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"Valentimes" Traditions

When it comes to Valentine's Day, we typically think of long stem roses, date nights with your significant other and cheesy love stories! While those are all great aspects of February 14th, I think it's so important for us to recognize the other loves of our life. Our kids! 

You spend the holiday season doing all of the holiday things and then suddenly the dreary winter season is upon us with not much to look forward to until spring. Why not add in an extra reason to celebrate as a family? And that my friends is how our Zehnle Family Annual Valentimes Day came into existence. Every year our kids look forward to it and every year, it brings me joy to do it for them.

Why "valentimes" and not valentines you may ask? 

When our kids were little, they would always say "Valentimes Day." I think it's literally the cutest thing and I never had the heart to correct them. So it has remained the official title of our family celebration. We celebrate the growth of our family. We celebrate the good times and we make it an occasion. Life is too short and far too serious most days, so why not? I can't think of a reason. 

In year's past, we've always had heart shaped pizza and silly little gifts (those lovely Dollar Tree specials). However, this year Valentine's Day and Taco Tuesday happened to collide, so we ran with it. This year's theme was Taco 'Bout Love and we definitely owned it! 

Homemade Tacos 

A Taco Piñata

Laughter

Dessert

Family Movie

These were all simple ways to celebrate. Okay, the piñata might be a little extra, but what can I say? I love a good theme. Also, I am in fact extra. 

The kids had a blast bashing the piñata. I think they had some pent up feelings coming out in those swings. Here's where the hilarious fail (Epley Luck if you will. If you know you know.) happened. I never thought that the candy in the piñata would be destroyed, pouring out in a pile of sticky, hard candy dust and chunks. I just stood there dumbfounded. Not to mention, I splurged on high dollar candy kits from Amazon. The kids and I had a good laugh at our candy misfortune and I ordered replacement candy. It will be here on Thursday. 

As a result, I have now spent twice as much money on candy. The laughter and memories made this Valentimes Day? Priceless. 

Check out our TikTok video for a glimpse into the laughs! 

All of this to say, don't forget to the other loves of your life in Valentine's Days to come. The smallest gestures go such a long way in making them feel special. Also feel free to embrace the term "Valentimes," even though it's not politically correct. It's all about the hidden meanings behind it. Disconnect from the outside world. Stay at home. Celebrate the good times together as a family! 

Until next year....




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