Valentine's Day & Family Fun

Do you and your family participate in Valentine's Day festivities?

This was a fun family day when I was a youngster because Mother made it so. She had been a school teacher and held parties for her students. Thus, she incorporated some of these ideas into festivities for my sister, two brothers and me, even though she was a busy farm wife.

• Mother often decorated a cake with white frosting and red hearts. When we were old enough, sister and I did this for her.
• She helped us with making and addressing valentines for family members. When we were in school we had exchanges there, too.
• Mother planned a special night meal for Valentine's Day, with the cake and fruit for dessert. There was only our family...four children, Mother, Father and the hired man...but we had a joyous time.
• We made decorations to hang around the kitchen (the warmest room in our farmhouse during winter), and name cards for each place setting.

Suggestions for books and other items:

The Night Before Valentine's Day (picture book)
Where Is Baby's Valentine (lift-a-flap book)
My Fuzzy Valentine (Sesame Street Board Book)
Be My Valentine, Charlie Brown (DVD)
Disney Valentine Assortment

What do you and your family do for Valentine's Day at your house?