In the middle of a cold, dark winter sits a bright spot called Valentine’s Day. As a holiday, I think Valentine’s Day gets some (justified) bad PR for being too commercial, or being too snobbishly exclusive to those experiencing romantic love, but the older I get the more I figure we may as well lean into some candy-coated connection in the bleak midwinter. And the good news is, there are plenty of ways to celebrate Valentine’s Day with your family in small, sweet, and simple ways that won’t break the bank – and romantic entanglements are not necessarily required.
A compliment a day
This super-easy idea works for kids and spouses alike, and is just a sweet way to lift someone’s mood in the days leading up to Valentine’s Day. Simply cut out 14 heart shapes from construction paper and write something great about your person and put it on their door, one per day, beginning Feb. 1 (for example, “You are a great brother!” or “You are kind!”). By Valentine’s Day, your loved one will have 14 super-sweet messages about themselves to reflect on, and you can leave these up all month.
…Or a quick acrostic poem
For a personalized and easy way to let them know you are thinking of them, write an easy acrostic poem using the first letters of your loved one’s name. For each letter of their first name, write down a complement or adjective that describes that person. You can do this as nicely or as simply as you’d like, on a piece of heart-shaped paper, or simply on a lunchbox napkin to serve as a midday “thinking of you” surprise.
A special meal (or a treat)
If a romantic Valentine’s Day dinner for two isn’t quite in the cards this year, open the invitation to the whole fam! If your family appreciates a certain special meal, why not plan to make it for Valentine’s Day? But no need to be fancy, you can order heart-shaped pizzas from Papa Murphys or Papa Johns (among others), and call it a day. If you prefer to dine out, pick a favorite local restaurant and head out on a family date. If you’ve got family members who like to spend time in the kitchen, then instead of buying chocolates, you could opt to spend time baking a cake, cookies or brownies together. Don’t forget the heart-shaped cookie cutter.
Up-cycle some conversation hearts
You’ll need a few empty cereal boxes for this easy craft, which you can use for decor or as homemade Valentine’s cards to exchange. Simply cut hearts out of the cereal box cardboard and cover them with paint, markers or cut construction paper to fit and glue onto the cardboard. Once your cardboard hearts are colored, use a white paint pen to add fun conversation heart phrases like “Be Mine” or “Hug Me”, etc.. You can use these hearts to decorate your home or cover both sides, sign them and use your crafting as Valentine’s cards.
Go on a family date
Pick something you all love to do: bowling, hiking, skating, sledding, the arcade, the movies – sky’s the limit! Whatever you like to do, do it together and enjoy spending quality time as a family.
Keep it simple
Most of all, resist the urge to go all-in on big gifts. Use this opportunity to craft a little something special or write a kind message inside of a card. Don’t forget to add something sweet, and you’ll have a simple and memorable Valentine’s Day with your loved ones this year.
Pamela Savage is a freelance writer living in Springfield. Last Valentine’s Day, she wrote a couple poems and baked a coconut cake, then she ordered some pizzas.
This article appears in Spring 2025 February 2025.
