Pandemic Celebrations

Valentine's Day 2021 falls almost eleven months into pandemic life.  During the pandemic, the extra time at home with immediate family has provided opportunities to implement meaningful holiday traditions with my children. As we embark on Valentine's I am planning what this will look like for our family.

In previous years, my children would receive a Valentine Card and a little candy or chocolate.  They'd fill out Valentine cards to take to school.  We didn't need to  fill out cards for the class Valentines list since we are in virtual school.  Not sure what we will do in lieu of that, if anything, but I sure didn't miss this task.  Some families love this tradition, but my family members are not fans.

One of my children has been asking for a new fidget lately, so I'll likely seek out a fun little fidget or two this year.  I'd also like to bake or make something special with my kids. I hope to do something individually with each child.  With Valentine's Day landing on a Sunday, we have a little extra wiggle room in the day to get in some quality time.  Usually, we'd prefer to get outside for a bike ride or a hike as a family, but this weekend's forecast is really looking frigid.  Indoor quality time will likely be a more realistic way to win a bid for an activity together.  I have a few ideas, and will likely ask each child to pick one.  Here are a few of the things I am suggesting:

• Bake Chocolate Brownies
• Make chocolate covered strawberries
• Chocolate Fondue
• Doughnuts from Krispy Kreme or Big Foots
• Hot Chocolate Bar
• Homemade Pizza
• Kid friendly charcuterie board - sweet treats or meats and cheese
• Family Game night
• Group Puzzle
• Family Lego Project
• Jackbox.tv games with cousins online
• Paint fingernails and toenails

Chocolate may be overly represented in this list, and I am quite ok with that. We will incorporate lemon flavors which is another house favorite for Easter. 

I've tried to be intentional to create some memories and start some simple yet meaningful traditions that we can carry on after the pandemic's panic has subsided.  As my children get older, carrying out traditions is easier in some ways as they can do more and help more, yet harder in others. They have historically had more obligations outside of the home, so this year has definitely provided more time and an opportunity for us to focus on how we are celebrating with one another.  I feel that has brought us a little closer.

What do you do to celebrate special days in your family?  Has that changed during the pandemic?  We’d love to hear about your traditions, and how you’ve adapted the past eleven months.  How'd you spend this Valentine's Day?  How do you make sure the children in your home feel the love today and every day?