Playing Cupid

Looking for a meaningful way to celebrate Valentine’s Day as a family? You’ll find plenty of ideas and inspiration right here.

BOOKISH THOUGHTS Who says you have to give your kids chocolate on Valentine’s Day in order to tell them that you love them? Why not give them a book instead? After all, even the most ooey-gooey chocolate treat will have a hard time measuring up to sweet sentiments expressed in Robert Munsch’s timeless tribute to the love between parent and child, Love You Forever (Firefly Books, 1986, $12.95).

SUGAR AND SPICE…. If your vision of the perfect Valentine’s Day most definitely includes chocolate, why not plan to whip up a batch of “fool-proof fudge” for your nearest and dearest? As the name implies, you don’t exactly have to be gifted in the culinary department in order to get great results and score big points with the chocolate lovers at your place. Simply melt together (in the microwave or in the double-boiler) one 14 ounce can of sweetened condensed milk, 3 cups of semi-sweet chocolate chips, and 1 tsp of vanilla extract. Pour into a 13” x 9” baking dish that has been lined with waxed paper and then refrigerate until firm (about two hours). Then cut into bite-sized pieces and serve to your resident Valentine(s).

BE MY (HOMEMADE) VALENTINE Want to encourage your kids to make their own Valentines rather than merely settling for handing out the store-bought variety? Your actions speak louder than words. If you want them to get the message that homemade Valentines are a lot more meaningful than anything that can be bought in a store, you have to be prepared to walk the talk! If you haven’t glued a scrap of white lace onto a red construction paper heart since your grade school days and you’re looking for a bit of creative inspiration, hit the arts and crafts store to load up on a few fun “extras” like glitter, sequins, and feathers. Or, if you prefer, take a walk on the wild side (literally!) and gather objects from nature to incorporate into your homemade Valentine. Pinecones, twigs, and pebbles can also be used to make a truly eye-catching Valentine.

ART FROM THE HEART Rather than simply giving your kids a box of candy on Valentine’s Day, why not give them a gift that will entertain them long after the wrappers have been strewn from one end of the house to the other? While putting together a craft kit requires a bit more up-front effort on your part, that investment will reap tremendous dividends the next time you’re hit with a snowstorm and the weather is too miserable for the kids to play outdoors. Simply hit the pick up construction paper, popsicle sticks, pipe cleaners, doilies, and other arts and crafts essentials at your local craft supply store or dollar store; package everything up in a large plastic container with a snap-on lid (to help contain the mess!); and include a copy of a truly inspiring craft book like Mary Wallace’s I Can Make That: Fantastic Crafts for Kids (Maple Tree Press, 2002, $19.95).

HEARTY MOVES Don’t let the nippy February air trick you into thinking that Valentine’s Day has to be spent indoors. Celebrate Valentine’s Day in a heart-healthy way by working some physical activity into your plans. Hit the skating rink, go tobogganing in a nearby park, or simply roll around in the snow making snow angels. The name of the game is to get moving and have fun. Then, once you’ve had a chance to get some fresh air and chase away the February blahs, come back inside and warm up over a steamy cup of hot chocolate. (Yum!)