It’s been Christmas over at Hallmark for a while

It may be just the start of fall, but we are more than ready to indulge in some early Christmas celebrating. Thankfully, the Hallmark Channel feels the same way.

The company has just released its Countdown to Christmas Lineup and the festivities start as early as Oct. 21! Not only that, get ready to settle in for a new batch of Miracles of Christmas Hallmark Movies and Mysteries Lineup, too!

Here’s the complete list of all the upcoming movie and their descriptions (thank you, Hallmark Channel!) so you can start planning all those festive movie nights.

 

Countdown to Christmas Lineup

(All premieres are at 8PM EST unless otherwise noted.)

2022 hallmark christmas movies
The Christmas CEO, 2021 (Hallmark)

Friday, October 21: Noel Next Door

Starring: Natalie Hall (Charmed), Corey Sevier (Immortals)

A hard-working, single mom gets into a war of words with a neighbor who she feels is ruining Christmas, only to find that this misunderstood grouch just may steal her heart.

Saturday, October 22: We Wish You a Married Christmas

Starring: Marisol Nichols (Riverdale), Kristoffer Polaha (Jurassic World Dominion)

Becca and Robby are a married couple having a hard time connecting with each other as the holidays approach. Just before Christmas, they head to a cozy Vermont inn at the advice of their marriage coach so they can recharge. Their weekend away gets unexpectedly extended when a mishap puts their car out of commission and just may put them on the road to a very happily married Christmas.

Sunday, October 23: A Kismet Christmas

Starring: Sarah Ramos (Parenthood), Carlo Marks (Chesapeake Shores), Marilu Henner (Taxi)

Sarah is a children's book author who returns to her hometown, where she reconnects with her family and Travis, her teenage crush. She soon discovers that a long-held family legend might actually be true.

Friday, October 28: A Cozy Christmas Inn

Starring: Jodie Sweetin (Fuller House), David O'Donnell (In Search of Fellini)

Real estate exec Erika, travels to Alaska during Christmastime to acquire a bed and breakfast, only to discover that it's owned by her ex. While there, she finds herself falling in love with the town and quite possibly him.

Saturday, October 29: Jolly Good Christmas

Starring: Reshma Shetty (Blindspot), Will Kemp (Christmas Waltz)

David is an American architect who recently moved to London for a prime opportunity in a prestigious firm. With just three days before Christmas, he crosses paths with Anji, a professional shopper, who raises an eyebrow over his choice of a gift card for his girlfriend. David ultimately decides to hire Anji and, thanks to a series of unexpected events, finds himself on a wild adventure across Jolly Old London as Anji helps him search for the perfect present.

Sunday, October 30: Ghosts of Christmas Always

Starring: Kim Matula (LA to Vegas), Ian Harding (Pretty Little Liars), Beth Leavel (This Is Where I Leave You), Lori Tan Chinn (Awkwafina Is Nora from Queens), Reginald VelJohnson (Die Hard, Family Matters)

Katherine is a Ghost of Christmas Present and she must help one soul, Peter, rediscover his Christmas spirit. But this year has something unusual in store.

Friday, November 4, 2022: A Magical Christmas Village

Starring: Alison Sweeney (Days of Our Lives), Luke Macfarlane (Bros), Marlo Thomas (That Girl)

When Summer's mother Vivian moves in with her and her young daughter Chloe, her orderly existence is upended. Upon arrival, Vivian sets up an heirloom miniature Christmas village resembling their town, and tells Chloe it grants Christmas wishes. As Chloe begins setting up the figurines, real-life events seem to mimic the scenes she creates. With a little help from the magic of the Christmas village, the family will be brought closer together and just maybe, Summer will learn to open her heart to love again.

Saturday, November 5, 2022: Lights, Camera, Christmas!

Starring: Kimberley Sustad (Travelers), John Brotherton (Fuller House)

When a holiday rom-com movie shooting in her town needs a costume designer, Kerry, a local shop owner, steps into the role. While working on the movie, she rediscovers her passion for costume design and finds herself falling for Brad, the film's famous leading man.

Sunday, November 6, 2022: All Saints Christmas

Starring: Ledisi (Selma), Roger Cross (Murdoch Mysteries)

Lisette is a popular R&B singer who's getting ready to travel home to New Orleans for Christmas. When the media mistake a photo of her with her music producer ex as an engagement announcement, her family insists that he join her on the trip.

Friday, November 11, 2022: In Merry Measure

Starring:Patti Murin (Frozen, Chicago Med), Brendan Penny (Chesapeake Shores), Jennifer Robertson (Schitt's Creek)

When pop star Darcy returns home to spend Christmas with her sister and niece, she unexpectedly finds herself coaching the high school choir with her one time rival, Adam.

Related: This Hallmark Channel Monopoly Game Is Perfect for Your Next Mom’s Night In

2022 hallmark christmas movies
Next Stop, Christmas 2021 (Hallmark)

Saturday, November 12, 2022: The Royal Nanny

Starring: Rachel Skarsten (Batwoman), Dan Jeannotte (Star Trek: Strange New Worlds), Greta Scacchi (The Terror)

Claire is an MI5 agent who goes undercover as the royal nanny. She must overcome the challenges of her assignment, like resisting the charms of Prince Colin, while keeping the family safe at Christmas.

