Written By: Isabella
Edited By: Grace
Valentine’s Day celebrations started with traditional rose gifts, heart-shaped balloon displays, and spontaneous dining choices. The celebration originated in ancient Roman traditions, which later evolved into a celebration of various expressions of love throughout history, uniquely different for each person.
Valentine’s Day this year falls at the perfect time, as it falls within a long weekend. The additional days provide students with a much-needed break and allow them to make plans with their friends, family, or significant others.
With that, a question arises: Which activities will different grade levels choose to do?
The freshmen seem to collectively take a relaxed approach to this holiday. Danielle says, “I’m hanging out with my friends,” adding that most people in her grade will probably do the same or “go on a date with their partner”. Iris shares a similar perspective, saying she “will probably spend [her] Valentine’s Day with [her] family or friends”. For freshmen, Valentine’s Day is simple. There aren’t any complicated expectations, and the holiday is more about spending time with people they care about rather than doing something elaborate.
Sophomores have a more intentional approach. Katherine’s idea of a “Galentines” is “having dinner with her closest friends at a nice restaurant”. She thinks that other sophomores will spend Valentine’s Day with people they love: “It’s a special time of year that people should appreciate more often, as it’s a great way to show your love for others.” Unlike the freshmen who opted for a more spontaneous and casual approach, the sophomores took on a more organized and specific attitude. For them, the holiday seems less about romance and more about showing appreciation to the people who matter.
Zia, a junior, plans to spend her time at church. “I’m hearing about a lot of Galentine’s plans”, she adds, explaining that many of her friends are planning Galentine’s activities “if not with their significant other”. For juniors, Valentine’s Day has become more flexible. It can be about friendship, faith, or romance, and students seem to enjoy the freedom to celebrate it however they desire.
Seniors, however, bring responsibilities into the picture. Lina finds a balance by spending “part of the day with my boyfriend and the rest of it at home… I have some work to do.” She thinks that most seniors “are studying for upcoming mocks.” Evidently, even a day like Valentine’s Day does not relieve seniors of their responsibilities. The day becomes something they fit in around work rather than a full break from it.
Valentine’s Day at ISM shows that there is no single way to celebrate. Some people plan dinners and outings, while others spend the day at church, with family, with friends, or at home resting. What makes the day interesting is that it is personal to each individual. Even though it’s a globally recognized holiday, how people choose to celebrate says more about them than about tradition itself.
Even if you spend the day vibrantly or quietly, romantically or platonically, with work or relaxation, hopefully this long weekend gives you the chance to celebrate Valentine’s Day (the way you actually want to!) and enjoy a break that feels yours.
