Hallmark’s Valentine's day is not reality

by Alana Bridges

Editor-In-Chief

The following story was written by a student on the staff of The Jaguar Times as part of Hilliard Bradley High School’s Journalism Production course.

Karen’s Hallmark store prepping for Valentine’s Day 2023 by filling up shelves with cards. Photo by Alana Bridges(12).

Red and pink hearts cover every surface as the smell of red roses captivates every store. Valentine’s Day is upon us whether we have someone to celebrate with or not.

Valentine’s Day, which is February 14th, has been observed for 1,527 years. It’s an annual celebration of Christian martyrs named Saint Valentine. However, Valentine's Day is really about the celebration of love towards those closest to you in current day society.

Students and teachers prepare by creating cards and buying candy for their special person. But what do you do if you aren’t in a relationship? Senior Haley Haines says she often uses Valentine’s Day to, “buy candy for [her] friends and do a Galentine's day.” While many feel this holiday is overrated and sometimes a slap in the face for those not in a relationship, students like Haines feel it’s an opportunity to do something nice for your friends and family.

While some have a very positive outlook on the holiday, statistics teacher Mr.Moody says, “my wife and I don’t celebrate Valentine's day.” For a married couple, this is very surprising. He continues, “we think it’s a made-up holiday that is pushed by companies to make money off of us.” According to Forbes Magazine, “Significant others anticipated spending an average of $175.41 per person on Valentine’s Day gifts.” The holiday brings in an unprecedented amount of money for companies throughout the country. Seeing this statistic, many might agree with Moody's claim that Valentine's day is all propaganda.

Between candies and flowers, you might spend a lot of money on your significant other or friends. Makayla Richardson (12) says, “I like getting my friends something and celebrating together.” Not all gifts need to be pricey sometimes it's all about the thought behind it.

So treat yourself to a nice dinner or maybe buy your friends and family a stuffed animal. Valentine's day is not only for people in relationships but for anyone who feels it's worth celebrating.