How Valentine’s Day Changes with Kids - For the Better
I used to put quite a bit of stock into Hallmark holidays. I needed the fanciness, the special restaurant, the candlelit dinner and red lipstick, the fancy high heels and dozen red roses. Years I didn’t have a Valentine were celebrated with Pinot and showings of Dirty Dancing with girlfriends; reminiscing over the years with boyfriends, and eventually, my husband, I feel terrible for those poor guys for how much of a big deal I made the holiday.
Valentine’s is a great mid-winter excuse to get out of the house and celebrate love, but when we had our first baby, our holiday had to drastically change. It was no longer realistic or logistically possibly with a 9-month-old to go to dinner - that year, I didn’t have a sitter in the evening who I totally trusted - and getting fancied up for a few hours out seemed exhausting.
At first, I felt bummed. Date nights are rare and special; even rarer is the excuse to get out and feel beautiful with my partner. That year, however, proved to be the best one.
By tearing away the expectations of commercialized holiday romance, we managed to have a meaningful celebration of where we were in our lives at that moment - in the comfort of our own home.
My husband cooked filets and created a beautiful meal for us while I put my son to bed for the evening. I got to enjoy wine and some classic movies while cuddling on the couch, which is infinitely more comfortable than sitting in Spanx in a movie theater. (I still haven’t figured out how to get comfortable in heels at the theater - where the hell do you put your feet when you need to lay back??) We didn’t have to spend any money to make the night special, and the flowers he selected (not roses) lasted long past the holiday’s end.
If you’re holed up at home scratching your head about tomorrow’s festivities with babies in tow, here are a few ways to ensure you have the loveliest time with your partner, and still enjoy a little romance!
Go to a Valentine’s Lunch with Baby
Who says you HAVE to leave your child behind to celebrate? Many restaurants are now extending their special menus to the lunch hour to allow families to bring their children and have a more relaxed experience.
Cook Dinner At Home
There are outstanding recipes for restaurant quality steaks and seafood that we have used for special dinners of our favorite meal. Grab some items during your weekly grocery trip and a special bottle of wine and connect with each other while cooking in the kitchen. This recipe for Filets is foolproof!
Have Dinner The Following Weekend
Sometimes restaurants have the same items on their special V-Day menu for a much more discounted rate after the holiday is over, and weekends make it easier for regular childcare providers and grandparents to come over and watch the baby while you make a relaxed getaway.
Visit a Local Florist and Pick What’s In Season
Not stuck on red roses? There are beautiful and affordable bouquets you can decorate your table with for a fraction of the prices of roses, which are marked up over 50% during the holiday week. Your nose will enjoy the fragrant addition!
Create Your Own Date with Crate With Love
One of our favorite ways to enjoy a romantic date at home is with a date crate. There are a few subscription services we’ve tried, but we really enjoy Crate With Love. They send a small crate of themed activities and questions to your door that guide a special evening, and sometimes reveal some surprises about each other!
However you celebrate, the importance of being together and freeing your evening (or daytime) from distraction is key to having a wonderful time that you share with your partner. Enjoy the holiday!
While Valentine’s Day is just one day, connecting with your partner is important all year round. If you’re stressed thinking about leaving your baby, consider hiring a date night doula. Our postpartum and infant care specialists will ensure you have a relaxed evening, confident that your little one is in trusted hands.