Every year when Valentine’s Day comes on Feb. 14, there are the people who get really into it and the other people who despise the holiday. I find myself with the people who enjoy the holiday just because of the good mood it puts most people in. I think Valentine’s Day is worth celebrating, whether you are in a relationship or not. It is a fun day to appreciate those around you, including your friends and your family.

The history of Valentine’s Day is interesting, considering there are many different versions of legends about how the holiday started. The most well-known legend states that after the Roman Emperor Claudius II outlawed marriage, Saint Valentine continued to conduct marriages in secret.

The tradition of exchanging flowers was practiced even then, and we still do it today. According to USA Today, an estimated $2 billion is spent on flowers in the U.S. Other than the basic chocolate and flower gifts, only 24% of people surveyed plan to give more unique gifts this year. These include jewelry or tickets to a concert or sporting event. Valentine’s day is the second most card giving day of the year, after Christmas. In 1913, Hallmark was one of the first companies to mass produce Valentine’s Day Cards. An estimated 1 billion cards are exchanged around the world for the holiday every year. Australia, France, Great Britain, Mexico, and the United Kingdom also celebrate Valentine’s Day.  

I think Valentine’s Day can sometimes set high expectations, when the simple things should be what is focused on. Expensive gifts can cause more harm than good, and just spending extra time with those around you can be a better way to show your appreciation. Even though people should show kindness to others every day, a little extra love and happiness on Valentine’s Day isn’t a bad thing.