Valentine’s Day is approaching and some are thrilled. Bring out the chocolates, sweets, cards, flowers and more. This holiday is to celebrate love through romantic partnerships, friendships, and family. According to The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica, “The holiday has origins in the Roman festival of Lupercalia, held in mid-February. The festival, which celebrated the coming of spring, included fertility rites and the pairing off of women with men by lottery.”

“Spending a day with a loved one is my favorite thing to do on Valentine’s Day not everyone has a partner to celebrate with and it’s not all about couples anyways,” De’Layjah Thornton, 12, said.

Most of the time we tend to think that this holiday is just for romantic relationships, but that’s not completely true. Valentine’s Day is a day to show your appreciation and admiration to your loved ones.

“You can have fun on Valentine’s Day with your friends and not just your partner, you don’t need a boyfriend or girlfriend to make the day enjoyable,” Jayda Randsom, 12, said.

People discuss how they hate this holiday but it’s really a love-hate relationship with the holiday because, for some, it reminds them that they aren’t in a relationship, while some look forward to it.

“Valentine’s Day isn’t really hateable,” Jalayna Young, 12, said. “It’s just because I’m single that makes me sick of the day.”

Valentine’s Day is no different than a holiday much like Mother’s Day or Father’s Day. Of course, we should express love and appreciation every day, but one specific day to show recognition for that doesn’t hurt.

“I do not have a valentine this year, I don’t wish to have one and I don’t think the day is that important because it’s just a day to waste money,” Tiffany Chanel, 12, said.

In elementary school, Valentine’s Day was another day to have a class party. Some were excited to bring in candy or cupcakes and share them with the class. Some even wrote their classmates a special note.

“In school, we celebrated Valentine’s day, and also we passed out candy to my classmates, it was another day just to eat candy and have a party for me,” Tyleake Wright, 11, said. 

Students were taught early about this holiday; It is about being kind and loving. As students get older, the holiday is a reminder to stop and do that: show and tell people you love them.

“Love can be platonic, familial, within one’s self, or romantic, but it is always going to serve as a strong, life connection,” Genesis Stevans, 12, said.

There are so many ways to celebrate this holiday. Whether that’s going out, staying in, making hand-crafted art, but it’s not about what you give or do, it’s the thought that counts.

 “I think an expensive gift is important but if they can’t afford it then I will make a gift that is thoughtful but a thoughtful gift is very special also I will accept either one,” Jalen Beton, 12, said.

On Valentine’s Day, couples are given an excuse to send mushy messages and spend quality time together. Couples take advantage of the holiday and reassure their partners and make them feel loved. Self-love is just as important and it’s common to put others before you. Taking the time to make sure you’re in the right space physically, mentally, and emotionally goes a long way. 

“I will be spending the day celebrating/practicing self-love,” Corey Bouldin, Jr., 9, said. “Even if you’re in a relationship, participate in self-love; it helps a lot.”