairy” but they still enjoy it just as much. For Valentine’s Day, I set out a themed tablecloth and fill the table with treats and a card for each child. This does not have to be expensive. Most of my treats come from the dollar store.
Once someone told me, “You are setting some high expectations for whoever comes into these kids’ lives.” You know what? I am! I want them to never settle for less than they deserve. It isn’t about what is on the table, it is about knowing someone put the effort in for you. My dream would be that they would continue these traditions with their own kids and tell them all about how their mom created a sneaky fairy that decorated for them.
Childhood is such a tiny piece of life, so why not help make it magical? I know what you’re thinking, “I am not adding 1 more thing to my overflowing plate.” I hear you, Mama, but the fun is in the simplicity of it all. A chocolate heart, a stuffed animal, a card from Mama, really any little touch will create memories that will last for years to come.
No matter what season you are in, I wish you all a very happy Valentine’s Day filled with love and laughter!
