The best Valentine celebrations happen at home, at least based on our experience. No long lines, curious looks from Valentines day observers, and the hardly lovable traffic. Best of all, it’s cheap!
Ashton and I have planned our Valentine’s celebrations as early as January. I taught him to make it a big deal and I’m very happy that it rubbed on him. He keeps asking “valentimes na ba?” to which I’d respond to with a countdown to February 14. For us, Valentine’s is not just for couples but in celebrating family and togetherness. Here’s how we make our own simple valentines celebration at home:
1. Decorate and have fun making hearts from recycled stuff
These are made of old red folders, envelopes, and strings. The environment deserves more love, plus these decors won’t cost anything but your bonding time with your children. Be careful with letting kids with scissors. This ceremonial “heart cutting” is now on it’s second year. I hope to make it last as long as I can.
Daddy Az usually brings flowers, this year I am confused if he was serious of not buying some to save money. So, we’re using the existing flower decoration at home and add some hearts on stick to make them more “in season”. Baby bear completes the look. Genius!
2. Involve everyone in the household
Valentines day is not just for couples but for family and extended families. Communicate to everyone what your plans are and that you’d appreciate if everyone can be home before dinner. My guest list includes Ashton’s carer, my husband, my sister, my aunt, and maybe the dog if he’s lucky 🙂
3. Plan simple meals
Martha Stewart will kill me if she learns I plan to serve Macaroni and Cheese for Valentines dinner. Over the years, I learned how simple is more. It saves me more time, money, and effort. You want to spend time with loved ones and not in the kitchen or sink cleaning pots and pans.
Thank you to Lola Dulce for sending some boxed mac n’ cheese over. This means my dinner won’t cost more than a few leaves of spinach or local kangkong (to add some greens), a cup of milk, and some butter.
4. Watch a movie for free
Select a fun family movie to watch post dinner and for extended cuddle time in bed with your family. We just usually connect our laptops to the TV and stream travel and food shows. For Ashton, it’s toy commercials on YouTube. Don’t forget microwaveable popcorn or some multi-grain chips to nibble while you’re at it. The best way to everyone’s heart is through the stomach after all.
Don’t forget to take snapshots of your family Valentine celebrations no matter how simple they are. Ashton and I have fun recalling fun memories throughout the year. It helps him build good memory and living in the moment well enough to remember.
I wish you and your family a lovable Valentine’s day!
