To show affection for loved ones on Valentine’s Day, a simple gift-giving of cards, chocolates and flowers commonly gets the job done. What all of these gifts have in common, however, goes further than just attempts of showing affection: they all reveal the materialism that has come to define this holiday.

Senior Anna Fagin said she has noticed this association between materialism and Valentine’s day.

“A lot of people are definitely into giving gifts to each other, such as flowers and chocolates. Materialism plays an important role in how we celebrate, at least nowadays,” Fagin said.

Biology teacher Eric Rauch agrees with Fagin and said he believes Valentine’s Day is essentially another holiday based off of the idea of gift-giving.

“Valentine’s Day is certainly a commercial holiday,” Rauch said. “Whether you buy into this idea of gift-giving, however, is up to each person’s discretion.”

In addition, Rauch said gift-giving is not necessarily the best way to fulfill the purpose of Valentine’s Day.

“Gift-giving isn’t always the best way to celebrate this holiday, because at the end of the day, all you’re doing is just giving them stuff,” Rauch said. “To treat your loved ones with the same appreciation and kindness everyday of the year should be the main takeaway from Valentine’s Day.”

Adding to this perspective, according to Fagin, there are various other ways to celebrate Valentine’s Day depending on the type and people in the relationship.

“Valentine’s Day does not have to just be about giving or receiving gifts. Doing something unique in your circumstance, even it just means hanging out, can be just as rewarding,” Fagin said.

But according to senior Jason Shaw, a notion of materialism around Valentine’s Day is both efficient and effective.

“I do get that buying chocolates and other gifts does not necessarily require much effort and time,” Shaw said. “But it’s also important to realize it has become so widely accepted and traditional that the convenience…justifies its continuation.”

Whether the effectiveness of a more materialistic Valentine’s Day is disagreed upon in at least some respect, everyone agrees it is a holiday that allows for one to express appreciation and perhaps affection for others.   

“In the end, I would say you shouldn’t let the holiday pressure you. It’s fine to celebrate whatever works for your relationship, and as long as everyone feels appreciated and loved, everything that needs to be accomplished will be accomplished,” Fagin said.