To me Valentine’s is so much more impactful when it feels like a season of extra love, rather than a mandatory date night on a certain day.    At the entrance to our wedding in 2009, when I was 27 years old,  I hand rhinestoned letters to go over the arch walking into our reception in Mexico that said CELEBRATE LOVE because that’s literally my life mantra.  Love is what we all want to feel and experience and it’s one of the greatest life gifts.     This podcast episode is all about ways to use this time to really have fun with your people - show them how much you love them and create special memories and traditions together.    I have 45 creative ideas to share in this episode.  A little bit of everything for every season and bucket of your life.      Ideas for…      Date Nights!   do something that you would have done at the start of your relationship   movie & dinner in on the couch   each make a dessert   each make each others fav thing that you make   play a couples game with questions (might need wine to make this not cheesy!)        School Class Parties!   “what I love about you” for each child - a book or on the wall   scavenger hunt   Valentine’s Bingo   frame with picture of child that they decorate and give to parents as a gift   decorate your own bag or mailbox for Valentine’s   Valentine’s obstacle course - like a fun relay with heart-themed challenges like carrying a candy heart on a spoon.     Girlfriends Night!   “board” party where everyone brings a board - chocolate board, taco board etc.   cocktail tasting!  Wine, champagne, tequila- always fun!   sip & paint with a prompt like - what love means to me  gift exchange - secret Santa style - set a budget and give love themed gifts      Valentine’s Snacks!  strawberry love boats – hollow out strawberries, fill with whipped cream and chocolate chips.  Cupid’s Arrow Kabobs – Thread strawberries, marshmallows, and brownies onto skewers.  Heart-Shaped Pizza – Let everyone make their own mini heart pizzas.  Chocolate-Covered Pretzel Sticks – Dip in pink, red, or white chocolate and decorate with sprinkles.  Love Bug Apples – Cut apples into heart shapes and use mini chocolate chips for eyes.     Valentine’s Crafts!  “Reasons I Love You” Jar – Fill a jar with tiny notes listing reasons you love someone.  Thumbprint Heart Keychains – Use clay to create fingerprint heart keychains.  DIY Love Coupons – Make personalized coupons for acts of kindness or fun activities.  Heart Garland – String together paper or fabric hearts to decorate.  Melted Crayon Heart Art – Melt old crayons into heart molds for colorful decorations.     Fun Activities To Do At Home!   Love-Themed Game Night – Play Valentine’s bingo, charades, or Pictionary with love-themed words.  Family Valentine’s Bake-Off – Compete in making the best Valentine’s dessert.  Candlelight Family Dinner – Dress up and have a fancy Valentine’s dinner together.  “Secret Valentine” like secret Santa  – Draw names and do a little gift exchange.  DIY Valentine’s Photo Booth – Set up a backdrop and take silly or heartfelt family photos.     Creative Gifts!  photo book   framed pictures   basket of their favorite things   themed basket - example: best sleep of your life, Chiefs fan, Starbucks basket etc.     Ways To Make Kids Feel Extra Loved!   Love Notes Countdown – In the days leading up to Valentine’s Day, place a heart-shaped note on their bedroom door each night with a reason why they’re special.   Personalized Valentine’s Breakfast – Serve heart-shaped pancakes with their favorite toppings, and add a handwritten note or a small toy on their plate to start the day with love.  Surprise “I Love You” Adventure – Plan a mystery outing tailored to what they love— example: a trip to their favorite park, a bookstore, or a DIY indoor fort with movies and snacks.  Heartfelt Story Time – Write a short story starring them as the hero, highlighting their kindness, bravery, and love. Read it together and gift them a printed or illustrated version to keep.  Valentine’s Mailbox – Set up a mini mailbox for each child and have family members leave notes, tiny treats, or hand-drawn pictures throughout the day.     Ways To Make Your Lover Feel Extra Loved!    A Love Trail – Leave little love notes, small gifts, or romantic clues around the house leading to a special surprise—maybe a candlelit dinner, a love letter, or a heartfelt video message. 52 Reasons I Love You Deck – Take a deck of playing cards and write a different reason you love them on each one. Bind them together into a “52 Reasons I Love You” flipbook. Memory Lane Date Night – Recreate your first date or a special moment in your relationship. Personalized Love Playlist – Curate a playlist of songs that tell your love story, include inside jokes, or remind you of special moments. Sneak it onto their phone and play it on Valentine’s! A Week of Thoughtful Surprises – Instead of celebrating just one day, spread out thoughtful surprises in the days leading up to Valentine’s Day—little love notes in their bag, their favorite coffee waiting for them, a midday love text, or a planned romantic evening.     Cheers to CELEBRATING LOVE!!