Celebrating Valentine’s Day Amid COVID Chaos

As with every holiday that has come under COVID-19’s shadow, Valentine’s Day will be different this year. While a night on the town probably sounds like a great idea, the healthier plan is to make do at home. Again. There’s good news, though. By pumping up your home décor and planning a fun activity, this holiday can be as lovely as love itself.

Many of us remember the fun of crafting Valentines when we were kids. Why not give these same nostalgic memories to your children? While paper hearts made out of construction paper are always an easy favorite, you may want to try something new this year. Printables for paper sacks of goodies, cutout hands, or origami make really fun project ideas. When you and the kids are done crafting, make sure you send your homemade Valentines to friends or even elderly neighbors who may be feeling lonely.

While the kids are on a crafting roll, have them help with decorations, too! Mason jars painted with glue and then rolled in glitter make fun votives for a beautiful centerpiece. Paper chains in all sorts of colors and garland or banners hung from a fireplace or a window also make a room feel cheery and festive. If you’re looking for something to use year after year, why not make a string heart on a piece of wood that can be hung on the wall? Even the youngest children can contribute their works of art to create a celebratory atmosphere.

Have several fun activities planned throughout the day. Whether you have children or not, making breakfast in bed for your loved one is a great place to start. Heart-shaped waffles are a favorite. Dance parties, family game night, competitive trivia or a movie afternoon are some other great ways to spend time with those you love. Why not top the night off with chocolate fondue or another delicious dessert? You can even make it into a competition by going head to head in your own kitchen to see who can create the sweetest masterpiece.

If you and your family enjoy helping others, Valentine’s Day makes a great time to volunteer for local nonprofits. Show your love to the community in a socially distanced way by making sack lunches for a local homeless shelter. If you are able, donate money to a favorite cause in your area. Pull on some gloves and take the kids out to a local park and participate in a cleanup effort.

Our community has been resilient throughout this pandemic. It may be hard to have yet another holiday in quarantine but, by making the best of it, we are proving that life goes on even in tough times. So regardless of how you celebrate this holiday of love, we hope you’re filled with gratitude for the gift of relationships with family and friends. And, remember, we’re all in this together!