When I was a teenager my Mom did something I’ll never forget on Valentine’s Day—she bought me a Big Hunk candy bar, my Favorite! When I came home from school I found it sitting there on my bed with a note attached, saying, “Someday you’ll find your own Big Hunk!” I loved that Valentine! My Mom knew I needed a “pick-me-up” because dating boys, at the time, was going nowhere! And nothing beats the blues for a teenager like chocolate and candy! But most importantly, my Mom showed me LOVE.
In my family, I’ve tried my best to include my kids and husband—even Grandparents-- on Valentine’s Day. One year, we decided to make a special heart-shaped cake filled with fresh fruit and whipped cream. Who doesn’t love cake? Another year, I sewed Valentine’s for my kids and inside each pocket I tucked in their favorite candies.
We’ve decorated sugar cookies with Grandma before and also mailed she and Grandpa homemade Valentine’s. And just a couple years ago, we were recipients of a “Heart Attack!” We found tons of paper hearts filled with kind words and sweet thoughts of our family on our front door. We left it up for days afterward.
Valentine’s Day—it’s all about LOVE. And chocolate. But it can be so much more! It can involve families and friends---not just “Love Birds.” Once we reach outside and find someone we care about and let them know—Valentine’s Day has new meaning.
When she was a little girl, Michelle Vance of North Ogden, said, “A favorite tradition stems from my childhood. I make and decorate each member of my family a big heart shaped sugar cookie—bigger than their dinner plate. The kids love it.”
And this year Michelle is going to try a new tradition to get her family involved with Valentine’s Day: “Each family member will cut out 14 hearts and tape them onto their bedroom door. Starting February 1 through the 14th each family member has to write on each other’s hearts something they admire or love about them.”
What can you do to show someone you love on Valentine’s Day?
On KSL.com, from February 2015, we found a whole list of great ideas including these for focusing on your family with this holiday of LOVE:
Spend time teaching something new to your children such as the history behind Valentine’s Day, how to grow roses or where chocolate comes from. Giving your children the joy of learning is the best way to show them you love them.
Have a Baking Party! Replace that box of chocolates with homemade chocolate chip cookies or freshly baked red velvet cake. Valentine’s Day is the perfect time to teach your child how to bake if you haven’t before.
Candlelight dinner at home. Avoid the too-crowded restaurants and have a fancy dinner party at home for just you and your children. A bottle of sparkling cider and a pair of candles will transform your dining room for you and your children.
When Valentine’s Day rolls around this year--just remember to show that person some love-- whoever it is! And if you need a little extra help—here’s that Old Fashioned Cookie Recipe from Michelle Vance to sweeten things up!
Old Fashioned Sugar Cookies
3 ½ to 4 cups Flour
1 tsp. Baking Soda
1 ¼ cups sugar
1 egg
1 tsp. vanilla
½ cup butter
½ tsp. salt
½ cup sour cream or buttermilk
Mix butter, sugar, vanilla and egg until well mixed. Mix sifted flour, baking soda and salt and add alternatively with sour cream. Next, I like to add my secret ingredient of ½ tsp. almond extract at the last and mix it in before I roll out my dough.
Roll onto floured pastry sheet into desired shapes. Bake on greased cookies sheet at 375 degrees for about 8 minutes. Do not brown. Makes 2 ½ dozen. Enjoy!
