Valentine’s Day (Traditions)

I don’t like Halloween very much and I absolutely despite April Fools’ Day. But before you pin me down as the worst holiday curmudgeon ever, I will say that I really love Valentine’s Day.

(V-day, New Years, and Thanksgiving are all tied for my top 3! Does anyone else have a random holiday hierarchy?)

Growing up, my parents (really, my dad!) always orchestrated a treasure hunt on Valentine’s morning. This was the most warm and fuzzy Pinteresty thing my parents ever did (not that Pinterest was a thing in the 80s and 90s – lucky them!).

So, perhaps not surprisingly, my warm fuzzy memories have led me down a similar path. We have been doing this with the kids since A was old enough to follow picture clues. Now she will be reading them to Cameron. Next year maybe he will read them. And one day, maybe we’ll have to change the language (my father once provided clues in French!) to make it more challenging.

I am still NOT a Pinterest parent, but I’m looking forward to this morning!

Here are the clues:

And here’s what the little notes look like (and my scribbled ‘key’ as to where to actually put everything!):

And finally, here’s the loot! Beanie Baby-ish things (a unicorn for A, Spiderman for C, and a pink owl for G) + small individual boxes of See’s chocolate for A&C. Next year maybe G will get her own 🙂

On a more somber note, the schools will be on enhanced security and at A’s school there will be tribute to the Marjory Stoneman Douglas shooting, which took place on Valentine’s Day last year (we live 30 minutes from there now). I am hoping they handle it in a way that won’t scare A too much, but I’ll make sure to delve into her thoughts later tonight. I will be thinking of those impacted by this tragic event even on this otherwise lovely holiday. I hope everyone has a sweet and safe Valentine’s Day.