The Martlet

Goodbye Hallmark, hello Valentine’s Day. Could it be that the overindulgence and commercialism of this holiday is wearing off?

Feb. 14 was originally a tribute to Catholic Bishop St. Valentine, but in recent decades the day has become more about exchanging gifts for love. Yet, with the current economy, some students are returning to the day’s roots of love.

“I wanted my boyfriend and I to do something,” said Marie Ash. “But I’m working two jobs and it’s just not realistic.”

The costs of student living, combined with this year’s economic downfall, has taken more than a load off our bank accounts — it’s taken a load off the pressure of Valentine’s Day.

Not everyone can afford the lavish hotel rooms, flower deliveries and expensive jewelery that we’ve become accustomed to. For some, lighter wallets are no excuse for not celebrating, but for many this holiday is becoming transparent.

“I think a lot of people are going to rethink their spending,” said fourth-year UVic student Kailey Walls. “We just have to decide if those $100 long-stem roses are worth it or not.”

Jessica Wood, another Victoria local, is one of many who has more than just the expense of this holiday to worry about. She and her fiancé are getting married this year and their plans for Valentine’s Day have changed.

“We’re trying to save money so we’ll most likely do the standard rent a movie and cook dinner,” said Wood.

But the absence of disposable income doesn’t have to be seen as a bad thing. Financially-strapping situations may be bringing the essence of Valentine’s Day back to life. A lack of money is forcing people to discover celebrating love again, utilizing this day as a chance to spend nothing but time with each other and allowing us to break through the Hallmark barrier and just say, without a card, “I love you.”

Still, there are times when V-Day can feel like a battle ground swarmed with loving couples where singles have to fight to stand their ground. But love doesn’t have to be celebrated with a partner.

“I’ll probably just hang out with friends,” said student Kelsey Harbidge, laughing.

Valentine’s Day does have its so-called heart in the right place. A day devoted to love and happiness falls at a good time in our seemingly over-cynical, over-stressed society. If smart spending and only celebrating love keeps up in the future, we can look forward to seeing Valentine’s Day as a day that makes all of us, and our savings accounts, very happy.