Valentine's Day Beyond Lovers

Valentine’s Day has long been celebrated by lovers and its tradition is steeped in love, courtship, and marriage. However, that reflects purist thinking. Valentine’s Day does not have to be celebrated between lovers. In fact, modern day Valentine’s Day is observed between everyone we love.

There are Valentine’s Day cards for everyone. You may receive a Valentine from your mother, best friend or coworker. In fact, school kids send and receive small single-faced cards to and from their secret admirers. Valentine’s Day is marked by connecting to those we love, be it platonic friends or our lovers.

Presently, people purchase cards, flowers and gifts for their friends, spouses, parents, children, and even if they are bold enough—their teachers. It is a time to express love, admiration, and affection for those dear to you.

Those purists who only think of Valentine’s Day between lovers should be aware of the fact that children under the age of 11 are the largest segment of consumers of greeting cards. Market research also proves that the maximum number of Valentine’s Day cards sold are delivered to teachers, children, mothers, wives, and surprisingly enough, last of all, sweethearts.

Valentine’s Day, although steeped in the marketplace, is commonly observed by schoolchildren both in the U.S. and Canada. Classes in grammar schools join together to exchange cards with their classmates. In grammar schools especially, children make their own cards during arts and crafts. In middle school, an assignment might dictate creating a greeting card in art class. And in high school, students have parties to get together with friends to celebrate the occasion. Assemblies in school often depict the historical significance of Valentine’s Day so the students appreciate its historical precedence.

Let us not forget about the family. Valentine’s Day can be observed within the family through small gifts, cards, and a simple “I love you.” An embrace before leaving for school, a “Happy Valentine’s Day” greeting, and other displays of affection generate positive feelings among family members and reinforce feelings of worth and love. St. Valentine’s Day is a happy occasion which binds family members.

Sometimes because of the nature of the holiday, single people get depressed because they do not have someone to share it with. They hustle for a date, feel sad and lonely, and left out. This is not how it has to be. Single people should celebrate with friends and family on this day and let themselves get swept up in the love that surrounds them. They may have a party for their single friends to come over or visit their parents. Perhaps a sibling lives in town—visit with him or her. Finally, single people can visit their old relatives or if so inclined, visit an old age home and perform a charitable act. It is all in the name of love.