Valentine’s Day: a day for celebrating love and kindness

With many ways to celebrate, Valentine’s Day is a holiday to commemorate love.

Photo by Elizabeth Lizarde

On Valentine’s Day both couples and friends can celebrate with equal amounts of enjoyment.

Every year family, friends, and lovers get together for one of the most celebrated days out of the year: Valentines Day. And this day is not just for lovers, it can be celebrated with family or friends; ultimately it is an opportunity to show love to anyone and everyone you care about.
“I usually dress up with friends and have dinner. This day is full of love and usually people are busy but this day is to put aside to make those we love feel special, I personally love chocolate and flowers for Valentines Day,” sophomore Maile Bagshaw said.
This worldwide holiday began as a Christian feast day commemorating one or two early Christian martyrs known as Saint Valentine. It has evolved into a significant cultural, religious, and commercial celebration of romance and love in many parts of the world through later folk traditions. Valentine’s day did not become popular as a romantic holiday until the 14th century.
“I don’t usually celebrate, but I hope to go out with my boyfriend on Valentine’s day for the first time. I celebrate it because I know God [would want us too] and I think it would be a good thing for everyone to do,” junior Heidi Cruz said.

Over the years, Valentine’s day is celebrated by many worldwide. Most students give their friends candy, snacks, food, or even go on dinner dates for this very special day. There are many ways to celebrate, some being to have a movie marathon, take a pottery class, have a potluck, or have a shopping spree day if you can afford it. Couples wise, some date ideas may be to go out for coffee, a movie, do karaoke, or dinner, though many of these can be done at home as well. However, the most important thing for both is to have fun.

Couples can hold hands just as much as friends can fist bump and hang out on Valentine’s Day. (Photo by Elizabeth Lizarde)

“On Valentine’s Day I usually spend time with friends and family. I love spending time with my family on this day because they are people who have loved me throughout my whole lifetime. Whenever I think of this day I think of family and friends,” junior Idalis Solano said.
Even on valentines there is still room for self love, Show yourself love and gratitude for the love that surrounds you by engaging in whatever simple self-care activities bring you joy, rest, or relaxation. Connect with an old friend, take a nap, try out a new home hobby, enjoy the outdoors, or eat a comfort meal.
Whether the holiday is celebrated with a significant other or not, this day is one to remember that everyone is cared for and can find those to spend the day with.