Sunday, November 13, 2022: Christmas at the Golden Dragon

Starring:Kara Wang (Good Trouble), Osric Chau (The Flash), Sara Canning (Nancy Drew), Antonio Cupo (Blood & Treasure), Barbara Niven (Chesapeake Shores)

When Romy and Rick's parents surprise them with the news that they will be closing the Chinese restaurant they have owned and operated for decades, the siblings each find themselves reevaluating their futures. Also impacted by the news are the landmark restaurant's loyal patrons and staff, who have all come to depend on the restaurant over the holidays.

Friday, November 18, 2022: Inventing the Christmas Prince

Starring: Tamera Mowry-Housley (The Santa Stakeout), Ronnie Rowe Jr. (The Porter)

Shelby is about to quit her job as a rocket engineer when her daughter becomes convinced that her Scrooge-like boss, Evan, is the Christmas Prince from a story Shelby invented years ago.

Saturday, November 19, 2022: Three Wise Men and a Baby

Starring: Paul Campbell (Turner & Hooch), Tyler Hynes (Letterkenny), Andrew Walker (Merry & Bright), Margaret Colin (Chicago Med)

Three brothers get the surprise of their lives when they are forced to work together to care for a baby over the holidays. As they slowly get the hang of things, they find themselves on unexpected journeys of self-discovery and begin to rebuild their relationships as brothers, as well as the damaged romantic and professional relationships in their respective lives…all while rediscovering their love of Christmas.

Sunday, November 20, 2022: When I Think of Christmas

Starring: Shenae Grimes-Beech (The Detail), Niall Matter (The Predator), Beth Broderick (Sabrina the Teenage Witch)

Sara Thompson returns to her hometown to help her mother move and is surprised to find her ex-boyfriend Josh Hartman is back home. The two had once planned a life in music together but Sara left to study law. The former flames slowly reconnect and try to heal wounds, both old and new. When Sara makes a surprising discovery, she and Josh forge a bold plan for the upcoming Christmas concert that will lead them all back to their musical roots and make this a holiday to remember.

Thursday, November 24, 2022: My Southern Family Christmas – premieres at 8p ET/PT

Starring: Jaicy Elliot (Grey's Anatomy), Bruce Campbell (Ash vs Evil Dead), Ryan Rottman (Guidance), Moira Kelly (The Cutting Edge,), Brian McNamara (Magnum P.I.)

Under the guise of a journalist, Campbell has a chance to get to know her biological father for the first time – without him ever knowing who she really is. As she spends time with him and his family, as well as with the town's record keeper, she realizes that families are messy, wonderful things. In the end, Campbell must decide if she's going to keep her identity a secret or reveal the truth to her father – a decision that will change their family Christmas forever.

Friday, November 25, 2022: #Xmas – premieres at 6p ET/PT

Starring: Clare Bowen (Nashville), Brant Daugherty (Pretty Little Liars)

When Jen gets the chance to enter a brand's design contest, she poses as a family influencer, enlisting the help of her best friend, Max, and her baby nephew. When her video is selected as a finalist, Jen is torn on whether to go on with her perfect "family" or reveal the truth.

Friday, November 25, 2022: A Royal Corgi Christmas– premieres at 8p ET/PT

Starring: Hunter King (Life in Pieces), Jordan Renzo (The Spanish Princess)

Reluctant Crown Prince Edmond returns home just before Christmas in anticipation of being named successor to the throne. To ingratiate himself to his mother the Queen, he gifts her with "Mistletoe", a rambunctious Corgi in need of some serious training. After several doggy disasters, Edmond turns to Cecily, a canine behavior expert from America for help –but to his great surprise, Cecily demands that he take an active part in the daily dog training sessions. Sparks fly between them as the pair work together to get Mistletoe ready to present at the annual Christmas Ball. Just as the precious pup captures their hearts, they discover that love can grow in the most unexpected places, leading them to question what they really want.

Saturday, November 26, 2022: A Tale of Two Christmases – premieres at 6p ET/PT

Starring: Kat Barrell (Wynonna Earp), Chandler Massey (Days of our Lives), Evan Roderick (Arrow)

Thanks to some Christmas magic, Emma gets to experience two different Christmases – one where she stays in the city and celebrates with a new crush and his friends, and one where she returns home for all the traditions with her family…and Drew, a longtime friend who may have feelings for her. Emma's double holiday ultimately helps her discover what will truly make her happy in life as well as in love.

Saturday, November 26, 2022: Haul Out the Holly – premieres at 8p ET/PT

Starring: Lacey Chabert (The Wedding Veil), Wes Brown (Sweet Pecan Summer), Ellen Travolta (Charles in Charge), Peter Jacobson (House), Melissa Peterman (Reba), Stephen Tobolowsky (One Day at a Time, Spaceballs)

Emily arrives home, hoping to visit her parents, only to discover that they are leaving on a trip of their own. As she stays at their house for the holidays, their HOA is determined to get Emily to participate in the neighborhood's many Christmas festivities.

 

2022 hallmark christmas movies
Hallmark

Sunday, November 27, 2022: A Christmas Cookie Catastrophe – premieres at 6p ET/PT

Starring: Rachel Boston (SEAL Team), Victor Webster (Workin' Moms)

Annie Cooper has big shoes to fill when she takes over as CEO of her late grandmother's smalltown cookie company and is doing her best to help their struggling business get back on track. That task gets more daunting when her grandmother's secret recipe is stolen during the Christmas party. As Annie tries to crack the case and uncover the culprit she works with Sam, the owner of a local bakery, to recreate the recipe in the hope of saving the company and her job. As Annie and Sam bake batch after batch in pursuit of the perfect one, they begin to learn that their lives go together like milk and cookies.

