By Annie Renz
The pressure of spending money on Valentine’s Day, coupled with the hype of the holiday is leaving some Stonehill students up in arms.
“It’s pretty much just another Groundhog Day to me,” said Karleigh Schultz, a Stonehill student.
Schultz’s opinion of the holiday’s significance is shared by other students.
“Valentine’s Day is only relevant if you’re in a relationship,” said Hannah Watson.
“It’s overdone and overhyped. It’s overhyped in stores as well,” said Marissa Such.
According to history.com, the Catholic Church recognizes the origins of the holiday with the story of Saint Valentine. According to legend, while Saint Valentine was imprisoned, he sent the first “valentine” to a young girl who visited him while in prison and signed it, “From your valentine.”
Saint Valentine’s romantic gesture was reciprocated later in history. According to history.com, the modern practice of writing cards to loved ones became common in the 1400s.
Today, the idea of spending the holiday with loved ones has some Stonehill students excited.
“When Valentine’s Day is spent with people you love like friends and family, like ‘Galentine’s Day’, it doesn’t have to be so overhyped. That’s the best,” said Such.
“I love Valentine’s Day,” said Giovana Vieira. “It’s so cute and it can be lowkey. It doesn’t have to be all that. I couldn’t get a reservation anywhere, but it’s not about the quantity but the quality.”
Watson prefers the idea of quality time on Valentine’s Day.
“I think it should be more about quality time, not spending money, especially because it was just Christmas. It should be more about time… valenTIME,” said Watson.
Spending money on Valentine’s Day has become a cultural norm and adds a lot of pressure to the day.
“It’s a cute holiday, but there is a lot of pressure on it if you are in a relationship to get presents. It’s kind of like an anniversary, but it is a cute holiday to spend with loved ones,” said Martha Lord.
The National Retail Federation has published their predicted spending for the holiday this year, and the results are jaw-dropping.
In an annual survey released by the Federation, consumers are expected to spend $27.5 billion on Valentine’s Day. According to the NRF, the most popular gift categories, in order, are candy, flowers, greeting cards, an evening out, and jewelry.
The NRF also stated that the priority of gift-giving to loved ones is at an all-time high, as total spending on a significant other is projected to reach $14.6 billion. Spending money on a family member is also projected to beat last year’s number with a total of $4.3 billion.
The fantastic sum of money projected to be spent this year is a reason why some people are against the holiday.
“I don’t care at all about Valentine’s Day, and I do not spend money on that day,” said Schultz.
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