How LI families celebrate Valentine's Day
Sam Canonica, 7, and his sister Grace, 5, of Deer Park pose with gifts they'll be giving out at school for Valentine's Day. (Feb. 4, 2009) Credit: Newsday/Tony Jerome
When my husband, Jason, and I were dating, we used to make lavish plans for Valentine's Day. We'd try a new restaurant, maybe go to the movies and of course, exchange gifts. When we got married and bought a house, our Valentine's Day plans changed a bit. After all, the new roof, furniture (insert home improvement) was our "gift" to each other now, right?
Our plans this year involve Maggie, our 11-month-old daughter. Since Valentine's Day is on a Tuesday, I don't want to leave her after working all day, so the three of us will venture out to dinner. So what if we choose the diner or another kid-friendly restaurant over Frank's Steak House. The point of the day is to be with those you love and I'm doing just that. And of course I have a special card for each of them and a fun, new book for Maggie. I can't think of a better way to spend Valentine's Day (and every other day for that matter)!
I thought it would be fun to hear how other Long Island families will be spending Valentine's Day this year, so I reached out to our Facebook and Twitter fans and asked them what activities they have planned. Here's what they had to say:
Me and Dad are going to take all three on a date.
-Andrea Blocker, via Facebook
My "kid" is 18 and a freshman at Coastal Carolina U. We are sending out a special Valentine's Day box for her, packed with her favorite stuff, from Pringles to candy to body spray and a lint brush! As well as an extra special box to arrive from MLB with a Pink Yankee Valentine's Day shirt! Love ya, kid!
-Diane Schaber, via Facebook
We take the kids to Build-a-Bear and let them make a bear and then we follow it up with dinner at the Cookie Shop in the mall!
-Denise N Jim Daney, via Facebook
My little one is getting her tonsils out so no Valentine's for us this year. We will spend it in the hospital with her. But I did get my son some chocolates and I got her a few little things, too.
-Beth Kranitz-Henkel, via Facebook
Flowers for my 2-year-old princess when I pick her up at nursery school and a teddy bear for my son. Then, we're meeting Daddy for lunch.
-Maria Gonzalez-Prescod, via Facebook
It's my twin 'babies' sixth birthday!
-Leslie Jacobson Ferrara, East Setauket
My blog, valleystreammom.com is hosting a Valentine's Day party for kids in Valley Stream. That will be my kids' gifts.
-Kimberly Thomas, Valley Stream
Personalized M & M's!
-Linda Ventimiglia Armyn, via Facebook
I'm making cake pops for my daughter's day care.
-Diana Lepkowski, via Facebook
I just learned from a friend today that she and her hubby make an extravagant and fancy dinner for their kids. Tablecloth, candlelight, music -- the works. They all dress up and on the menu is anything pink, red or in the shape of a heart! It's taught the kids manners as they have their three course meal, help in the kitchen by cooking, cleaning up and then exchanging Valentine's they've made for each other. She has five kids ages 10 to 3 weeks. They live for this holiday. I thought it was such a great idea that I'm going to start this year!
-Celeste Brown Wright, via Facebook
How are you celebrating Valentine's Day with your family this year? Comment below or follow me on Twitter @JenBergerKids.
