Every February 14th, we celebrate Valentine’s Day by giving cards, candy and/or flowers to those we love. But where did this tradition begin? Is it, as I have always feared, a conspiracy by the florists and card makers in this country? Was there really a Saint Valentine or was his name actually Saint Hallmark?

There is some mystery surrounding the real story behind Valentine’s Day and why we celebrate it in mid-February. One legend has it that Valentine was a priest who served during third century Rome. A ruler at that time, by the name of Emperor Claudius II, decided that single men made better soldiers than those that were married. He wanted a very strong army, so he outlawed marriage. Valentine felt this decree was harshly unfair, so he chose to marry young couples secretly. When Emperor Claudius II found out about Valentine's actions he had him put to death. Supposedly, February 14th was the day of his death.

Another legend contends that Valentine himself sent the first card. He was imprisoned at the time and fell in love with the jailor’s daughter. He sent her a love letter before his death, which he marked “from your Valentine”. Although the truth behind Valentine’s Day is a little unclear, it is certain that Valentine’s heroic and romantic nature are qualities that have appealed to all through the years.

The earliest noted celebration of Valentine’s Day was in the 1600s. By the mid-1700s, it was becoming quite common for people to exchange small tokens of affection or handwritten notes for Valentine’s. By the end of the century, printed cards began to replace handwritten ones because of the new technology of printing.

According to the Greeting Card Association, an estimated one billion valentine cards are sent each year, making Valentine's Day the second largest card-sending holiday of the year. Save yourself that last minute trip to the store, and buy your cards online at Hallmark. Better yet, pass on the link to your husband and maybe he’ll find you a really good card this year. If you’re looking for an inexpensive way to send special thoughts to your friends and family members, how about sending an E-card; My Dear Valentine, 123 Greetings, and 2000 Greetings all have great selections.

Another great idea for kid Valentine cards is to print them at home. It is often so hard for the kids to decide which Valentine card they want to give to their friends. This way they can choose a couple different kinds and you can print only the amount you need, rather than the set amount in the box. Click on Free Printable Valentines and listen to that printer hum.

February is a month of cold, rainy or snowy weather in most parts of the country. It is a perfect time for indoor activities. How about some Valentine-related crafts to do with the kids that you can give away as special gifts? Handmade Cards are fun to make and give, and can be tailored to do with younger or older children. Grandma would love receiving a Decoupaged Pot filled with a beautiful, early, spring flower from her grandchildren or two pretty, scented Rose Petal Napkin Rings to decorate her table. From Candy Friendship Bracelets to Cupid Poop, you and the kids will have a terrific time being crafty and your loved ones will adore their sweet gifts from the heart.

"Nothing says lovin’ like something from the oven," and Valentine’s Day is synonymous with romantic meals and delectable treats. A dinner out is a perfect way to celebrate the day with your lover, but if crowds are not your style or you do not have a babysitter, how about a romantic dinner at home? Feed the kids early and distract them with a video or tuck them in bed early, and plan a late dinner for you and your sweetie. You can go all out with fancy foods and champagne using your best china and crystal or have a picnic on the floor and feed one another.

Another option that we have done several times at our house is to include the kids in the “romantic” dinner. We all get dressed up in fancy clothes, eat on our best dishes and enjoy a candlelight dinner at home, kids and all. This is an option best appreciated with school age or older kids, as candlelight and highchairs just are not the best companions.

Whatever you decide for your dinner, dessert on Valentine’s Day is a must! Making and decorating sugar cookie hearts is fun and delicious! Melt chocolate chips over a double boiler and dip in luscious red strawberries, set on waxed paper until cool, then store in the refrigerator until dessert time. Cheesecake or flourless tortes are yet another scrumptious way to end a perfect meal. There are many incredible looking recipes at Godiva that will absolutely guarantee a kiss for the cook.

However you choose to celebrate Valentine’s Day, I hope that your day is filled with the love of those around you. Enjoy a chocolate truffle, smile at the message on a conversational heart and tip your glass to a hopelessly romantic and always mysterious man, Saint Valentine.

Looking for some great websites for Valentine crafts and recipes:

Holiday Crafts
Free Valentine’s Day Crafts
Family Fun: Celebrate the Holidays
Valentine’s Day Resources

~Lynette is a wife and stay-at-home mom of three from the Pacific Northwest. She is thinking very seriously this Valentine’s Day of serving a romantic spaghetti dinner, "Lady and the Tramp" style, with one plate and no silverware. Awwww, amour!