To celebrate ‘Hallmark holiday’ – or not

Take a dozen roses, a box of chocolates and a generic store bought card. Mix them together with a touch of romance and what do you get?Saint Valentines Day.

As the day approaches, lovers all around the world rush to select a perfect present for their sweetheart. Whether they be in a serious relationship, or trying to impress a romantic interest, people all over dish out unreasonable amounts of cash to make sure their present is top-notch. So is what’s the big deal about Valentines Day?

“I feel it’s a stupid holiday because not everyone can celebrate it,” said Jazmin Averbuck, a CSC freshman. Jazmin, along with many others students agreed that this “Hallmark holiday”, is just a scheme made up by companies to make a ridiculous profit. Besides that, Valentines Day reminds those without love just how lonely they are. Even those who don’t hate the holiday mentioned they participated in activities such as an Anti-Valentines Day to make fun of the foolish event.

Michael Hall, a transfer student from Champlain College, seemed very passionate on the subject and when asked, got fired up. “If guys want to be sweet, they shouldn’t wait until Valentines Day,” said Hall. He believes that a person should constantly do nice things for the one they love, and not have to worry about spending hundreds of dollars on a present to make up for the rest of the year. “Write your own card, it’ll be more appreciated,” Hall mentioned how spontaneous and thoughtful gifts are a much better idea than the typical items. Hall, who once worked at a drug store, thinks prices at Valentines Day are outrageous.

Cherie Pfeiffer, an art major at CSC agrees. “Because so many people believe they want these gifts for their loved ones, companies learn to take advantage of this and charge double the price of what things should cost,” she said. Supply and demand, as well as the procrastination is most often the reason prices of flowers, candy, jewelry, stuffed animals and cards are jacked up.

According to research done by the Hallmark Company, about 180 million Valentines Day cards are purchased each year. They also discovered that more than 50 percent of these cards were bought six days before the actual day. The United States Department of Agriculture estimated about 422 million dollars are spent on flowers for this holiday. The average price of a dozen roses starts at about 39.95, at least a ten dollar increase compared to what they may normally cost.

There is still hope for Valentines Day however. “I think it’s very romantic,” said junior, Heather Ormond. Many people still believe it’s a fun, nice excuse to treat those who you love. Those who find it harmless enjoy the silly, cheesy traditions that have been going on for years. Ormond also made sure to emphasis how Valentines Day is actually all about the night. As a Hallmark card puts it “Good lovin’ is like good cookin’. It’s best served HOT.”

“I think that Valentines Day is a nice idea, but is not always executed the right way.” said Miranda Bevins, a freshman. No matter how you feel about the holiday, it’s going to continue on for years to come.

Whether you like it or not.

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