Valentine’s Day, celebrated on February 14, is a time when people exchange greeting cards called valentines with their sweethearts, friends, and family. Some valentines have romantic verses, while others feature funny pictures or sayings, often with the phrase “Be my valentine.” In the weeks leading up to the day, stores fill with valentines and festive decorations. Schoolchildren decorate classrooms with paper hearts and lace, and many people mark the occasion by giving candy, flowers, and other gifts to those they care about.

In the United States and Canada, kids often exchange valentines with friends. Some schools host classroom parties where decorated boxes collect all the cards, which are handed out at the end of the day. Many children enjoy making their own valentines with paper doilies, red paper, wallpaper scraps, and magazine cutouts, or they might use kits with everything included. The biggest, fanciest cards often go to parents and teachers. Older students celebrate with Valentine’s Day dances and parties, creating candy baskets, gifts, and place cards decorated with hearts and cherubic cupids. Many people give flowers, candy, or other thoughtful gifts to their partners, and most valentine candy boxes are heart-shaped and tied with red ribbon.

Links about Valentine’s Day