Valentine’s Day is one of the most commercialized holidays in the US, with gifts, chocolates, flowers, and cards accounting for over $24 billion. February 14 is the Feast Day of St. Valentine, the patron saint of love. Personally, I’ve always had mixed feelings about Valentine’s Day. Although he, and the holiday, are more often associated with romantic love, familial and platonic love are just as important.
Valentine’s Day is often criticized for its commercialism, but that’s not why I don’t like it. I know holidays can put a lot of financial stress on families and individuals, but I feel like Valentine’s Day is one of those holidays where money shouldn’t be a factor. You don’t need to spend a whole bunch of money to show your loved ones you care. Candy, flowers, and cards aren’t the only way to say “I love you.”
The problem I have with Valentine’s Day isn’t with the holiday itself, it’s the fact that some people are so uppity about how others celebrate. In theory, a holiday all about celebrating love sounds amazing. There are so many different kinds of love, and so many different ways to show it, so it’s not the time to police how others celebrate. Everybody loves differently. And that’s really cool! It’s something we should embrace, not look down on.
Ever since I can remember, Valentine’s Day has always been very special for my family. My mom always writes my brothers and I sweet notes, we of course get chocolate and candy conversation hearts, and by the end of the day we have our annual Nerf Gun battle. A lot of my friends have similar traditions with their families, and I think it’s so cool that we have a holiday where we get to celebrate our relationships and love for each other.
It’s frustrating that modern day society has placed such an importance on romantic love and relationships, especially when that’s not what everyone needs or wants. Often, Valentine’s Day can make people feel bad if they don’t have a ‘valentine.’ Which is frustrating because romance isn’t everyone’s number one goal, nor should it be.
Valentine’s Day should be about celebrating the love we have for our friends, family, and partners, not whether you have a valentine.
