A New Kind of Valentine’s Day
Every year, lovers around the world countdown to February 14 to celebrate romance and find cute ways to show they care. Well, my friends, this year has upped the ante – for those who are blissfully in love, you may be apart from your partner or like me, you might not be alone to celebrate intimately. But like most things this past year, rather than sulk, we mix things up and find new ways to celebrate.
Typically, my hubby and I go for dinner, exchange small gifts and bask in the air of love all around. Although we have our anniversary to celebrate our union, Valentine’s Day is a way to truly indulge in the triumph of our love. Also typical is that Valentine’s Day is just about us… meaning not mom and dad, just husband and wife. Well, this year we are throwing that out the window and indulging our little ones in true love.
I’m all about embracing the new normal. We got treats from all over town because, chocolate. Like kids in a candy shop, chocolate treats on Valentine’s Day has unrivaled pairing. Olini balloons (@oliniballoons) oversized chocolates sent my kids into a sugar high. But, admittedly, me too! I couldn’t help but indulge in my curiosity – not to mention the @llkkids and @littleleahskitchen personalized cookies, little lollipop lips and cupcakes.
Adorned in their cutest little @___.patched.___ hats, we gifted them personalized mugs jammed with yummy treats from @namecandyxo. I know Valentine’s Day is not just about gifts, but who doesn’t love an opportunity to bask in sweets while spending time with the people we love?
Decorating our home in pink and red motif to really ring in love, we had the prettiest balloons from @loveyoumore_balloons. We hung out, we played, we laughed, we ate yummy melting sugar-filled chocolate and then, we talked about what makes Valentine’s Day so special. My hope is that my kids have a positive memory of these special holidays and look forward to finding ways to make their friends and loved ones feel special in the years to come.
And then… they sleep – that is when hubby and I can turn the light down, throw on cute pink pjs, pour the wine and slice up the @Olovecakes. A little time to ourselves to just remind each other that although we have had a sufficient amount of time this year at home in closed quarters, we are grateful to have each other and no amount of time “stuck at home” together is enough time when you’re in love. xoxo Happy Valentine’s Day!
Photography by Patricia Brochu