Posted in Art

Recently, I was at a scrapbook event.  The leader asked what everyone was doing/getting for their spouse for Valentine's Day.  Upon my turn, I felt the butterflies rumbling as I said, "Nothing."  The room began to murmur as if I had spoken of some atrocity.  I am used to that response.  I was asked to clarify my comment, as some thought maybe my Valentine's Gift was on the indecent to say in public relm.  I repeated that I was getting him nothing because we don't celebrate Valentine's Day.  "You mean you don't love your husband!" came blurting from somewhere in front of me.  I replied that I do indeed love my husband, but I don't need a Hallmark holiday to say so.  I also don't want my husband to buy me an obligatory gift.  We buy gifts for each other all year long.  Some simple, some extravaggant.  We tell each other we love each other everyday.  Our year longValentine's is to try our best to appreciate each other every day. 

Then I was asked if I celebrate Valentine's Day with my children.  I replied No.  There was more gasping and guffawing from all around me.  "So you buy your kids gifts all year long to tell you love them, right?"  was a rhetorical question that shot from a woman who had seemingly not been paying attention due to her feverish scrapping pace.  I simply stated that we do not buy chocolate or stuffed bears with hearts or even cards for our children.  Valentine's Day is supposed to be for "lovers" firstly, and secondly, I hug my children and love on them everyday.  Again, no need for monetary gifts to represent this.  I mentioned that we make a craft and some type of goody, because it is a "holiday."  The room was silent for a few moments before chatter sprang up about a new topic.  The rest of the evening, I felt as though eyes were consistently peering at me.  Perhaps they were looking to see if some of my "fake" human skin was peeling away to reveal my true alien nature. 

So, as we finger painted some valentine's hearts this afternoon, I wondered what traditions others have to celebrate this holiday. 

Here's my kids finger painted hearts, and some that I cut out to place above our art bar.

Please share your family's Valentine's Day traditions.  I hope you enjoy our little Hearts for Art project. 

Happy Valentine's Day!