No More Roses? How Has Valentine's Day Changed For You?

Real estate agent Sidney Simon said she'd planned to enjoy a romantic evening at a nice restaurant with her husband over the weekend to celebrate Valentine's Day.

She said she even lucked out when she discovered her daughter's school was offering a "parent's night out" evening of activities for students.

"However, when I told the kids, they rejected the idea of spending the evening in a school gym and they wanted to go to dinner with us," she said. "So I decided that we'd make it a family Valentine's dinner and—to make it even sweeter for 'them'—I picked up tickets to the premiere of the Justin Bieber movie.

"Dinner was wonderful at [Osteria] Giotto and I even enjoyed the movie but a romantic evening it was not," she said.

Children don't have to put a complete damper on a couple's plans for Valentine's Day but sometimes they can throw a wrench into even the best-laid plans.

In Montclair, parents said Valentine's Day—once reserved for lovers—has changed over the years so that they now often feel compeled to include their kids too.

Tara Chowaniec said that, after being married 12 years, she's happily relinquished Valentine's Day to her two daughters.

"They are my husband's valentines now ... but we still have our anniversary," she said.

Sarah Damaskos said that she and her husband Deno completely dismissed Valentine's Day as a "Hallmark Holiday"—until they had kids.

"Instead of candy, Deno and I give them a set of 'Coupons of Love'—redeemable for an extra snuggle at bedtime, more reading time, free make-your-bed day, dad puts away your laundry, etc.," she said. "It's fun for Deno and I to sit down and figure out what will be a great set of loving treats for them—and it changes every year."

Another mother, Sarah Wolman, said she still insists on a card with a heartfelt sentiment.

"The rest we gave up a while ago," she said. "But I really go to town with the kids, so I get all my heart-shaped ya-yas out that way."

Mary Emanuelli, a mother of four, said she bought her husband Joe a card.

"And apparently the kids got [Joe] to spend $50 in CVS on me today ... can't imagine what cost $50 in CVS but they are very pleased with themselves," she said.

Whether or not you have children, or include them in your celebrations, have a great Valentine's Day.

Perhaps you sent one of the estimated 141 million Valentine's Day cards distributed this year—or perhaps you did not.

Perhaps you ignore the holiday completely—or perhaps you go hog wild.

Whatever you do, let us know your thoughts. Please comment! We want to hear from you.