Since Chip and I try to go on a date night once a week, we don't

"Since Chip and I try to go on a date night once a week, we don't feel the need to keep holidays like Valentine's Day all to ourselves. We set the table fancy, we all get dressed up, and we serve a big, beautiful candlelight dinner. It's our kids' favorite, too." These words spoken by Joanna Gaines hold a profound truth about the importance of family, tradition, and love in our everyday lives. In a world where holidays often become over-commercialized and centered around fleeting moments of romantic gestures, Gaines reminds us that love is not just something to be reserved for one special day of the year, but something to be celebrated and nurtured constantly in the presence of those who matter most.

The ancient Greeks and Romans understood that family and community were the cornerstones of a meaningful life. In the halls of the ancient Athenian homes, the hearth was the heart of the family, where warmth and nourishment were shared not just by parents but by children and elders alike. Meals were often the occasion for connection, conversation, and bonding, and the festivals of Hera or Vesta, the goddesses of family and hearth, were times to gather together in joyous celebration of the love that binds the family unit. These festivals were not confined to romantic love alone but extended to the love and respect for those who stood beside us day after day—our children, parents, and siblings.

Just as the Romans and Greeks celebrated love not only in the romantic sense but in the familial and communal, Joanna Gaines' tradition of turning Valentine’s Day into a family affair speaks to the timeless value of love in all its forms. By including her children in the celebration, she is teaching them the importance of nurturing relationships not just in moments of grandeur, but in the simplicity of daily rituals—setting a table together, dressing up, and sharing a beautiful meal. It is these moments, woven together over time, that create lasting memories and strengthen the bonds of the family.

In the grand sweep of history, the importance of these small acts of love cannot be overstated. King Solomon, in his wisdom, spoke of the value of unity and love within the family in his proverbs: "A house divided against itself cannot stand." Whether in the halls of ancient Jerusalem or in the modest homes of Athens, it was understood that a home filled with love, respect, and mutual care would stand resilient against any force. In much the same way, Gaines' simple act of turning a holiday into an occasion for family celebration teaches us that love, like a foundation, must be continually nurtured, even in the smallest of ways.

In our modern age, where busy schedules, the demands of work, and the lure of individualism often overshadow family time, Joanna Gaines' approach offers a powerful reminder. She shows us that Valentine's Day, though traditionally associated with romantic love, is equally a time to celebrate the collective love of the family. It is not a day that should be reserved only for couples, but a day to honor the shared moments that make relationships strong—whether they are the quiet conversations between husband and wife, the laughter shared between siblings, or the tender moments when a child’s face lights up in the glow of a candlelit dinner.

The lesson here is clear: love is not confined to a day or a specific form. It is woven into the fabric of our everyday lives, expressed in the simple, consistent acts of care and thoughtfulness. Family traditions, such as Joanna Gaines' weekly date nights and shared family celebrations, are the building blocks of a strong, enduring love. It is through the rituals and rituals of celebration that the bonds of affection and care are strengthened, making even a day like Valentine’s Day more meaningful and lasting.

In your own life, find ways to incorporate love and connection into the mundane, daily rhythms. Take the time to set the table with intentionality, to share a meal with those who matter most, and to create moments that bring the family together. It is not the size of the gesture that counts, but the heart behind it. These small moments, like the flicker of candlelight shared in the warmth of a family dinner, will echo through the years, creating a foundation of love that can withstand all challenges. And in doing so, you will create a legacy of connection, one that lives on in the hearts of those who gather around your table.