Valentine’s Day has a bad reputation, with many people seeing it as a consumerist holiday that has been too commercialized to mean anything. However, for others, it represents an opportunity to express care and appreciation for their friends and family.
Reese, a sophomore at Spring Grove, says, “I like it; I think it’s a cute holiday. It’s kinda consumerist, though, but so is every holiday. My parents always get me a basket because I’m single, but I like to watch romance movies and bake. On average, I spend around $0, but I’m definitely in the minority because I don’t have a boyfriend or anything.”
Brynn, a junior, says, “I think it’s cute; I think it’s a good way to show your appreciation for your significant other, but I can see how it might be lonely if you don’t have one. Me and my friends will sometimes go out to eat, so I maybe spend around $10 on the food.”
Kayden, a freshman says, “I think of it more as a day of appreciation rather than a day for lovers. I feel like you should be able to give people gifts whether you’re in a relationship or not. I normally get my friends stuff but that’s about it. I try to keep [how much I spend at] a low amount because gifts, especially on Valentine’s Day should not be too much, if I go over $100 there’s a problem.”
Mrs. Drumheller, an English teacher says, “I think that it’s just another day to celebrate a component of life. I give my students candy, at home my husband and I usually cook dinner because we’re bad at getting reservations in advance, we usually just do cards. If we’re counting the dinner, I’d say I spend around $30 dollars.”
In Spring Grove, it appears that the public opinion of Valentine’s Day is generally positive. With students and faculty seeing it as an opportunity to show appreciation for their loved ones.