Sunday, November 27, 2022: A Holiday Spectacular – premieres at 8p ET/PT

Starring: Ginna Claire Mason (Wicked), Derek Klena (Moulin Rouge! The Musical), Eve Plumb (The Brady Bunch), Ann-Margret (Bye Bye Birdie, The Kominsky Method) Featuring the Radio City Rockettes

In 1958, Maggie is an heiress from Philadelphia who puts her high-society wedding plans on hold in order to sneak up to New York City and make her secret dream come true: dancing live on stage in the Christmas Spectacular at Radio City Music Hall.

Friday, December 2, 2022: A Big Fat Family Christmas

Starring: Shannon Chan-Kent (Woke), Shannon Kook (The 100), Tia Carrere (Wayne's World), Jack Wagner (When Calls the Heart)

Liv is a photojournalist eager to make it on her own. To get a dream assignment – shooting the Chang family's annual holiday party for a cover story – she doesn't reveal that they are in fact, her family. When she finds herself growing close to Henry, the coworker covering the story with her, she wants to confide in him but doesn't want to jeopardize her big break.

Saturday, December 3, 2022: A Fabled Holiday

Starring: Brooke D'Orsay (Royal Pains), Ryan Paevey (General Hospital)

Talia and her childhood best friend Anderson unexpectedly reunite in a curiously familiar looking town full of Christmas spirit that restores its visitors when they need it most.

Sunday, December 4, 2022: Undercover Holiday

Starring: Noemi Gonzalez (Selena: The Series), Stephen Huszar (Tribal)

When returning home for the holidays, newly minted pop star Jaylen tells her protective family that Matt is her new beau, when in reality, he's her overzealous security guard.

Friday, December 9, 2022: The Most Colorful Time of the Year

Starring: Katrina Bowden (30 Rock), Christopher Russell (Day of the Dead)

Ryan is an elementary school teacher, who learns that he is colorblind. Michelle, an optometrist and mother of one of his students, helps bring color into his life in time for the holidays.

Saturday, December 10, 2022: Christmas Class Reunion

Starring: Aimee Teegarden (Friday Night Lights), Tanner Novlan (The Bold and the Beautiful)

High school classmates, who once dubbed themselves the "cursed class," reconnect at Christmas for their 15-year reunion. Over the course of their time reconnecting, the classmates challenge each other to remember who they were, who they are, and who they want to be.

Sunday, December 11, 2022: The Holiday Sitter

Starring: Jonathan Bennett (The Christmas House, Mean Girls), George Krissa (Road Trip Romance), Chelsea Hobbs (Poisoned in Paradise: A Martha's Vineyard Mystery)

Sam is a workaholic bachelor who babysits his niece and nephew before the holidays when his sister and her husband have to go out of town. Completely out of his element, he recruits help from their handsome neighbor Jason and finds himself in an unexpected romance.

Friday, December 16, 2022: Holiday Heritage

Starring: Lyndie Greenwood (Sleepy Hollow), Brooks Darnell (The Young and the Restless), Holly Robinson Peete (Our Christmas Journey,)

Ella returns to her hometown to mend fences with her fractured family. With the help of Griffin, her ex-boyfriend, she encourages her family to celebrate Christmas and Kwanzaa and to heal their past wounds before it's too late.

Saturday, December 17, 2022: 'Twas the Night Before Christmas

Starring: Torrey DeVitto (Chicago Med), Zane Holtz (Katy Keene)

A former actress trying to break into directing tests her skills with a town's annual Christmas Eve courtroom production in which the true authorship of the famous poem "A Visit from St. Nick" is debated.

Sunday, December 18, 2022: Hanukkah on Rye

Starring: Jeremy Jordan (Supergirl), Yael Grobglas (Jane the Virgin), Lisa Loeb

A matchmaker connects Molly and Jacob, but their new romance is put to the test when they realize that they are competing deli owners. Will a Hanukkah miracle keep them together?

Related: The Hallmark Channel Has Their Own Wine & Hello, Movie Marathon

Miracles of Christmas Hallmark Movies & Mysteries Lineup

(Premiere times are 10:00pm ET/PT)

2022 hallmark christmas movies
A Christmas Treasure, 2021 (Hallmark)

Saturday, October 22: We Need a Little Christmas

Starring: Erica Durance (Supergirl), Patrick Sabongui (The Flash), Lynn Whitfield (Greenleaf)

Julie is adjusting to being a single mother to a grieving child while facing her first Christmas without her husband when she develops an unexpected friendship with her older neighbor Irene.

Saturday, October 29: Christmas Bedtime Stories

Starring: Erin Cahill (Every Time a Bell Rings), Steve Lund (Schitt's Creek), Charlie Weber ("How to Get Away with Murder)

When Danielle's husband goes missing in action during his deployment, she is left to raise her daughter on her own. Three years later, as she acclimates to life without him, she begins to tell her daughter bedtime stories of her father.

Saturday, November 5, 2022: A Maple Valley Christmas

Starring: Peyton List (Star Trek: Picard, Mad Men), Andrew Walker (Dying for Chocolate: A Curious Caterer Mystery)

Erica is a rancher who has spent her whole life working the family farm with her mother and sister. When Aaron arrives and disrupts her plans, she starts to question what it is she actually wants.

Saturday, November 12, 2022: Our Italian Christmas Memories

Starring: Sarah Power (Good Witch), Beau Bridges (The Fabulous Baker Boys)

The Colucci siblings, in an effort to jog the memory of their grandfather who is struggling with dementia, set out to recreate their late grandmother's legendary pasta sauce.

