Make a Love Jar
Do loving thoughts come easy to you?
How about loving words?
We could all benefit from hearing more and saying more loving things, couldn't we?! It's not always easy for some of us to say it (like our teenagers). It may be easier to write things down.
Why not fill a 'Love Jar' this Valentines full of loving thoughts? Make it a family event after dinner one night.
Here's how to do it...affiliate links are included for your convenience; you'll find my full disclosure policy here.
Cut out enough heart shapes for each family member. A die cut machine will make this extra quick, but hand cut the hearts if you don't own one. Make sure they aren't too big; they need to fit into the mason jar you choose to use. Tip: a wide-mouth mason jar will make it easier to reach inside!
Decorate your jar! I used burlap ribbon around mine and then wrapped blue gingham ribbon and polka dot ribbon on top and secured it with a dab of hot glue.
My tag is from an item of clothing I bought awhile back (it was too cute to throw out). A chalkboard tag would be great, but use whatever you like. Call it 'Words of Love' or 'Thoughts of Love' or simply 'Love Jar'.
My tag is from an item of clothing I bought awhile back (it was too cute to throw out). A chalkboard tag would be great, but use whatever you like. Call it 'Words of Love' or 'Thoughts of Love' or simply 'Love Jar'.
After dinner one night, pass out the hearts and have everyone write one loving thought for each member of the family. If they can't think of anything right then, let them know the jar is there and they can do it at their convenience and leave it somewhere prominent. But give them a deadline; it's not fair if some do it and others don't.
The point is for everyone to share one loving thought with everyone else in the family.
"I love you because..."
or "I love your..."
or "I love when you..."
Another evening, pull out the hearts and pass them around so everyone can read and absorb their love! Or read them altogether.
Obviously, there are many ways to do this and you can tailor it to suit your family.
I know my kids will probably whine and groan at first...but this is a great exercise for them!
Update: we did this on Tuesday evening and there was no grumbling whatsoever!! We plan to read the love notes on Valentines day
We really should do this more often, shouldn't we?
And we all feel better when our own 'love cups' are full...if they're full and running over, they're more likely to make a difference in those around us :)
bringing beauty to the ordinary,
Love this. One of my most precious possessions is a Love Box I got from your family years ago for Mother's Day. It's amazing how often I open it and delight in the notes! Thank you for being such a creative and thoughtful d-I-l as well as a d-I-y!
ReplyDeleteThanks mom! I love making personal gifts that have meaning for both the giver and the recipient! It makes me happy to know you still love reading those notes we wrote you :) Love you XOXO
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