Valentine's
Games from the Past
Candy
hearts
The
year is 1928, and the good hostess is planning a Valentine's
Party for her friends and family. "The Farmer's Wife",
a popular magazine of the day was ready to supply "games
for a jolly crowd". In some ways parties were more
elaborate and well planned then, but at the same time
a good hostess used what simple resources she had available.
She was "frugal" without even realizing it!
Here are a selection of suggested games from that year.
I think you will find in the 21st century, these can still
bring fun and laughter into your home!
Red
Hearts, Good Hearts
Hang
a number of colored hearts about the room, fastened on
walls and furniture. Explain before the game that only
red hearts are good ones and that if anyone touches a
heart of another color or fails to find a red heart she
must drop out of the game. Have a few less red hearts
than players and remove 2 or 3 of them at each interval.
Players form in a circle and march to music. When the
music stops suddenly each players tries to find for herself
a red heart and must drop out if she does not succeed.
Sing-a-Song
Race
Players
are divided into four groups called sopranos, altos, tenors
and bases. Each group selects a song to sing and at a
given time all begin singing. The group to first completely
finish it's song is the winner. Several attempts are sometimes
necessary before an entire song can be sung because of
the laughter and hubbub.
Hop-O'-My-Heart
Cut
four large hearts from strong paper. Divide players into
two equal lines, which face each other from opposite sides
of the room. Give two of the hearts to the first player
in one line, the other two to the player at the opposite
end of the other line. At a signal these players place
their hearts on the floor, one at a time, and hop on them
to the other line, whirl and return to their own line,
passing on the hearts to the player next in line who repeats.
The winning line is the one finishing first.
Tips
for your Valentine's Day Party
Using
these games and your imagination can turn your Valentine's
Day into a family party! Serve simple cookies and punch
on doily lined plates. Set up a table for the kids to
make homemade Valentine's while they are at the party.
Make sure you keep everything simple, no television or
fancy stereos. You could even set up another table for
everyone to decorate their own sugar cookies! Use this
opportunity to create memories of laughter and love in
a simple atmosphere.
Article
by: Brenda
Hyde is a 38 year old wife and mother of two boys,
4 and 5 years old. She runs her online bookshop of out
of print and collectable titles, designs her own site
and still finds creative ways to cook on a budget! Be
sure to visit Brenda at Seeds
of Knowledge, where you can share family memories
at Tea Time, and explore The Treehouse to learn about
backyard nature.
Happy
Valentine's Day!!!
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