While Valentine’s Day is typically thought of as a celebration of romantic love, many people’s first experiences with the festivity are actually in the classroom. Making mailboxes and passing out cards to everyone in class is an almost universal elementary school memory, but now, Valentine’s celebrations are not school sanctioned, so it’s up to students to find their own way to spend the day. 

For students with a significant other, plans usually consist of a romantic outing. “I think we’ve always done a romantic dinner,” said junior Lucy Simmons, reflecting on past Valentine’s Days. This year, she’s going to lunch with her boyfriend before taking him to see a show downtown. They use the day to give larger and more sentimental gifts, dedicating the holiday to their relationship. 

Although what Simmons describes is a more traditional way to celebrate, now many students find new perspectives on the holiday. For example, many partake in what is known as a “Galentine’s Day” celebration, using Valentine’s Day as a way to celebrate a platonic love. Groups of friends, usually girls, hence the “gal” in the name, get together to express gratitude for the friendships they’ve found.

The trend has grown in recent years, especially with its popularity on social media. “I love Galentine’s. I think it’s a cute way to celebrate friendship,” writes junior Eve Thiesse. 

The concept of Galentine’s Day reflects an expansion of the meaning of Valentine’s Day. There is less pressure to be in a relationship in order to celebrate. Junior Savana Santos notes “a shift from [celebrating only romantic] relationships to family and friendships” now in Valentine’s Day festivities. This means a greater accessibility to the holiday with a widened audience. 

However, this growth of Valentine’s Day is not limited to its social view. “I feel it’s become more commercial,” writes sophomore Abigail Farrar, “not that it wasn’t already.”

The same consumerism that’s taken hold of other holidays is seen on Valentine’s Day. Sophomore Danna Jaber feels like “there isn’t anything special [about Valentine’s Day,] except for the deals on candies and chocolates.” Additionally, with social media, the influence to spend becomes greater.

On the other hand, social media has allowed for an explosion of ideas for celebration. One year, Simmons made her boyfriend a guitar pick bouquet – a handmade gift inspired by a Pinterest post. As with most things, the benefit of social media remains ambiguous in terms of its entanglement with the holiday. 

Valentine’s Day has certainly changed in recent years. While some, like junior Maria Scarlatis, “miss when everyone had a little mailbox” and cards were exchanged, there are new exciting trends to try. So, celebrate Valentine’s with the ones you love, whether that’s a significant other, friends, or family. After all, love is in the air!