Valentine’s Day, Simplified
A simple Valentine’s Day at home with our family
Valentine’s Day looks a little different once kids enter the picture.
A fancy date night out still sounds lovely, but babysitters can be hard to find, schedules are full, and sometimes the budget just says no. And honestly, even when it’s possible, there are seasons when what we really want is to stay home, slow down, and be together.
So instead of forcing something that doesn’t fit, we’ve learned to lean into what does. A simple night at home, or even a late afternoon or early evening celebration because let’s be honest, sleep matters. A reminder that love doesn’t need a reservation to be meaningful.
Set the Scene
So much of what makes a day feel special has nothing to do with money and everything to do with intention. Valentine’s Day is no different. A few books about love and kindness on the coffee table, music playing softly in the background, or everyone wearing something festive can instantly shift the mood.
Little touches go a long way. Heart-shaped napkins, a simple banner on the front door, coloring placemats at the table, or even just changing the lighting in your home can make the evening feel set apart. This year, we’ve been big into candle making, so adding a few themed candles felt like an easy way to make our space feel warm and special without doing much at all.
Get Creative in the Kitchen
Food has a way of bringing everyone together, especially when it’s playful. Valentine’s Day is a great excuse to have a little fun in the kitchen. A simple dinner made special by presentation, heart-shaped pancakes, pink pasta, or baked treats decorated together can turn an ordinary meal into a memory.
The goal isn’t perfection. It’s participation. Letting kids help, make a mess, and feel included turns the meal into part of the celebration, not just something to rush through before the next activity.
Get Crafty
Crafts are a staple in our house, as long as they don’t involve glitter. A simple craft before dinner, while food is cooking, or after everyone has eaten gives the evening a natural rhythm and something to do together.
Homemade Valentine cards, paper heart garlands, or small keepsakes made with love often mean more than store-bought decorations. They also help each holiday feel distinct from the last, even when you’re celebrating at home year after year.
Create an Adventure at Home
You don’t have to leave the house to make the day memorable. A Valentine-themed scavenger hunt, a living room dance party, a board game night, or even a kid-friendly spa afternoon can feel exciting simply because it’s different.
Sometimes the best moments come from finally doing the things we keep saving for “someday.” Turning off screens, saying yes to silliness, and letting the evening unfold without an agenda.
As parents and partners, it’s easy to feel the pressure to make holidays bigger, better, and more impressive every year. But what if we chose simple instead?
Quality time is one of the most meaningful gifts we can give our families, and it doesn’t cost a thing. This Valentine’s Day, let’s resist the urge to overdo it and choose presence over production. Sometimes the most loving thing we can do is stay home, slow down, and enjoy being together.
XO
Jenna
