February marks the month of presidents, groundhogs and arguably most importantly, romance. Valentine’s Day is one of the most anticipated holidays of the year, with 56% of Americans planning to celebrate it, according to Statista. However, even with all the potential celebrators, there is a large amount of “Valentine’s Hate” across the internet.
According to The Daily Californian, in 2024, the rough estimate of the money earned from Valentine’s Day related purchases was $25.8 billion dollars, or around $185 per person. This makes Valentine’s day appear as “a blatant display of consumerism,” if not one of the most consumerist holidays of all time.
I, personally, adore everything about Valentine’s Day. I love the Mylar heart balloons, the chalky Sweethearts that taste like Tums and especially the cheesy Valentine’s Day cards sold in bulk at Publix. If you haven’t received a valentine with the words “I Lava You!” and a picture of a volcano on the front, you haven’t truly lived.
“I love Valentine’s Day, it’s such a mood-booster,” seventh grader Ella Colarte-Delgado said. She’s not alone in this statement. Students from junior high all the way to senior year love this holiday. “[Valentine’s day] gives us a moment to reflect on those we care about. You really don’t need a partner to celebrate Valentine’s Day. You just have to be there with those who you love,” freshman Tanush Sajja said. His words capture the true essence of this “consumerist free-for all:” you don’t need to buy things for Valentine’s Day. No matter how big or how small, whether it’s a box of nasty Sweethearts or high-end chocolates, it’s simply being there with the ones you love that matters most.
Me, however? I would not be opposed to a Publix valentine. Just saying.
According to Good Housekeeping, Americans send 145 million Valentine’s Day cards each year, which makes Valentine’s Day the second biggest holiday for card giving. Teachers receive the most Valentine’s Day cards annually. If these cards are going to our educators, it honestly makes the consumerism worth it. (Photo/Ruby Hedge)