Saturday, November 19, 2022: Long Lost Christmas

Starring: Taylor Cole (Making Spirits Bright), Benjamin Ayres (Burden of Truth)

Hayley is an interior designer who plans to surprise her recently widowed mother Patricia with the perfect holiday present: the extended family she knows her mom yearns for.

Saturday, November 26, 2022: Time for Him to Come Home for Christmas

Starring: Holland Roden (Mayans M.C.), Tyler Hynes (Letterkenny), Tenille Townes (The Lemonade Stand) From Executive Producer Blake Shelton

Four days before Christmas, Elizabeth Athens receives a voicemail from a number she doesn't recognize. In his message, a man she doesn't know makes one final plea to the love of his life for a second chance. This is the fifth installment of the popular movie franchise, based on Blake Shelton's song "Time for Me to Come Home."

Saturday, December 3, 2022: The Holiday Stocking

Starring: Nadine Ellis (Our Kind of People), B.J. Britt ( Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.), Karon Riley (The Black Hamptons), Tamala Jones ( Castle), Mykelti Williamson (Fences, Law & Order: Organized Crime)

In this Hallmark Mahogany presentation, RJ is a new angel, who is given the chance to address his one regret, that he didn't help his sisters reconcile while he was still alive. Returning to earth as a stranger, he gets each of them to revive The Holiday Stocking, their parent's old tradition to encourage charity at Christmas.

Saturday, December 10, 2022: The Gift of Peace

Starring: Nikki Deloach (Five More Minutes), Brennan Elliott (UnREAL)

Artist Traci is a once-devout Christian who has stopped believing in God after her husband tragically died despite her prayers. As her second Christmas without him approaches, she tries going to a support group for inspiration and comfort.

Saturday, December 17, 2022: Five More Minutes: Moments Like These

Starring: Ashley Williams (Sister Swap: Christmas in the City), Lucas Bryant (Haven)

The second holiday story inspired by Scotty McCreery's song "Five More Minutes," a young widow's Christmas wish for her son is answered in unexpected ways when she returns to their old home for the holidays.

The company that makes the plants for Trader Joe’s has confirmed they will be returning for 2022

Run, don’t walk to your closest Trader Joe’s––yoga skeletons have returned! The spooky yogis have been a hit for several years now, selling out whenever they were in stock and this year is bound to be the same.

LiveTrends Design Group is the creator of the cult-classic design that involves three poses with an air plant on top and has shared that they are returning exclusively to Trader Joe’s this year. Even though Halloween is still quite some time away, you’ll want to pick up the trio stat.

Last year, each plant retailed for $6.99 so we’re assuming the price would be similar (though perfectly possible it would be more given how expensive everything is right now). You can find them in the garden section or perhaps with other seasonal goodies.

The yoga skeletons come with air plants as hair and in the lotus, lotus with hands to heart and lotus with hands above head poses. We didn’t know skeletons could be cute but we stand corrected!

Since it’s still August, it may take time for the planters to roll out to every Trader Joe’s store. Plus, let’s be honest, not everyone lives within driving distance to one of the famed neighborhood markets.

If that’s the case, there are other retailers that do their best to mimic the design. We found a five-pack of two-inch yogis from Amazon for $29 that are arranged in the camel pose, pigeon pose, easy pose, twist pose, and king pigeon pose. While they don’t have the air plant element, they are pretty spooktacular.

If you prefer the darker side of Halloween, Joann sells a black skeleton that sits almost five inches high in the lotus pose for just $12. Since the Halloween season hasn’t even technically started, we are just getting started with all the creepy and crawly decor. Boo!

Summer is about to end with a blast: Lightyear is headed to Disney+ in August! The film, which opened in theaters on Jun. 17, is basically the origin story for the beloved toy featured in the Toy Story movies.

Lightyear is a sci-fi action adventure following our main character (voiced by Chris Evans) as he becomes stuck on a planet 4.2 million light-years from Earth. With his commander and crew, Buzz finds a group of recruits and the world’s cutes robot cat, Sox to help him find his way home. And let’s not forget Zurg, the evil villain up to no good and his army of robots!

Other notable voices you’ll hear include Uzo Aduba as best friend Alisha Hawthorne, Peter Sohn as Sox, Keke Palmer, Taika Waititi and Dale Soules as the Junior Zap Patrol’s Izzy Hawthorne, Mo Morrison and Darby Steel and James Brolin as Zurg.

While Lightyear wasn’t a huge box-office hit, the film is poised to capture a wider audience once it hits Disney+. The quick move from theaters has made ample success for other films, like Encanto and Marvel’s film, Eternals. “[B]y now we know that theatrical performance doesn’t solely determine a film’s success or failure,” says Indie Wire.

Lightyear looks amazing on the big screen, of course, but we are so excited to bring it to Disney+,” said Angus MacLane, director. “We devoted years of our lives to this film and we are so proud of it. We want to share it with as many people as possible. Disney+ not only gives more fans an opportunity to see ‘Lightyear,’ it gives us all the means to see it again and again.”

Disney and Pixar’s Lightyear will hit Disney+ on Aug. 3, 2022.

 

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I am an introvert. Basically, I like quiet. I like to be alone. I like peace. And I’m a mom.

As you can imagine, being an introvert and being a mom don’t always mix. Introverts breathe in solace and breathe out society. Being around people, even little people, expends our energy. That doesn’t mean we hate it; it’s just tiring. ​Being alone restores us.

