It is time to complete the triumvirate of commercialized winter holidays. Three months ago, it began with Thanksgiving (slogan: “Force feed your loved ones name brand food”). Then came Christmas (slogan: “Buy your loved ones lots of expensive crap”). The final commercialized holiday of winter is, of course, Valentine’s Day (slogan: “Force feed your loved ones name brand chocolate and buy them lots of lots of expensive crap”).
Like so many other holidays, Valentine’s Day began with the best of intentions. Medieval legend tells of St. Valentine, a persecuted Christian. On the eve of his execution he wrote the first valentine addressed to the jailor’s daughter, his beloved. Think what shame St. Valentine would feel if he knew that his name sake day had been conquered by ridiculously pricey chocolates and stuffed critters that sing “Wild Thing.”
Whatever happened to the real spirit of Valentine’s Day? When did the card companies start declaring, in sappy poems no less, how you felt about your lover? Since when does a bar of cocoa butter say “You’re special?” Moreover, who would ever give someone a plush lobster?
It is time to reclaim this love fest of a holiday. Show your significant other that you truly love him or her by giving major corporations the finger.
Let’s start with those over-priced, over-abundant Valentine cards. After all, nothing is more heartfelt than a mass produced piece of cardstock colored crimson. The card becomes even more special when shown to a group of friends who awkwardly mention that they too received the same heartfelt card. How sweet!
Instead, why not revert back to those days of kindergarten creativity and make your own card? Dust off those colored pencils and grab a sheet of printer paper. Even a simple “I love you” in your own handwriting is far more personal than anything printed in Times New Roman.
If you are required to purchase a gift for your better half, do not waste time or cash on superstore Valentine crap. It may involve a bit of thinking, but there must be something much more personal that would make an excellent gift.
If still stumped, just stumble down State Street. I am sure will find something unique. Here’s a hint: Almost everyone loves food. However, it is certainly not necessary to blow a week’s paycheck on dinner or one of those boxes of chocolate that only has four pieces in it anyway.
The cheaper, healthier and more environmentally friendly option is to stay home and cook. After all, since when does it make sense to spend romantic “alone time” in a room full of strangers and waiters? Think of the alone time together at home. If anything should happen after the meal, well… at least you are home.
In a world where the media and popular perception rule, it is nice to know that we still can have some control over our holidays. Enjoy your love day responsibly and imaginatively.
Emily Houtler is a sophomore majoring in environmental studies and math. We welcome your feedback. Please send responses to opinion@dailycardinal.com.
