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I would be annoyed by all of that candy but luckily our teachers specify no candy allowed - just paper valentines and the kids do crafts and have a little party in class (again no candy served- just fruit!) My son LOVED the party and reading through his valentines at home so I thought it was great!

I would also be annoyed by that much candy. I don't mind how it was for us this year- they did have a special snack at school where they decorated cookies with frosting and candies and stuff (same thing they did for Halloween actually) but the valentines were mostly cards or little extras like tattoos or bubbles. Only one lollipop, which I did let her have after school.

I'm lucky though- my extremely stubborn girl usually accepts that she can have one treat a nights (valentines or Halloween), is excited to choose one for the first couple nights then forgets about it. Then I pick out my favorite candies from the lot.

So I don't mind them, but prefer for them not to be too good focused. Then again I grew up here in the US so it's normal to me.

@Mrs. Sunshine: @irene:

@irene: ugh. We have allergies so most of that would have gone straight into the trash! Maybe do mention it. If others feel the same way then policy could change!

Ugh, the candy. DS came home with so much today. Luckily he is pretty good about being able to pick one if he finishes his dinner.

DS is pre school age but ever since he started daycare all the parents always send candy. At least when he was little we could eat it or throw it away.

I am that mom who sends non cand treat. DS gave cards and a goodie bag that included play doh, stickers and s balloon. We did bake cookies for the class party but they weren't served since someone else brought cupcakes.

Where we live, neither of these holidays are really celebrated. I'm glad. I grew up in the US in a place where all of these holidays are celebrated at school, but personally, I think it's enough that kids can bring in a treat for their birthday to share with the class.

@lamariniere: My son has 28 kids in his class, that's way more treats than if they just did Valentines Day and Halloween! My son is only 3 so maybe the candy will ramp up as he gets older but he got 2 lollipops and a chocolate heart - most of the kids just did cards.

@erinbaderin: my point is, they don't celebrate these holidays at school at all. So far, we haven't been asked to bring in any sort of treats and the birthday treat is completely optional (we didn't even do it).

@looch: I think that's a good thing to take everyone's situation into account.

This is definitely not a knock to anyone on HB, but it seems like many families are asked to bring in treats/cards/whatever for most holidays. I know most everyone is glad to do it and I certainly would contribute if it were the custom here, but I can also see how it could put families in a bind financially.

I don't care. It's just two days out of the year.

The candy is annoying... The only lollipop my 2 year old ever had was Halloween and Vday! And her teacher gifted them all chocolate! Luckily she said it was too hard and abandoned it.

Not all kids in her class have out stuff so I don't feel too bad! It's all really small things at this age anyway.

haha, not annoyed, but just kind 'meh' about both of them.

Actually, I guess I'm liking Valentines day more with kids, but in some ways its just more stuff to do that i don't have time for, ha. I've never been a big fan of halloween, but again, with kids its cute. DH and I didn't even do anything for V-Day, we never really have because we both just think it's a whatever day, no need to buy gifts or anything. We got a pizza last night so we wouldn't have to do dishes!

@irene: Annoyed? If I am being honest, yeah I do get annoyed. Because it's just extra stuff that I don't feel the need to try to "keep up with the Joneses."

I think kids get kind of maxed out with all the celebrating. Halloween for example, you have a class party, trunk or treat sponsored by the PTO, then by the time you get to the actual night, it's 3 times! Plus the parties that you can go to at the Children's museum, etc. If it were really one day, it's not a big deal, but it spills over into multiple days and then it just gets out of control over the course of the year.

@irene: halloween does annoy me lol but not valentines day. I would be irritated though they were eating the lollipops at school. I dont mind if DD brings home a big bag of candy because I dont let her eat any of it, she usually gets to pick one piece and thats eat. But I wouldnt like the teacher to let them start eating it at school unless it was part of the party menu

And can I be honest here?

The thing that bugs me the most is feeling like I have to keep up with the moms who do the fancy homemade cards and themes with whatever they pass out. Sorry but i don't get the point, the store bought ones were fine when I was a kid so that's what we did too.

I don't get annoyed by either. I love both ... Valentine's Day is a day for extra love, and Halloween is a time for silly fun with friends. We aren't a big candy household, so it's not big deal. LO knows we have firm limits with candy, and she seems happy to get a few treats.

We aren't super into gifts (I love traditions and experiences more), so these little holidays are just for fun.

Our kids are homeschooled for now (8 months and 3yo) but we were discussing this last night. I'd be annoyed by any requirement to give/buy, especially candy!

@Freckles: hey, at least you got some chocolate

When I pass out Halloween candy, since I tend to over buy, I always tell the kids to grab something for their mom or dad. Parents seem to like Reese's lol.

Yeah I'm a huge grinch with most things and get very annoyed with the pinterestification of all holidays. I live in a country where holidays like Vday and Halloween (and even Christmas) are way more low key that in North America, and I'm really glad.

The kids wore red to my son's daycare on Vday and got a little chocolate heart from the carers, and that was it, all good from my point of view! As far as I know no one did valentines for classmates.

Like I said though I'm a grinch - esp in the last few years I've grown increasingly anti-consummeristic and I feel like the holidays really illustrate the pressure to buy buy buy and make make make, and I don't want to support that.