But finding sufficient alone time isn’t the only hard thing about being an introverted mother. I have a whole list: I hate playdates. Having them isn’t the issue. It’s setting them up: coordinating, scheduling, remembering, driving… Even when someone invites my kids to their house, it stresses me out. Ridiculous, I know. Especially because most of my children’s friends are my friends. And I love my friends. But here we are.

Doing cool stuff with my kids stresses me out. I mean, I can’t even buy groceries without worrying my children will be kidnapped (which unfortunately isn’t an illogical fear anymore). So why would I subject myself to a zoo or museum? We have a small list of comfort zones: home, the farm, grandma’s, the mountain, the ranch, and sometimes Hobby Lobby.

The idea of my child, let alone more than one, being in sports/dance/music lessons that require me to consistently drive them somewhere, remember things, and interact with other adults gives me major anxiety.

I don’t like to do my girls’ hair. Yes, I have four daughters and I don’t like doing their hair. Well, I like doing the baby’s hair. But everyone else cries or complains or tries to run away, and it all just becomes a fight. And I’m not really good at doing hair anyway so it never quite turns out how we imagine. Grandpa Todd started calling three-year-old Adeline “Tarzan” because she has long wild hair and is usually half-naked. It’s fine. Might as well be wild and half-naked while you can.

And I especially hate bedtime. The whole to-do list of bedtime. PJs. Teeth. Homework. The “you said we could…” or “we forgot to…”s. Ugh. The begging for snuggles and stories and heart-to-hearts while I’m exhausted and so done. All made worse by the anticipation of that quiet, peaceful, alone time I’ve been craving is enough to make me crazy.

I used to feel immense guilt for hating playdates and hair and bedtime. Over time, I started to deeply believe that I wasn’t a good mother. Everyone else seemed to do these things easily, so I thought that I should, too. I should put my kids in every available sport/class. I should have a play date for each child several times a week. I should learn how to do fancy hairdos. I should read to my kids before bed. I should snuggle with them. I should take them on dates. I should do more. I should be more.

The should list grew, and so did the stress and anxiety. I became the awful mother I believed I was. Then one night, my husband and I were able to get away and go to a movie without the kids: Avengers: Endgame. It was late, and I would have preferred sleeping, but I fought to keep my eyes open (because how often do you go to a movie without kids?), and I’m so glad I did.

Thor, or rather, the heavy, depressed, broken, and aimless version of Thor, goes back in time and runs into his mother. She says something at that moment that hit me so hard it felt like a physical blow. “Everyone fails at who they are supposed to be.” EVERYONE FAILS AT WHO THEY ARE SUPPOSED TO BE. EVERYONE. FAILS. AT. WHO. THEY. ARE. SUPPOSED. TO. BE.

I was trying to be who I thought I was supposed to be. I thought I was supposed to have playdates like Ashley. I thought I was supposed to do amazing hairdos like Kristy. I thought I was supposed to put my kids in every sport available like Lisa. I thought I was supposed to gently love my children to sleep every night like Marissa. I thought I was supposed to do cool stuff with my kids like Kara. I thought I was supposed to be something I’m not. No wonder I felt like I was failing.

So now, I’m being brave and working on playdates, but we don’t have them often, and that’s okay. I’ve learned a few hairstyles, but we keep it pretty and simple. I’m teaching my older girls to brush their own hair so I don’t have to. And that’s okay. We’ve signed our kids up for a few classes so they can learn what they like, but we also recognize all the amazing unique things they already do and get to experience. And it’s all okay. And bedtime. I don’t read bedtime stories; we read earlier. My older girls and I use a mommy & me journal to write down all those heart-to-hearts, and we love sneaking them under each other’s pillows. Each night we pray and kiss goodnight and that’s it. And that’s okay.

We do things differently than the Ashley’s and Kristy’s and Kara’s and that’s okay. My kids are happy. They are fulfilled and loved and thriving. And now so am I. I’m not failing because I’m learning to embrace myself, to be myself. I am an introvert—and a great mom.

Originally published Oct 2021.

Amy is a creator and believes everyone else is too. She strives to be artistic in all areas of life but writing is her passion and her family is her masterpiece. She uses her blog to address the joys and struggles of motherhood and is currently writing her first novel.

When it comes to St. Patrick’s Day foods, ravioli probably isn’t the first one that comes to mind. But at Costco, you can get this Italian fave-turned Irish treat in fabulously festive shamrock shapes!

This isn’t the first time the warehouse club has brought their loyal members holiday happiness in the form of pasta perfection. Costco celebrated Valentine’s Day with red heart-shaped ravioli and Halloween with bat-shaped pasta, too. Now Nuovo Pasta, the makers of creative carbs, is bringing us a five-cheese green shamrock St. Patrick’s Day treat.

So what can you expect from Nuovo’s shamrock-shaped ravioli? The pasta product includes imported Irish aged cheddar, shredded mozzarella, creamy white cheddar, velvet ricotta and parmesan cheese. Turn the pasta’s package over and you’ll find a special surprise—a recipe for an Irish vodka sauce.

In addition to the savory sauce recipe, we happen to love the fun green and white ravioli that we hope to all leprechauns will finally get our kids to eat an entire meal.

https://www.instagram.com/p/Camw5zuKxvE/

The St. Patrick’s day-themed pasta is available at Costco warehouses across the country in a two-pack of 16 oz. each for $9.99.

—Erica Loop & Karly Wood

All photos: Courtesy of Nuovo Pasta

 

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Do you heart Starbucks? Even though you may have just put down your Christmas cup, it’s already time to pick up something from Starbucks’ new Valentine’s Day collection.

