Our Favorite Valentine’s Day Countdown Tradition

Post by Contributing Writer Kristen

 

Valentine’s Day is one of my favorite holidays; it always has been. I mean, what is there not to love about a holiday that is all about love???? In the spirit of the holiday centered around love, our family likes to leave daily love notes for each other, as a countdown of sorts until the actual day.

 

In the past, we used paper envelopes (that the kids decorated) and hung them on each child’s doorknob with yarn, but a few years ago I purchased these (that you can also make if you’re crafty) that attach to the back of their chairs at the kitchen table. Every morning at breakfast they get so excited to go through and see what they have waiting for them in their ‘envelope of love’. I always leave them notes, so it’s never empty, but they get so much joy out of watching their siblings read or admire what they have made, that there has not been a problem with someone getting left out. The way they see it, the more notes, pictures, drawings, doodles, poems and objects of affection, the better.;)

 

Notes vary from words of affirmation (We LOVE how kind you are to your baby brother!), to silly jokes (Knock, knock? Who’s there? Juno! Juno who? Juno I love you right?), to acts of kindness to carry out at school that day (Sit by someone at lunch who is having a rough day, or tell your teacher thank you for all they do!); there is really no end to what you could include!

 

Then, on the morning of Valentine’s Day, they find their envelope filled with some extra special treats (art supplies, candy and either a book or small lego kit) from mom and dad.

 

I also like to add handwritten scripture verses about love to their envelopes, here are a few of my favorites:

 

“Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in Love.” Ephesians 4:2

 

“Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers a multitude of sins.” 1 Peter 4:8

 

“Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born from God and knows God.” 1 John 4:7

 

“Jesus replied, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.” This is the first and greatest commandment. The second is this, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself’.” Matthew 22:37-39

 

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him, shall not perish, but have eternal life.” John 3:16

 

“Hatred stirs up conflict, but love covers over all wrongs.” Proverbs 10:12

 

“Love is patient, love is kind, it does not envy , it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil, but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always preservers. Love never fails.” 1 Corinthians 13:4-8

 

“And now these three remain, faith, hope and love, but the greatest of these is love.” 1 Corinthians 13:13

 

Here’s to a love-filled Valentine’s Day for you and yours!

 

 

 

Kristen Baird is a preschool teacher turned stay at home mom to four sweet and very busy children (9, 6 and 2 yr. old twins). Her family is her constant source of inspiration and need for coffee, as she endeavors to create a joyful, beauty-filled home. She documents snippets of her family’s life at teawithlondon.blogspot.com.