There should be more than one day to express love, even if it’s pretty in pink

The snow is melting, Christmas trees rot in landfills, and ornaments and tinsel have returned to storage for another 11 months of malaise. Now, stores have raced to stock shelves with red roses, cards with sweet messages, and boxes of chocolate; Valentine’s Day strikes again. The lovey dovey holiday originated sometime in the 14th century as a feast organized by Christians honoring a martyr named Saint Valentine. In the 21st century, Valentine’s Day now celebrates the love and affection of friends and family. 

Opinions vary on the true meaning of Valentine’s Day. Some believe the holiday has lost its meaning and transformed into an excuse to commercialize products by slapping a heart on the package to cash in for big bucks. Others still believe the day holds meaning as a time to celebrate relationships and make special memories with family, friends, and partners. However, why restrict this to just one day in the middle of the month?

Embracing loved ones and showing appreciation for people should be something celebrated every single day, not just on Valentine’s. Chocolate-covered strawberries and a fancy dinner are always nice surprises, but these surprises should not be limited to one specific day.

A study conducted by the National Retail Federation (NRF) found that consumers spent a record breaking $27.5 billion on Valentine’s Day as of 2025, surpassing 2020’s count of $27.4 billion on ‘romance related’ products. The NRF also ranked most popular gifts as 56% candy, 40% flowers and greeting cards, and 35% on an evening out.

While billions of dollars are spent on the holiday nationwide, there is no need to empty out college savings on extravagant gifts. True expressions of love can be as simple as a handwritten letter and bouquet of flowers, or whatever else is special to the person. 

While February loom somber, snow-covered, and often frigid, the bright colors and overall happiness of the holiday provide a pleasant contrast. While some folks, especially bitter singles, may find the superfluous decorations nauseating, the colors, bright signs, and glitter add a nice touch to the usually plain grocery store aisles.

Of course, Valentine’s Day can also create a feeling of isolation. Not everyone has a partner, friendship, or even family members to enjoy the holiday with and feel like they’re missing out, or are not cared for. While strangers pass by every day, it doesn’t do any harm to wish them a “Happy Valentine’s Day,” or offer kind words. Such courtesies don’t need to wait for this specific day, though, and should be an everyday opportunity to offer support and kindness to those around you.

by Adele Faust

Published on February 24 2024

Oshkosh West Index Volume 121 Issue V