Valentine’s Day is just around the corner. Let’s set the example as parents and celebrate love as a family! This year, let’s make Valentine’s Day a special occasion for every member of the family. Here are five simple and fun ways to celebrate love together:

1. Create a Family Love Tree: Get crafty and create a “Family Love Tree” using construction paper, markers, and scissors. Cut out heart shapes and ask each family member to write down things they love about one another on these hearts. Assemble the hearts on a tree display and watch your love tree grow throughout the day. It’s a heartwarming visual reminder of the love that binds your family together. Tip: You could also post these love note hearts on each family member’s bedroom doors as a fun reminder to see around the house!

2. Cook a Love-Filled Family Dinner: Turn your kitchen into a family culinary adventure! Plan a special Valentine’s Day dinner together, allowing each family member to contribute in their own way. From setting the table with heart-shaped decorations to preparing a menu of favorite dishes, cooking together fosters teamwork and creates cherished memories. Don’t forget to finish the meal with a sweet treat like heart-shaped cookies or a chocolate. Tip: Add in a sweet and special dance party, mom and dad, dad and daughters, and mom and sons.

3. Family Movie Night Under the Stars: Set up a cozy outdoor movie night right in your backyard! If the weather permits, bring out blankets, pillows, and cushions. Choose your family favorite movie or decide on a new one all together. Don’t forget the popcorn and hot cocoa! Snuggling up under the stars while enjoying a heartwarming film is a magical way to celebrate love together. Tip: If it’s too cold outside, try building a blanket fort or a big pillow pile in the family room where everyone can snuggle up for the movie.

4. Love Letter Exchange: Encourage family members to write love letters to one another. These letters can be as sweet, funny, or heartfelt as each person wishes. Exchange the letters either during a special family meal or create a “Love Letter Mailbox” where everyone can drop their letters and pick up the ones addressed to them. Reading these letters aloud is a touching way to express love and appreciation within the family.

5. Family Photo Booth Fun: Set up a DIY photo booth with Valentine’s Day props and decorations. Use items like heart-shaped glasses, cupid’s arrows, and love-themed signs. Spend time taking goofy and memorable family photos. This activity not only brings joy and laughter but also creates lasting mementos of your special Valentine’s Day celebration. Tip: Make this a yearly tradition so you can watch your family grow year after year.

Bonus Activity: Spread Love through Acts of Service

As a family, engage in an act of service to spread love beyond your home. Choose a local charity, community organization, or even a neighbor who could use a helping hand. Whether it’s volunteering at a local food bank, organizing a neighborhood clean-up, or assisting an elderly neighbor with household chores, this act of service will not only make a positive impact on others but also strengthen the bonds within your own family.

For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.

Matthew 25:35-36

This verse reminds us of the importance of reaching out to those in need, emphasizing the profound impact that acts of service can have on individuals and communities. By embodying the spirit of service on Valentine’s Day, your family not only expresses love within its own walls but also extends that love to others, making the day even more meaningful and reflective of Jesus’s teachings.

This Valentine’s Day, make it a point to celebrate the love that binds your family together. With these simple and fun ideas, you’ll create lasting memories that showcase the importance of love, laughter, and togetherness within your family. Cheers to a love-filled Valentine’s Day for every member of your cherished family! Let us know how you choose to celebrate love day!