Do you have any special Valentine Traditions? In this creative article you can get some very practical ideas to start a Valentine tradition in your family. Share your fun ideas by tweeting us @ronhuxley or go to our Parenting Pride page on Facebook (click here). Source: http://www.parentsconnect.com/questions/valentines_day_traditions_family.jhtml The earlier you start traditions, the more likely they will continue to be practiced and cherished. For young ones, you might want to try putting red food coloring in their milk, make heart-shaped pancakes with red heart smiley faces or stick valentines and chocolate kisses in their lunch boxes. Do something uniquely meaningful for each of your children, to show them that they are each your special valentine. (And as they grow older, the specific "something" may change, but the tradition will remain.) Perhaps dinner can consist of everyone's favorite food—which might mean that you end up with several dessert items on the table! You can also spread the tradition of love to include other people, or things. Teach random acts of kindness, and encourage your kids to find three ways that they can be loving and caring on February 14. Or do family acts of kindness. For instance, take cookies to a nursing home, bring food to the local animal shelter, send homemade cards to kids in the hospital or make a contribution to your favorite charity." Where did the Valentine Holiday come from? According to Wikipedia: "Saint Valentine's Day, commonly shortened to Valentine's Day,^[1][2][3] is an annual commemoration held on February 14 celebrating loveand affection between intimate companions.^[1][3] The day is named after one or more early Christian martyrs named Valentine and was established by Pope Gelasius I in 500 AD. It was deleted from the Roman calendar of saints in 1969 by Pope Paul VI, but its religious observance is still permitted. It is traditionally a day on which lovers express their love for each other by presenting flowers, offeringconfectionery, and sending greeting cards (known as "valentines"). The day first became associated with romantic love in the circle ofGeoffrey Chaucer in the High Middle Ages, when the tradition of courtly love flourished. Modern Valentine's Day symbols include the heart-shaped outline, doves, and the figure of the winged Cupid. Since the 19th century, handwritten valentines have given way to mass-produced greeting cards."