The coffee giant released its Valentine’s Day 2022 lineup, and it is so, so cute. You can now get holiday-themed cups in Starbucks stores. And the collection is so adorable, you’ll be toting it all year ’round.

Starbucks
Starbucks

So what do this year’s Valentine’s cups look like? A whole lot of cute and a whole lot of Paris love. It’s the city of love, right?

Starbucks
Starbucks

Along with this cold beverage tumbler, some Starbucks stores also have a heart-covered pink mug, a clear cup with confetti hearts in the handle and other select designs. Check out your local Starbucks for tumblers and mugs available in your area.

—Erica Loop

 

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Are you searching for a fun-filled Valentine’s Day party game for a play date or school party? Look no further. From heart shapes and loving words to colors and following cute clues, we’ve found easy and fun holiday-themed scavenger hunt ideas perfect for your kiddo and her friends. Read on to see them all!

Cute Cards

Pexels

You may have over-bought those cartoon character-covered Valentine's Day cards. But come on, who knew the seemingly slim box had 102 teeny tiny fold and tear cards? Put the extras to use and set up a card-centered scavenger hunt. Write clues on the back of each card, creating a series of hints to follow. This holiday activity idea is easy to adapt, letting you play this game with just your child or split a larger group of kids into teams. If you go the multi-player route, create separate sets of cards for each team to find.

Loving List

Julia Raasch via Unsplash

Give the kids something the chance to search and collect with this scavenger hunt Valentine's Day game. Start with a list of loving, lovely or loved objects. Take the complexity up a notch and use clues instead of words. Give each child (or team of children) their list to decode. The kiddos/teams also need bags to collect their bounty. As they find each clue item, the kids can bag it up and move on to the next. The first child or team to collect all their listed items wins! And what do they win? Well, that's up to you.

Follow the Hearts

Stephan Henning via Unsplash

So your tot can't read the clues you want to write on heart-shaped cards for a Valentine's Day scavenger hunt. That's okay. Swap out the words for directional arrows. Create a series of cut-out heart shapes and place them around the house or in your yard. Each heart will have a treat and an arrow. Your child must follow the arrows to get to the finish line. How will they know when they've won? Mark the end of the hunt with a special set-up, including anything from heart confetti and cute candies to chocolate, balloons and streamers. 

Sweet Treat Search

Erica Loop

Your Valentine's Day baking project is yet to get underway. Don't stress—get the kids to help. Instead of a boring baking session, take cooking up a notch and turn it into a scavenger hunt game. Create a series of clues that lead the kiddos around the house, finding all the ingredients necessary. The last clue ends in the kitchen, where the kids will help you bake a holiday cake, cupcake or another sweet treat. 

Heart Hunt

Erica Loop

Is your child beginning to learn about shapes? Share this geometry experience, play up the holiday theme and keep your curious tot busy with a heart hunt. Cut out as many cardboard or construction paper hearts as you can. Get creative, scratch that—inspire your kiddo to get creative, and finger paint the hearts first. Hide the hearts (after the paint dries) and help your child scavenge the house looking for them.

Loads of Love

Anna Kolosyuk via Unsplash

What does your child love? This Valentine's Day scavenger hunt idea lets them focus on what they love. Create clues, either written or verbal, that lead them to places, spaces and items around the house that they love. Include lovies, toys or anything else that your child adores. Expand the search into your neighborhood and stage an all-out community love hunt. Look for favorite buildings and areas, such as the library, your child's school or the playground.

Family and Friends

Pixabay

If your child isn't into searching for things they love, consider switching things up and making their Valentine's Day scavenger hunt about people they love. Craft your clues, writing a few words or sentences that describe the person on the front of a notecard. Glue a pic of the person to the back. Your child has to hunt the house for the clue. Don't worry if your kiddo's favorite people aren't around. Instead of flying grandma in or asking your FIL to come over, play a picture-matching hunt game. Post photos of friends and family around the house, and then ask your child to match their clue to the pics. 

Hearty Hues

Erica Loop

Now that your tot is connecting color words with the actual colors, you're doing everything you can to help build a hue-heavy vocabulary. Even though the traditional Valentine's Day colors are red and pink, there's no rule saying you have to stick with those hues. Draw and cut out purple, blue, orange, yellow, brown, pink and red hearts. Give your kiddo color cards to match to the hearts as they hunt inside or outside (weather permitting).

Hunt with Numbers

Hands On As We Grow

This scavenger hunt for kids is all about math. Well, maybe not all about math—it's got a Valentine's Day theme too, of course. Instead of using written clues to hunt, Hands On As We Grow has a countdown. This is a great game for pre-readers!

Heart Puzzle

Artem Podrez via Pexels

This is a two-in-one scavenger hunt! Cut out one big heart or several small ones, then cut it into puzzle pieces of whatever shape you'd like. Have your kid scavenge for the puzzle pieces so they can build the heart puzzle back together at the end.

—Taylor Clifton & Erica Loop

 

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Love is in the air! There are plenty of ways to celebrate Valentine’s Day with the family and spread some love and we gathered up a few of our favorite ideas to get you started. There are themed hikes, arts and crafts and baking classes to whip up extra special treats.

iStock

Take Your Kids to a Local Candy Shop
Treat your favorite little sweet tooth to a local sweet shop visit that has all the heart-shaped macarons you could ever desire. 

