Hey there mamas, as Valentine’s Day approaches, are you feeling the pressure? Or maybe you have it all together. Perhaps, you are spending it alone, with friends, with kids, or even a combo of those options. In either case, be ready to spend a mindful Valentine’s Day, celebrating love together.
For as long as I can remember, my husband and I have celebrated only a handful or two of Valentine’s on actual Valentine’s Day. not because we forget, but rather due to something always coming up.
I was either very pregnant, sick, kids had activities, etc. Yet, this has never felt like an issue in our marriage.
The biggest thing that we always made sure of, was to celebrate Valentine’s Day even if it wasn’t on that day.
I get that love can be shared any day and it should be! Yet, there is something about celebrative as a collective group. It is one whole day to celebrate love!
So, as our Valentine’s Day may look different for each of us, let us dive into different ideas we can celebrate mindfully and with purpose.
Let’s start with the things I know for sure.
Celebrating Valentine’s Day with your kids! Do you remember growing up, we would make Valentine mailboxes, then go to school so they could be filled with our classmates ‘ Valentine’s cards and candy?
As fun as that was, when you homeschool your kids, it just doesn’t hit the fun factor quite the same. I had to find more meaningful ways to celebrate with my daughters.
Here are five mindful Valentine’s Day activities for parents celebrating with their kids:
- Gratitude Jar Crafting: Encourage your kids to express gratitude by creating a gratitude jar together. Decorate a jar. Throughout the day, have each family member write down things they are grateful for on small pieces of paper and place them in the jar. At the end of the day, read the notes aloud and reflect on the love and blessings in your lives.
- Heartfelt Nature Walk: Take a mindful nature walk with your kids and focus on appreciating nature. Encourage your children to notice their surroundings. Take this opportunity to talk about love and kindness, making a deeper connection with nature and each other.
- Heart-Centered Meditation: Dedicate a few minutes to a heart-centered meditation together. Find a comfortable spot to sit together and guide them through a simple meditation focusing on love and compassion. You can use phrases like “May we all be happy,” “May we all be safe,” and “May we all be loved”. Create feelings of warmth and empathy.
- Family Love Letter Exchange: Sit down together and write love letters to each other. To make this activity all-inclusive, your little ones can draw a love letter instead. Encourage your children to express their feelings of love and appreciation. After everyone has written their letters, exchange them. This activity promotes mindfulness by fostering gratitude, empathy, and open communication within the family unit.
- Make a meal together: Make a meal that all of the kids can be included. It can be something as simple as a Valentine’s snack layout. Or, if you’re a baking mama, bake with your kids. Nothing is too simple, because what kids will remember the most is the time and effort you spent with them.
These activities can be as complex as you like or have time for. Remember that the key to this is to have fun with your little ones. It doesn’t even have to be celebrated on the day of.
Here are five activities that people can do on Valentine’s Day alone or with friends:
- Self-Care Spa Day: Treat yourself or gather your friends for a self-care spa day. Create a relaxing atmosphere. Take turns doing facials, or simply soaking in a warm bath alone. Promote self-love and relaxation, making it perfect for Valentine’s Day.
- Cooking or Baking Party: Host a cooking or baking party with friends where you can whip up delicious treats together. Choose a Valentine’s Day-themed recipe such as heart-shaped cookies, cupcakes with pink frosting, or a decadent chocolate dessert. Enjoy the process of cooking together and then savoring the tasty creations afterward.
- Movie Marathon: Plan a movie marathon either alone or with friends, featuring your favorite feel-good films. Set up a cozy viewing area with blankets and pillows, and prepare some popcorn and snacks. Whether you’re celebrating love or simply enjoying a fun night in, a movie marathon is a great way to relax and unwind.
- Art and Craft Night: Get creative with an art and craft night either by yourself or with friends. Gather supplies such as paints, canvases, or markers, and let your imagination run wild. Make handmade cards for loved ones, or work on a DIY project that you’ve been wanting to try. Expressing yourself through art is a therapeutic and fulfilling way to celebrate.
- Outdoor Adventure: Embrace the spirit of adventure by planning an outdoor activity such as hiking, biking, or exploring a new park. Spend the day surrounded by nature and enjoying the beauty of the outdoors. Connecting with nature is a rejuvenating way to celebrate Valentine’s Day and appreciate the world around you.
Whether you’re spending time alone or with friends, the whole point is to enjoy your time. It’s not all about having to have a significant other. You should prioritize your self-love and the love of those that enrich your life.
Here are five simple activities that couples can enjoy together for Valentine’s Day:
- Cook a Romantic Dinner Together: Plan a special evening by cooking a romantic dinner together at home. Choose a favorite recipe or try something new that you both enjoy. Set the mood with candles, soft music, and a beautifully set table. Cooking together can be a fun and intimate way to bond while creating delicious memories.
- Picnic in the Park: Pack a picnic basket with your favorite snacks, sandwiches, and drinks, and head to a nearby park for a romantic picnic. Choose a scenic spot to spread out a blanket and enjoy each other’s company surrounded by nature. Spend the afternoon chatting, relaxing, and soaking in the beauty of the outdoors.
- DIY Spa Night: Create a spa-like atmosphere at home by indulging in a DIY spa night together. Set up a cozy space with candles, fluffy towels, and soothing music. Take turns giving each other massages, facials, or foot soaks. Pampering yourselves together can be a luxurious and bonding experience for couples.
- Stargazing: Escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life by going stargazing with your partner. Find a secluded spot away from city lights, such as a rooftop, beach, or countryside, and spread out a blanket to lie on. Spend the evening gazing up at the stars, pointing out constellations, and enjoying quiet moments together under the night sky.
- Memory Lane: Take a trip down memory lane by reminiscing about your relationship together. Look through old photos, watch videos of special moments, or revisit meaningful places that hold significance to your relationship. Reflecting on your journey together can deepen your connection and remind you of the love and memories you’ve shared.
These simple activities offer couples a chance to reconnect, relax, and celebrate their love on Valentine’s Day.
Wrapping up this Valentine’s Day post:
I hope you’re feeling inspired to celebrate love in whatever form it takes for you – whether it’s with your partner, your friends, your family, or simply with yourself. Remember, love knows no boundaries, and there are countless ways to express it, both big and small.
I encourage you to take these ideas and make them your own. Get creative, have fun, and most importantly, cherish the moments spent with those who mean the most to you. And hey, if you try out any of these activities, I’d love to hear about it! Drop a comment below and let me know how you’re celebrating Valentine’s Day this year.
Don’t forget to share this post with your friends and loved ones who might need a little inspiration for their Valentine’s Day plans. And if you haven’t already, be sure to subscribe to my blog for more content like this in the future. Together, let’s spread the love and make this Valentine’s Day one to remember.