In this post, read how Saint Valentine’s Day started. Learn the history of this holiday and celebrate Valentine’s Week with fun activities. Plus download my free 19-page Charlotte Mason-based curriculum guide!
I can’t wait to get this week-long Valentine’s Day guide into your hands. I put a lot of work into it and I think it offers tremendous value to homeschoolers and parents who want to learn and celebrate with their kids.
Honestly this guide would be enjoyable as a part of your Mother Culture practice as well!
But this post is full of great content and more ideas so keep reading.

How Saint Valentine’s Day Started
In Ancient Rome, in the year 226, it’s believed the person we now know as Saint Valentine was born. Little is known for sure about his life and legend shrouds him in mystery, but for the most part historians agree upon a few things:
- There was a man named Valentine that lived from 226-269 A.D. in Ancient Rome.
- This man was a Christian, likely a doctor or healer of some kind. It’s thought he had a large garden, grew herbs and medicinal plants, and made remedies. He then used them to help those around him any way he could.
- He lived under the reign of Emperor Claudius, known as Claudius the Cruel.
- He was martyred on February 14th, 269 A.D. Thus, February 14th became his Feast day in the Catholic church and Valentine’s Day the world over.
One legend claims that while in prison Valentine sent a letter to his jailor’s daughter, who was blind. Upon receiving the note, the girl’s blindness was healed and she was able to read it. According to legend, he signed it “Your Valentine”, and that’s where “be my Valentine” came from.
Over time, and particularly in the middle ages, Valentine’s Day became more and more romantic. There are also supposed pagan traditions that Christians tried to “replace” with Saint Valentine’s Day, but a lot of these holidays weren’t even on February 14th. You hear a lot of similar sentiments about Easter and Christmas and, in my humble opinion, they’ve all been thoroughly debunked, so carry on with celebrating a day of love if you wish!


What Is Valentine’s Week?
Much like the 12 Days of Christmas, Valentine’s Week is an extended celebration where one gift is given per day. Each day of Valentine’s Week has a certain gift or action associated with it. Teddy Day, Kiss Day, Rose Day and so on.
Valentine’s Week starts on February 7th and leads up to Saint Valentine’s Day. That being said, this list seems a bit unattainable, as the 2nd day is propose day! Wouldn’t it be fun to do a modified version of this with your kids?
Valentine’s Week Days In Order
- Rose Day– Give your Valentine a red rose (or a dozen- more on that later!)
- Propose Day– Pretty self-explanatory. But if you’re not in a position to propose to anyone, or be proposed to, you might think of this more as “ask day”- ask someone to be your Valentine!
- Chocolate Day– There are so many varieties these days for different dietary needs. And even for people who don’t like chocolate, like birthday cake “chocolate” bars. A sampler is always a safe choice 😉
- Teddy Day– A handmade teddy like this tutorial would be even more meaningful. Then, you could customize the color, pattern, eyes, etc.
- Promise Day– Traditionally, couples are meant to promise their undying love to each other on this day. So this seems like a good day for a meaningful note to me.
- Hug Day– This day certainly isn’t limited to significant others. In fact, it would be a great opportunity to offer comfort or express love to anyone in your life.
- Kiss Day– Physical affection can often express more than words ever could. If you have older children that you aren’t as physically affectionate with as you used to be, give them a peck on the cheek. They might complain but big kids need reminders of parental love, too. And if you’ve been married a while, take this as a reminder to give more than the usual peck on the cheek!
- Valentine’s Day– Make a grand gesture. Or just wake your family up to a yummy breakfast. Maybe make a craft that day, read Scripture, love on each other.

Saint Valentine’s Day and Flowers
Did you know that flowers have their own language? There are meanings associated with different varieties of flowers, the colors of each variety, even down to the number of flowers given. You can really say a lot with a single rose, or a small bouquet. Just do your research first! After all, you wouldn’t want to give your boss a fern (“secret bonds of love”) and your wife lavender (“distrust”)!
Check out this list from Old Farmer’s Almanac for fun. This could actually make for a fun homeschool project!
Here’s a list of some popular flower choices and their meanings:
The Meaning of 12 Red Roses
Giving 12 red roses symbolizes perfect love. Roses, specifically red roses, mean ‘I love you’, while other colors of roses mean different things. In fact, yellow roses are said to mean a decrease of love, or even infidelity! Yikes. I’m not sure who’s sending flowers in a case of infidelity, no matter which side of it they’re on, but I digress.
The number 12 symbolizes perfection or completeness (think of how often it’s used in the Bible). So sending a dozen red roses is a way to say “I love you completely”. Rightly so, as according to Finance Buzz the average cost of a dozen red roses in the country is upwards of $80!

