For some, Valentines is a time of celebrating love for a special someone filled with cheesy gifts of red roses, heart-shaped boxes of chocolates, helium balloons as big as our faces, oversized stuffed animals, and/or a romantic dinner at a ever-so popular restaurant. Others view Valentines as an annoyance with unrealistic expectations, unnecessary money spent, item purchases that will eventually find its way in the donation box, and an over-consumption of sugar one should never partake in.

To get the scoop on Valentines, the question, Is Valentines Day overdone? was poised to a class of high students. The results of the question brought about some valid points with varying viewpoints; some viewpoints I had never considered before.

The overwhelming opinion from the majority – Valentines Day is “overdone” due to unnecessary pressure, over-branding, and over-commercialism. One student even stating, “Valentine’s Day is not as special as society treats it” becoming “a smaller Christmas.” Rather than spending one day to shower an individual with gifts, one should do so “on a regular” or “do good things occasionally” instead of one day out of the year. One day out of the year, according to one student, is an “excuse to be lazy” with the one they love.

So, what should one do for those they love? One suggestion by a student in our high school included, “mak[e] meaningful memories” together, rather than throwing cash at an overstuffed animal that will serve as a pillow for the next few weeks and mysteriously disappear to the Goodwill eventually. Appreciate others periodically with small gestures, kind words, and simple recognitions. While this can be through gifts, as one student states, “anytime receiving chocolates and flowers is in the picture, I am a happy camper,” it can also be done by simply being intentional and thoughtful.

Celebrate Valentines with those you love on a regular basis, not just on Valentine’s Day when commercialism demands it!