Written by Lio Rowan (Features Writer)
Valentine’s day is around the corner, and many people feel discouraged. Unable to celebrate with their significant other because of the Covid-19 pandemic, it’s striking and sad. However, something we often fail to remember is that Valentine’s Day isn’t just about romance. It’s true! You can celebrate love and companionship without it being romantic. Valentine’s day is about more than buying flowers for your partner. It can be about showing your friends and family how much you love and care about them. Because this holiday is about all kinds of love, and that includes familial. So dig those flowers out of the trash and whip out your chocolate molds, because here are five things you can do to show your love to your family.
Starting with a backyard/indoor picnic. It’s easy and fun, you can surprise them, or even make it a family event. You can stick with breakfast in bed, or go into your backyard with a blanket to sit on. The contents of the picnic are honestly up to you, but here’s an easy, heart-shaped French toast recipe that is perfect for a nice brunch.
Ingredients:
- Bread of choice
- 1 Egg
- 1/2 TB Cinnamon
- 3/4 c Milk or Water
- 1 tsp Maple syrup
- As many Strawberries as you want
- Beat an egg, using a fork, in a medium bowl. Add about ¾ cup milk per egg used. Add a teaspoon of maple syrup and half a tablespoon of cinnamon, stir well.
- On medium-low heat cook each side until golden brown.
- Using a heart-shaped cookie cutter, cut out heart shapes from the center of bread slices.
- Dip all bread pieces into the egg mixture and set onto pancake griddle or large skillet set on medium heat. Brown lightly on both sides.
- Garnish with cut strawberries and maple syrup.
Next, is love letters. It sounds cheesy, but a letter to your parents, or even siblings, about how much you love and appreciate them is the perfect way to celebrate Valentine’s. It shows genuine care and can really lighten someone’s day. Here are some prompts to get you started
- Dear Parent, I may act like a know-it-all in front of you but a day doesn’t pass without seeking your advice. I have always idolized you.
- Dear Mom, I am glad that I was raised by a strong woman like you. Seeing you, I have learned to get up each time I hit the rock bottom in life.
- Dear Mom, When I was a little girl, I used to think heroes were extraordinary people who can shoot lasers or scale buildings. But then I realized that a mother is a superhero in a child’s life.
- Dear Siblings, I love you. I can’t remember the last time I said those exact words out loud because our love for one another is shown through jokes and name-calling, but I wouldn’t have it any other way.
Last up is an easter valentines day crossover, called “Lovesick hide and seek” But instead of hiding people, you hide cut-out hearts with candy taped to them. It’s quite easy and super fun! All you’re going to need is
- Construction paper
- Scissors
- Tape
- And small candies of your choice
Simply cut out the hearts and tape the candy to them, hide them around the house, put on some killer beats and send the family off. Make a competition out of it, whoever finds the most hearts gets to pick the next game! Speaking of, our next game is Musical hearts.
Once again you’ll want to cut out a handful of paper hearts, 1less than the total number of players. On each card write an action. It can be anything you choose, for example, “Sing the ABC’s” or “Write a Haiku about Valentine’s day.” Then, as the name suggests, put the cards face down in a circle, find a good song, and essentially play musical chairs. You walk around the hearts until the music stops, and then do the task on the heart you land on. Once you do the task remove the heart from the circle. Continue until there are two people and one card, get the last card forest to win! Happy Valentines Day to all, spend it with friends or family but remember to stay safe and wear a mask. These are scary and difficult times. Try your best not to let this holiday make you feel alone.
The Claw 