Share the Love
Show some love for the grandparents, neighbors or anyone who needs a little cheering up with a DIY Valentine's Day card or pick up a Valentine’s Day Cards Take Home Craft Kit beginning Feb. 5 or check out a Cards Galore event on Feb. 12

Celebrate Love at the Lake
Lake Chabot hosts a special Valentine’s Day escape with a two hour rental of a decorated, covered patio boat complete with a picnic basket full of snacks and treats. Enjoy an idyllic family Valentine’s day adventure out on the water! Feb 1 - 28. Event details.

Take the Valentine Kindness Challenge
Ideas of how to generously spread love every day of the month are available in this challenge. 

Splurge on Fancy Hot Cocoa
These Bay Area shops have all the fancied-up hot cocoa that you want this Valentine's Day. Be sure to try the spicy versions if you can take the heat! 

Watch Penguins Waddle for Valentine cards
Visit Cal Academy’s penguins as they receive felt Valentine’s cards that they love using to line their nests. Can’t make it down to the museum? Watch the live stream here. Feb. 12 & 13, Event details 

Join a Baking Class to Make a Special Valentine’s Day Treat
Calling all bakers! Kids will love learning how to make Heart cupcakes Feb. 10 or Cake pops Feb. 14. 

San Francisco Ferry Building

Visit a Pop Up Flower Wall
It’s back! The Insta-worthy flower wall at the Ferry Building is back for sweet photo ops along with craft activity stations and other delicious surprises to be found in the Ferry Building. Feb. 13. Event details

Get Outside for Love
Drop by the Del Valle Visitor's center where kids will learn about friendship and love in the wild in this drop-in program also design Valentine’s day cards to take home. Feb. 12. Event details 

Join one of the following Valentine themed hikes: Love is in the Air Hike Feb. 5,  Black Diamond Love Stories hike Feb 12, Art for the Heart Hike & Crafts Feb. 12

 

Laurie Berkner

Valentine’s Day Family Concert
Iconic children's musician Laurie Berkner invites everyone to celebrate the sweetest day of the year at a special LIVE virtual family concert. Fans of all ages can decorate their homes for Valentine's Day and wear something fun and valentine-y to the show. Feb. 13. Event details. 

Visit the Hearts & Crafts Market
Daggett Plaza celebrates Valentine’s Day with local artists and makers who will have treats, flowers and jewelry along with a live jazz band. Feb 12., Event details 

Little GF Chef

Get Hungry for Love

Valentine’s Day often involves sweet treats so we like to try and keep things balanced with healthy snacks and meals with some of our recent favorites below:

Little GF Chef’s baking kits let families bake delicious gluten-free food at home - we loved the pizza party kit, complete with red and white checkered tablecloth! 

There can always be more cheese and Cello’s Fontal and Copper Kettle cheeses are perfect for pairing with crackers, fruit and honey.

Joi

Plant-based almond and oat milk are all the rage these days and JOI makes a sustainable concentrate that is added to water for a delicious, creamy dairy-milk alternative. We also love that JOI can easily be swapped in for all baking needs—brownies, cheesecakes cookies and more! Need more inspiration? Check out these recipes for the sweet low down. 

We couldn’t get enough of NuTrail’s keto nut granola that is delicious over milk or yogurt for either breakfast or a snack. 

—Christine Lai & Kate Loweth

featured image by iStock

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Looking to shower your littles with love this Valentine’s Day? Our carefully curated collection of best Valentine’s Day gifts you can get on Amazon will have you giving the perfect present (We’ve even got great gift ideas for teen girls!). From creative craft kits to books for kids, keep reading to see them all.

If you buy something from the links in this article, we may earn affiliate commission or compensation.


 


Pop Purse Shoulder Bag

$18 BUY NOW

For Pop-It fans, this adorable heart-shaped purse is the perfect gift for Valentine's Day

 

 


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A red Hot Wheels is the perfect Valentine's Day gift for the car-loving kid in your life. 


Cats vs Pickles's Jumbo Luv Pickle

$15 BUY NOW

These squishy bean-filled plushies are perfect study buddies, for sensory play and room decor.


Doodle Board

$15 BUY NOW

This fun LCD drawing board is perfect for the car or anytime! And once they're done with their creation, simple press the erase button and start the fun all over again.


Made By Me Rock Art Kit

$10 BUY NOW

Show the love this holiday with an art kit! This all-in-one set comes with paint, glitter, brush, tattoo sheets and even rocks. Be mine?


Plus-Plus Valentine's Day Tube

$8 BUY NOW

This Plus-Plus tube comes with 70 pieces and instructions for how to make hearts, a spinning top or a robot. A winner when it comes to Valentine gift ideas.


Fun Express Funky Heart Stickers

$5 BUY NOW

This roll of 100 stickers is fun for everyone. With bright colors and funky designs, kids will be able to use these long after Valentine's Day is over. 


$15 BUY NOW

Your little one will love the different textures and bright colors for a first Valentine's Day gift.


Playfoam 8-Pack

$9 BUY NOW

Use this non-toxic sensory material to spend some QT time with your tiniest valentines. You can help them make hearts, flowers or just about anything else that comes to mind. 


I AM LOVE: A Book of Compassion

$9 BUY NOW

In I AM LOVE: A Book of Compassion, kids are encouraged to look inwards when they face tough times. The sweet book teaches littles to live with gratitude, practice self-love and live with kindness and compassion.


Mad Libs Dear Valentine Letters

$6 BUY NOW

This collection of Mad Libs is beyond special! The Valentine's Day booklet comes with 21 letters that once filled out, can be torn out, folded into an envelope and then given to your very own Valentine! 


Valentine's Day Dinosaur Raglan

$20 BUY NOW

This adorable gender-neutral raglan t-shirt comes in sizes from six months up to extra-large.


