Valentine’s Day is a holiday for recognizing loved ones and expressing gratitude. Although the holiday is mainly associated with couples, poll results from Highland Park High School indicate that many students celebrated this year regardless of their relationship status. Even though the holiday emphasizes appreciation and love, some of those students feel that Valentine’s Day can get overshadowed by its more commercial side.
Love and gifts are hallmarks of the holiday, but both couples and singles believe that during the Valentine’s Day season, people tend to focus less on affection and more on buying products. Underclassmen couple Desiree Caballero and Jacob Santiago are among many students who looked forward to celebrating this February. “I feel like it’s the only day dedicated to love Desi,” says Jacob. Along with excitement to spend the day as a couple, Desiree feels torn about the meaning Valentine’s Day has taken on. “On one hand, it’s a whole day about love, but also, it’s turned into a commercial holiday and about who can buy what for their special person to then show off to people who don’t have dates.”
Given the materialistic aspect surrounding Valentine’s Day, a few students question the necessity of the holiday. Sophomore Jovan Lindsey is part of the group who opts out of celebrating. “Valentine’s Day is fun to have, but I don’t know if I would say it’s a necessary holiday. For couples, it’s a good way to show your love for one another.” Despite pressure to buy gifts as well as show gratitude, several students warmly regard a holiday focused on love. “Even though I feel you should love and show affection the same every day, it’s kind of nice to have a day just dedicated to that,” says Desiree.
With or without a date, Valentine’s Day remains a holiday with endless options to express gratitude towards loved ones.