Valentine’s Day, celebrated annually on February 14th, is a day dedicated to love and romance dating back over 600 hundred years. The day is often marked by expressions of love shown through gifts, flowers, and letters. It originated from the legend of St. Valentine, a priest who defied Emperor Claudius II of Rome’s ban on marriage and was later executed on February 14, 270 A.D. for secretly marrying couples. Over time, the holiday has evolved into a global celebration of affection celebrated by people and their loved ones.
Many view this special holiday as an opportunity to express their love for the people around them – whether it’s their mother, best friend, or significant other – while others perceive it as another opportunity for big brands to spread commercialism and push products.
At CHS, DECA is promoting love and marking the holiday by selling candy grams open to students, families, and faculty.
“We have little heart-shaped boxes, with little pieces of chocolate that we’re selling for $3 each,” Roger Roslowski, marketing teacher and chapter adviser of DECA, said. “They sell it during lunch in the cafeteria, as well as you can purchase it in the school store. Those will be delivered during second period on Valentine’s Day to the recipients.”
According to the National Retail Federation (NRF), 56% of consumers are expected to celebrate Valentine’s Day in 2025. The estimated spending for the holiday is $27.5 billion, averaging around $188.81 per household.
“The marketing teacher in me always remembers that it’s a Hallmark holiday, so it’s kind of like one of those days just to buy more stuff. You go to dinner on February 13th or February 15th, and the price is normal,” Roslowski said. “You go on the 14th and some restaurants raise the price. Keep in mind that that day has become very commercialized.”
However with this in mind, he also expressed his appreciation for the day.
“I think Valentine’s Day is a perfect day like I said earlier, just for the people special in your life,” Roslowski said. “It doesn’t just have to be about that one person that you have strong feelings for, I think Valentine’s Day is a good day to remind everybody in your life that. If I haven’t said so, you’re special to me, and keep that in mind.”
For junior Zeynep Tutar, Valentine’s Day is about celebrating every meaningful person in her life.
“I feel like it doesn’t really have to be with your partner,” Tutar said. “It could be anything with any kind of people you love, like friends, family, even like, anyone.”
As DECA’s vice president of hospitality, sophomore Brady Honeyford oversees the selling and distribution of the program’s candy grams. According to Honeyford, Valentine’s Day is “a day to spread love and appreciation for those you hold close.”
With pink and red merchandise in every store, endless commercials, and constant reminders on social media, no matter where one goes in February, it can be hard to escape the impending day and can leave many feeling pressured to have a Valentine.
“I feel like most people view Valentine’s Day as something that they have to do with their partners. I feel like it shouldn’t be viewed like that,” Tutar said. “It’s the day where you can celebrate with any of your loved ones.”
Honeyford also said he does not think one needs a special someone to celebrate the holiday.
“I feel they are missing the point of Valentine’s Day as you don’t need to have a partner in order to show love and appreciation for someone,” Honeyford said. “I celebrate with friends and family to show them my appreciation towards them.”
Before meeting his wife, Roslowski said he spent the holiday around his friends.
“When there was nobody special, no significant other, it was just a normal day. And you celebrate it with friends. I might give some friends cards and just brighten their day and things like that,” Roslowski said.
Roslowski has been married to his wife for 24 years and with her for over 30 years. Once he met her, he said the holiday changed for him.
“But when you have somebody special, it gives the day a new meaning,” Roslowski said.
Whether or not you decide to incorporate material items in your celebration, the core value of Valentine’s Day is expressing your love and appreciation for the people around you. It’s a reminder to everyone what those around you have sacrificed for you, and the holiday is a way you can return the favor and show you care.
According to Roslowski, communication is critical in showing one’s feelings for another.
“Everybody has a busy life, everybody has other obligations. You have to take the time to be together, but I also think strong relationships are strong because there’s communication,” Roslowski explained. “You have to talk to each other. You can’t read minds. You can’t assume somebody knows something. If you communicate your thoughts and your feelings to that person, then they’re aware.”
While modern America may exploit Valentine’s Day, the core meaning of the holiday remains: showing admiration and love for the people in your life in whatever form you choose. It is ultimately your decision on how you want to spend the holiday – whether it’s showing appreciation through flowers and chocolates or loving words.
Maybe the true meaning of Valentine’s Day is just spending a little extra time with loved ones as Honeyford’s ultimate wish for the day would be to have off from work and school.
“The school district should give you the day off for it as that would make it ten times more fun and memorable!” Honeyford said.