$8 BUY NOW

Sweet and sentimental, this coloring book is one for kids of all ages. It's printed on 60-lb stock paper which means it holds up to markers and pencils while sharing thoughtful messages that far surpass candy.

Ella + Milla Nailpolish

$11 BUY NOW

This bright red polish is a fun Valentine's Day treat for your tweens! Vegan and animal-cruelty free, if red isn't her color, there are several others to choose from. 

 

—Gabby Cullen & Karly Wood

Editor’s note: All products available and under $20 at the time of publication.

Feature photo: iStock 

 

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If spending time with the people you love most tops your Valentine’s Day wish list, we’ve got the scoop on eleven ways families can celebrate around Seattle this year. With everything from concerts and crafts to zoo events and a fun run, these Valentine’s events and activities are all about the things we love. Read on to make your plans.

iStock

1. Veggies for Valentine's
Does your kiddo love farm animals? So do the folks at Kelsey Creek Farm Park. Bring your kids to the farm to celebrate Valentine’s Day by making veggie treats for the animals and popcorn treats for guests. Your kiddo will meet the farm animals, make a Valentine card for an animal and receive one in return during this program. Pre-registration is required. Feb. 13, 1-2 p.m. $25/Bellevue resident; $30/Non-resident. Ages 4-8. Event details.

2. Family Service Event: Love
Join this Camp Kindness Counts workshop to practice love. You'll join other families and make dog and cat blankets for local shelter animals waiting to be adopted. The goal is to make 50 blankets. Families are invited to stay at the end for a short reflection time. Registration is required. Feb. 13, 10:30 a.m. Free. All ages. Event details.

3. Family Sunday at the National Nordic Museum
The National Nordic Museum’s monthly on-site art making program encourages children and their caregivers to get creative. And this month, the project will be all about Valentines. Drop in with your kids to get creative. All art-making supplies and materials will be provided. Feb. 13, 10 a.m.-noon. Included with admission. All ages. Event details.

valentines day activities seattle
Ingrid Barrentine

4. Love at the Zoo
Valentine’s weekend is a great time to head south to Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium for their two-day event. Watch animals get enrichments like heart shaped ice treats, bamboo hearts and whipped cream throughout the day. Then complete a heart scavenger hunt around the park where kids can scan the QR codes to learn fun facts and see cute animal pics. Don't forget to drop a Valentine into the plaza mailbox for you favorite zoo animal friend before heading home. Feb. 12 & 13, 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Included with admission. All ages. Event details.

5. Family Art Workshop
Celebrate Valentine’s Day with an art workshop at Cascadia Art Museum. If you love creating art, bring the kids to this Family Art Workshop where local artist Mary Peterson will lead everyone through creating one-of-a-kind Valentine’s Day cards using stamps made with recycled Styrofoam trays. The class is free, but families will need to register online in advance. Feb. 12, 11-11:55 a.m. & 12:05-1 p.m. Free. All ages. Event details.

6. Valentine's Day Dash
Marina Park is where the 3rd Annual Alexander’s Hope Valentine’s Day Dash will be held. Run or walk this out-and-back 5K along the Kirkland waterfront in an effort tos support Alexander’s Hope, a nonprofit aimed at spreading awareness about organ donation. Choose from a 5K Run/Walk, a Youth 5K or the free Kids Dash (10 a.m.) Registration is required, but day of registration will be available. Feb. 12, 9 a.m. $35/5K; $20/Youth 5K; Free, Kids Dash. All ages. Event details.

7. Valentine's Day Card Making
Tell your peeps how much you love them with handmade Valentine’s Day cards. Join instructors at Farrel-McWhirter Farm in the Big Red Barn where kids will get inspiration and words of wisdom from farm animal visitors. Psst...we hear it will be “udderly” fantastic. Registration required. Feb. 12, 1:30-3 p.m.; $45/Redmond resident; $54/Non-resident. Ages 5 & up. Event details.

rinck content studio via unsplash

8. Family Day: Valentine's
Viva Valentines! Join an educator at the Museum of Glass in Tacoma to make the perfect card for your Valentine. This family workshop will be held in the art room, where families will find all the materials and inspiration they need to create together. Feb. 12, 1-4 p.m. Included with admission. All ages. Event details.

9. Valentine's Day Concert
Bring your little (and big) loves to Crossroads Mall for a free concert we think you'll love. Presenting a '60s style girl group show that captures the essence of many famous vocal groups like the Supremes, the Crystals, the Ronettes, Marvelettes as well  as Jackie DeShannon, Doris Troy and Dusty Springfield. Grab a bite. Sit back and enjoy the show. Feb. 14, 6-8 p.m. Free. All ages. Event details.

10. Valentine's Dream Catcher Workshop
During this drop-off workshop at Sit and Kit in Bellevue, kindergartners through fifth graders will make a dream catcher to give as a gift or keep for themselves. Everything your creative kiddo needs to make this 10” project will be provided. Registration is required. Feb. 12, 5-7 p.m. $35. K-5th grade. Event details.

11. Kid's Cookie Workshop
This Valentine’s Day your kids can have a chance to make a batch of freshly baked cookies alongside Cam Zarcone of PCC Markets. Kids will bake along with Cam as they measure, mix and form chocolate and vanilla swirled shortbread hearts and make heart thumbprint cookies. They’ll then take their cookies up a notch and make vanilla frosting for decorating. Registration is required. Feb. 13, 11 a.m. $60. Kids, 8-12. Event details.

—Allison Sutcliffe

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