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"Valentimes" Day


It was a day or two after Christmas and my kids starting asking when "Valentimes" day is. Some people think it's weird that my littles anticipate such a thing, however it's one of my favorite family traditions. To my kids, it's a legitimate holiday and I'm okay with that! We keep it so simple, yet my kids love it so much. I'll keep our tradition going for as long as they'll have it.

Before kids, Valentine's Day was all about fancy dinner reservations, dressing up and date night. While we still plan for those things, we tend to make our plans for after Valentine's Day. Not only is there less pressure, but the restaurants are far less packed, babysitters are available and our date night is far more enjoyable. Valentine's Day is all about our little family of five.

Typically I'll get off of work, swing into Papa Murphy's for a heart shaped pizza and cookie dough. In the days prior, I pick up silly little gifts from the Dollar Tree for them to open. We enjoy a Zehnle Family "Valentimes" Day In and it's one of my favorite traditions. We let the kids call the shots, whether it's a movie night, board games or crafting! Sometimes it's all three!

I want my kids to know that Valentine's Day doesn't have to be about showing love to a boyfriend, girlfriend, husband or wife. It can be (and should be) about spending time with the ones you love! It doesn't have to be a commercialized, stressful, over-the-top celebration (even if that's what Hallmark portrays). If that's your jam, then that's okay as well. No judgment here! In my opinion, I'd rather have flowers "just because" on a random day, then overpriced flowers, just because society says you have to.

One of my favorite lifestyle bloggers shared that while her and her siblings are well into their 30's, her mom still creates a fun Valentine's Day celebration for them where she cooks them dinner, decorates and gives small gifts. All I could think was how I want to be that mom someday! I plan to do just that. If twenty years from now and we're still sharing our heart shaped pizza, movies and silly gifts, that is fine with me! My hope is that they'll carry this family tradition into their own families one day as well.

For the moms who send me messages or texts asking me if I buy valentines for my kids, the answer is yes. Don't let me make you feel any pressure to do the same. I hope our tradition will inspire you to create more of your own, "Valentimes" day or not! We only have our littles for so long. Never miss the chance to make special memories like these, because though they are small gestures to us, in their eyes, they're so very special.


Happy Valentimes Day friends! Make it memorable!


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