The Meaning of Daisies
Innocence, purity, new beginnings and cheerfulness. Daisies are often given to new parents upon the arrival of a baby.
They’re also a simple way to brighten someone’s day. I gave a bouquet of Gerbera daisies to my sister for a housewarming present because they were so bright and cheery.
In addition to these, the old Victorian meaning of a bouquet of daisies was “I’ll never tell” or “Keep this secret.” My life is way too simple to be sending a bouquet of flowers to seal a vow but hey, the more you know.

The Meaning of Peonies
Pink
Pink peonies are often given to graduates, or included in wedding bouquets, as they symbolize good luck or prosperity. (But I don’t know any girl who would turn her nose up at a bunch of gorgeous peonies just because they don’t mean “undying love” or something.)
White
Bashfulness, regret, apology. “Giving white peonies is one way to apologize, ask for forgiveness, and show that you truly understand that you made a mistake.” (from Urban Stems blog).
Red
Love and passion, or honor and respect. Chinese royalty traditionally favored red peonies to accent their gardens. I think they’d make a great alternative to the typical rose, but could also be a gift of respect for someone like your mom, pastor’s wife or friend 🙂

Saint Valentine’s Day Activities
Perfect for homeschool families or anyone who wants to celebrate Saint Valentine's Day with their kids. Be sure to download my Charlotte Mason-based guide for even more ideas and activities!
We've had these exact bingo cards from The Incremental Mama for three years running. I just tuck them away under our ever-present cardstock stash in a drawer and pull them out in February. We've used Conversation Hearts for bingo markers but Unreal brand Chocolate Gems are tastier and healthier (dye-free for the win).
The kids and I did these Notan-inspired watercolor hearts a couple of years ago and they turned out really cute. This is a very doable project with a short supply list.
I've always associated Valentine's Day with vintage. I feel like it has something to do with the Samantha American Girl books but I couldn't say for sure... Anyway! These postcards are so fun; I would love to receive one myself, and I'm definitely planning to download and print some of these to give to my kids as little love notes, and send some to my mom, grandma, and a few other relatives and friends.
Another short supply list- I love it. These would be great for practicing fine motor skills, plus they could totally work as the Valentine your kids pass out to friends at their school or co-op. Those Unreal Chocolate Gems or Giggles would work great here too for a dye-free candy pouch-filler.
These easy hand-sewn fabric hearts would be a perfect beginner project. I know my 8-year old could totally handle this. They'd look so cute on a tray as a little vignette on a shelf or coffee table. My mind immediately registers the fact that this is one trinket I could leave out without worrying about my toddler breaking it.
Download My Free 19-Page, Week-Long Saint Valentine’s Day Curriculum Guide

If you liked my Saint Lucia’s Day guide, I know you’ll love this Saint Valentine’s Day guide.
This time around I created a week’s worth of homeschool activities based on the Charlotte Mason method that we use. In it you’ll find:
- a brief biography of Saint Valentine
- an artist study/biography
- a picture study lesson with THREE full-size color art prints
- a poet study/biography
- a poetry study with printable poem
- scripture memory
- printable hymn with sheet music
- a coloring page
- a full handicraft idea and tutorial
- a sample schedule weekly calendar spread
- a narration notebook page
- list of resource links, booklist and more
Use the form below!
Related: How To Celebrate St. Lucia’s Day (And Why You Should) , Nature Study Through the Seasons
Let me know in the comments how you like the guide and I hope your Saint Valentine’s Day is a lovely one 🙂
Tara
Thanks, Jessica! Means a lot coming from a fellow teacher 🙂
Colleen
Hi! Trying to figure out how to download the guide?
Tara
Hi! Sorry about that, it should be fixed now! There should be a new embed form to put in your name and email and it will be sent to your inbox. Thanks for bringing this to my attention!