Do you have a Valentine's Day tradition?

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With Valentine’s Day lurking around the corner, discussions have begun at my house as to what we’re up to this year: call on a babysitter? Order take out from a favourite, not frequented enough restaurant? Do our usual?

For us, our usual is a smattering of foods my husband and I turn to for our more romantic dates. We hit the nearest grocery store to stock up on Brie, old cheddar and Gouda cheeses, salmon pâté, prosciutto, some green grapes, a thick loaf of French bread and a cool bottle of dry white wine. It’s our romantic happiness meal. It’s us.

I’m not sure when it became us. Was it the island picnic where we packed several of these items and rollerbladed to a picnic spot to literally break bread? Was it because that’s what we turned to as a romantic meal option back when we were early in our careers and short on funds? Was it because we spent a sweet week in Paris where we noshed on the best Brie, bread and wine in the world? Not sure…could be all of that. Again, all I know is it’s us.

How about you? Do you have any happiness rituals with your significant other, or children, or close friends? I asked around and a few of you shared your Valentine’s Day traditions.

Couple time

“Candles, champagne and seven-layer dip…inspired by the week prior's Superbowl Sunday.”– Punam Kumar Gill

“I try to plan a dinner out but on another date as restaurants are a little busy on Valentine’s Day.”– Brenda D. Mitchell

“My husband Kirk makes me heart-shaped French toast for breakfast every Valentine’s Day.”– Corinne Lynds

All in the family

“Our family's ritual for Valentine's is to get take out and indulge in sweet and chocolaty dessert—really anything rich and chocolately!”– Sylvia Mollison

“I always send a Valentine to my baby sister (now in her 40s). It’s something to keep me in her thoughts and to let her know she is in mine.”– Velma Ferguson

“Baking! My three boys' participation lies in the “eating” portion of the day. I'm making conversation heart cookies.”– Shannon Carroll-Wiedener  

“Breakfast with my girls. Red tablecloth, candles, pancakes or something deserving of icing sugar. Three small yet significant gifts.”– Mara Gulens

And just fun…

“Good friends. Red wine. And something cheesy. (Last year, Bon Jovi. This year, Twilight.)”– Jennifer Wilson

What about you? Have a Valentine’s Day ritual that makes you happy? Tell us about it below.

Want more happiness news? Follow me on Twitter @AstridVanDenB