Valentine’s Day is celebrated every Feb. 14th across the globe. It is a holiday that sparks a wide range of opinions, from those who are eagerly excited to celebrate a day full of romance. Others view it as nothing more than a time for consumerism to flourish. It is marketed and celebrated as a day to express love and affection through gifts, treats and grand gestures, but is it worth the hype?
There’s no denying that Valentine’s Day is a commercial phenomenon. People who celebrate Valentine’s Day spend, on average, over twice as much on a single rose. Add in chocolates, jewelry and dinner dates. This hefty price tag raises the question of whether Valentine’s Day is a day to encourage consumerism or a day to spread love.
Christy Sands (she/her) shares a birthday with the popular holiday. While she does enjoy and celebrate Valentine’s Day she has some speculations.
“As a kid, I hated it because it was almost like the whole class got to celebrate your birthday. So, as I grew up, I separated the holiday and my birthday by expecting to get multiple presents,” Sands said.
Looking from the perspective of a kid, it can be challenging to share a special day with other classmates. From this experience, Sands has altered her opinion on the holiday.
“I am one who wants to celebrate the day. I think it is fun, and I encouraged it with my kids. I love the thought of another way to show kindness, friendship and building relationships. But, I do think, like all crazy holidays, it’s just another way to get our money,” explained Sands.
It can be hard to escape the pressure of having to buy presents for loved ones because it’s expected in a consumer-driven holiday culture.
On the other hand, Valentine’s is a day to reconnect, reflect on relationships and spoil each other. Some could argue that Valentine’s Day is a perfect excuse to show love and gratitude for one another or serve as the push needed to finally make your intentions known to that special someone.
“My husband is really good about it. We started dating in college and had a big discussion about it and ever since he’s made a big effort,” said Sands.
Valentine’s Day can serve as a reminder to prioritize love and affection for couples and friends. Whether it’s a simple card or a thoughtful surprise, it can bring people closer together.
Though, Valentine’s Day is not all about romantic relationships.
Galentine’s Day, a play on Valentine’s Day, is a celebration of female friendships that has emerged in the last decade. While women have always honored their friendships, social media has brought that to the forefront and given the day a revamped, trendy name. Brunch, spa days and movie nights are just a few of the ways that women celebrate their love for their friends. Whether women are single or in relationships, Galentine’s is a day to focus on their platonic bonds.
My friends and I celebrate Galentine’s Day each year by getting together, exchanging thoughtful gifts, going out to dinner and taking plenty of pictures. As for Valentine’s Day, my family has always made it special. We make heart-shaped sugar cookies, buy candy hearts, wear Valentine’s pajamas and always get a heart-shaped pizza for dinner. In fact, when I was in second grade, my uncle sent my sister and me flowers for Valentine’s Day and that made us feel so special; I think about it every year.
For me, any day that encourages us to acknowledge the love and appreciation we feel towards others is an important day. Is Valentine’s Day driven by consumerism? Sure, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t also driven by authentic love and friendship. Consumerism or not, the real focus needs to be on sharing love and spreading joy every day, not just on holidays.
Valentine’s Day is definitely worth the hype.
