Every year on Feb. 14, stores are filled with pink and red decorations, heart-shaped candies, and roses to celebrate Valentine’s Day. Although Valentine’s Day is traditionally celebrated as a day of romantic love, its meaning has evolved significantly. Recently, Valentine’s Day has been celebrated not only as a day of romantic love but also as a day of friendship, self-love, and community. Whatever the celebration, there are many ways to express appreciation for the day.
Celebrating With Friends
In recent years, one of the most popular ways to celebrate with friends has been “Galentine’s.” There is no traditional date for Galentine’s Day; friends will select a date around Valentine’s Day to hang out and have fun. Galentine’s is all about celebrating friendships, especially between females. For example, many groups of friends may decide to watch a movie, go out for dinner or even exchange small gifts. Some students may even decide to dress up in matching outfits or make themed desserts. Galentine’s is all about celebrating how love is not just about romantic relationships but also about the love and support shared between friends.
A fun way to celebrate the day with friends may include activities such as making Valentine’s cookies, crafting, or taking photos amongst Valentine’s decorations. You could also engage in activities such as a gift exchange, similar to the secret Santa event around Christmas. This helps create memories for friends while also showing appreciation for each other.
Celebrating With a Partner
For those who are in a relationship, Valentine’s Day is also a good opportunity to think of something unique to do with their loved ones. One of the most traditional activities people do on this day is go out to a restaurant for dinner. This is a great way to show your loved one that you care, even though it goes beyond just a dinner, as it is a day to be with your partner.
The most unique thing people do on this day is give each other special letters or presents. Instead of giving expensive presents, some people prefer to make a homemade gift, like a scrapbook or playlist, that defines their relationship. This is a great way to show that this holiday is focused on emotions rather than material things.
Celebrating in School
Another tradition on Valentine’s Day is celebrating it in schools, which becomes a fun occasion for students. One way to celebrate the holiday is to make and exchange Valentine’s cards. Students can make their own cards and write kind messages to each other, while others bring candies to share with the rest of the school. This tradition promotes kindness and makes the student feel appreciated by the people around them.
“Valentine’s Day is celebrated at Plant by passing out roses. You can buy a rose and write a note with it to send to someone,” Tristan Sears (11) says. “This makes the person feel good about themselves and brings the community together.”
These events promote a sense of community and make the students feel like they are celebrating the holiday with the people around them, regardless of their relationship status. Valentine’s Day is a holiday not only for couples but for everyone in the world. While the holiday’s commercialization is mostly about romantic relationships, its true meaning is celebrating the world’s diversity and the people in it.
“I think there is a strong sense of community during this season because everyone gets along well,” Sears says. “People appreciate each other’s presence more, and it is eye-opening to see what the holiday truly represents.”
Regardless of the holiday’s commercialization, Valentine’s Day can be celebrated in numerous ways, and it goes beyond chocolate and flowers. Valentine’s Day is celebrated not only as a day of love between couples but also by people around the world, and the holiday’s celebration can be seen in how people show their gratitude for those around them, from Galentine’s to school celebrations.
