February 14th is a special day for everyone around the world. Whether you have a significant other or share it with friends, Valentine’s Day means love is in the air. However, has the love of Valentine’s Day been lost in favor of money?
The day has turned from handmade cards and thoughtful gestures to extravagant gifts and fancy dinners. People run to stores or shop online for roses, chocolates, jewelry, and more to give as gifts. Turning a meaningful holiday into a consumer holiday.
Especially in the United States where every time you go to the store all you see are signs for the holiday and the colors red and pink everywhere. They have turned a holiday meant for kindness and love into a profitable day.
Back in the 19th century, the mass production of greeting cards became popular, and the commercialism of the holiday began. After cards started to be made, advertisers and retailers started to notice the potential of Valentine’s Day.
This moved into the film industry showing significant others getting each other extravagant gifts. The industry influenced generations of people that material gifts are the only things to be given on Valentine’s Day.
All of these have led to the societal norm that dictates individuals need to express their love through money and material objects. Those who do not spend money may feel inadequate if they do not have money to spend on others. On the other hand, significant others and friends may think they are not loved if they do not receive a gift because of the norms.
How do you celebrate Valentine’s Day though if you do not purchase the typical items? As a college student, we have little extra money to spend on gifts for all of our friends and a significant other. However, our love can be shown in other ways such as by spending time with them. Here are some ideas on how to celebrate Valentine’s Day without spending a fortune.
SVSU hosts a range of different activities for Valentine’s Week free to students and couples who may want to go. On Monday, February 12th, Forever Red is hosting a Valentine-themed bingo night. If you want to win flowers for others there is a chance to win them at Trivia Tuesday hosted by the Program Board and Forever Red. On Valentine’s Day itself, there is speed dating if you are looking for love or self-care yoga. Finally, there is a Palentine’s Week Swing hosted by Program Board and Swing Saginaw on the 15th.
These events are all free and a great way to celebrate Valentine’s Day with friends or a significant other. Other ways to celebrate more intimately could be simple activities such as baking together, watching a rom-com, or having an indoor picnic.
Another great way to spend Valentine’s Day is to volunteer in the community. Valentine’s Day, to me, is all about kindness and love. The best way to show these qualities is to help others by volunteering your time.
Valentine’s Day can become a time filled with helping others and expressing your love, not just a time to spend your money. So, this February 14th be sure to show your love through non-material objects and spending time with those you care for.
