sentimentalize

verb

1. (transitive)To give a sentimental feel to.

   “Let us not sentimentalize things just because they are old. Getting all dewy-eyed about it because it was started in the 17th century doesn't make sense when we're talking about the town dump.”

2. (intransitive)To think or act in a sentimental manner; to get sentimental.

   “he learnt to sentimentalize over cathedrals and monasteries , pictures and statues , saints and kaisers”