Three Things + 1 : Lots of Love (and giveaways)

We usually have a nice cosy night in with some special food :)

This will be the first year that I have no children at home. (empty nest sucks sometimes) I will be sending my children a 'goodie' box for Valentine's Day filled with all of their favorite little treats with a special card or coupon booklet of things they can 'cash in' for mom services and such. Also, my husband and I may find that we enjoy spending Valentine's Day in a 'child-free' home to be much more fun. Who knows!!!

I like making Valentines with the kids. Last year we made giant ones, dressed up and took a picture holding them to email to our friends and family. It turned out so sweet.

For a while there my husband and I would exchange the same two Valentine's cards year after year just because it was so ridiculous.
We usually don't go out, too crowded! I try to do some little fun things (like heart shaped cheese toast for breakfast & goody bags)for the boys on that day.

It is always different...sometimes homemade cards, sometimes a special dinner, sometimes family movie night, sometime little presents and candy......but mostly just being together.
Terry

Hi Ali -
Every year the "Valentine Fairy" visits our house. She leaves a trail of hersey kisses from my 5 yr olds bedroom door to a small valentine present. My husband thinks its silly but my daughter absolutely loves it!! Each year the trail leads to different location and the anticipation the night before is close to the anticipation of a visit from Santa:)
Jennifer

We start celebrating Valentine's Day early in my house. My daughter's birthday is the 8th and mine is the 10th so we always end up having a heart-themed party of some sort.
We keep it simple though. A nice dinner, a yummy dessert and handmade Valentine's to each other. Oh yes - and lots of chocolate!

We really enjoy making sugar cookies and cupcakes for the school class every year. This year dh and I will try and get out for a date night just us 2 at dinner.

Our three kids decorate yummy cookies and we get lovey goodies for them. My Hubby and I usually have a romantic dinner together.
Susan

My tradition started one year when I was a little girl. My mom, sister and I made good ol nestle tollhouse choc chip cookies for my Dad and delivered them to his office in the city. Which was a very big deal to us. Now my girls and I do the same for my husband. Come to think of it, I may do it for my Dad again this year too!

I am treating my family (adults only) to an evening at the local art museum for a wine dinner with my husband, mom, aunt, cousin and husband, cousin, son and girlfriend.
I will give my younger son cash to take the other grandma out for dinner. My husband and I did this Valentine Wine Dinner last year and had so much fun, we are treating our adults in the family to it this year, its a special way to share our love and appreciation for them ... sharing old and young generations.

I love Valentine's day and love anything scrap related too! We usually go to a quietl dimly lit fancy restaurant and enjoy a lovely evening together.

We've been married for 42 years & I've saved the Valentine that I gave my husband in 1967. Every year I take the same Valentine card out of hiding & hang it on the hall tree. I've had a lot of mileage out of that elaborate vintage-style Valentine! It's our fun tradition.

Valentines Day / Anniversary Day!!!
We will be celebrating 11 years on this special day! Nothing to fancy,,,just dinner out together with Grandma watching my amazing 2 1/2 year old daughter! Simple but perfect!

We love Valentine's related crafts and decorations...lots of heart-shaped details just seem to brighten the house and lift spirits.
We usually also have various small treats and gifts for my young daughter. In writing this, I'm realizing I need to do more for my husband!
I'm looking forward to reading everyone else's ideas....

For the last 3 years I have hosted a "Toddler Love" party. The little tykes that don't go to preschool/school just yet don't have to miss out on the festivities. I make a bag for each child and then the kiddies come and put their (usually handmade) valentine in each bag. At the end, everyone makes out! It's really been a blast and love the "Kodak" moments!

My husband has this theory that every day should be like Valentine's Day ... celebrating our love 365 days ... he's cute ;) So unfortunately, no actual Feb 14 traditions to share here.
I've only just recently found your blog and LOVE reading it. I especially loved your Polar Express experience ... you have no idea how it made me want to make a move across the ocean ... yesterday already!

Our children are grown, but hubby always brings flowers and takes me out to dinner. We stop by to visit the grandbabies and take them a valentine and a treat or small gift.

We usually have a nice dinner at home as a family. We usually have a small gift for our daughter at her place at the table for breakfast. I also send notes to family and friends letting them know how grateful I am for their love and friendship.

We make sugar cookies (heart-shaped if I am on top of things) and decorate them with pink frosting. I would love to start a heart-shaped pancake tradition as well.