2008 Woodie Awards
RSSWhat did you do for Valentine's Day? Did you celebrate it dipped in chocolate, written in a card or dressed up in lingerie? Did someone special take you out to dinner or buy you stuffed animals and roses?
Like all of my friends, I too surrender to the annual spirit of Valentine's Day, and why not? I mean it does represent a celebration of coupling and love sponsored by profitable companies such as Hallmark and Godiva Chocolatier.
Even roses on this wonderful day haggle us at up to $10 more per dozen than usual.
On television, commercials from companies ranging from Kay Jewelers to Radio Shack attempt to sell to the consumer-friendly romantics. Often the product is sold in red for a limited time only in celebration of this day.
Take, for example, the AT&T commercial that ends with the phrase, "Tell someone you love them this Valentine's Day with the seductive Samsung Blackjack II," available in red of course.
Since when has a phone ever been seductive? And is it really a symbol of affection?
When did this holiday get so complicated and overwhelming?
On the days leading up to Valentines day, I sat listening to my girlfriends talk about their plans, or lack thereof, and I couldn't help but th
as all about competition. Edit Desk: Originality is key on V-day
By Alison Stravitz
Issue date: 2/15/08 Section: Opinion
Whose day was going to be the best? It could sometimes simply come down to whose boy-toy or boyfriend will even remember.
Because, lets be serious, other than you rare few out there, guys can be completely clueless that this day comes once a year.
In order to get myself in the holiday spirit, I decided to give my comfortable abode a needed Valentine's Day lift. You know, the usual hearts, candy and flowers.
While I was in Wal-Mart collecting my V-Day décor, I overheard two guys talking in front of the Valentine's Day cards.
One guy said to the other, "Girls like cards … right?"
The other laughed and replied, "Maybe girls don't. I mean my girlfriend wants a ring, but she's getting a card."
I just walked away and laughed. Typical male, I thought to myself.
In the next aisle, a little girl was begging her mother for a small stuffed teddy bear covered in hearts. She said she had to have it for Valentine's Day. Even after her mother said she couldn't get the bear, the little girl persisted.
"Why don't we make a heart together and give it to your bear at home?" Her mother asked. "Then, he can be your Valentine." The little girl smiled from ear to ear.
That's what Valentine's Day should be about. What a great mom. Instilling an important lesson: Quality time and originality are more important than money spent. Why can't Lehigh students do the same? How about, instead of wasting our time debating between buying cards, roses, candy or expensive jewelry, we save our money and get original?
Write a poem, bake a cake or make cookies. Maybe go online, select a nice poem or quote to borrow for the day and write it in a homemade card. Just remember, it's the thought that counts.
Try to build memories instead of falling into the consumer trap that is Valentine's day. Honestly, who actually keeps those Hallmark cards anyway?
I know I either throw them out after a while, or they get lost along the way. Memories, on the other hand, can last a lifetime.
These ideas are effective for both the "coupled" and those of you who have recently hooked up (although you're not so serious yet, it doesn't hurt to sprinkle the new relationship with a little affection).
But beware, such personalization can lead to complication. The recipient might receive it as more affection than you necessarily wanted to give out. In these circumstances, maybe stick with the card.
By the time you read this, Valentine's Day will be over, but why not put these ideas in a drawer and save them for next year.
So what did I do for Valentine's Day? I took the pressure off. Homemade gifts were the way to go for me. How about you?
Alison Stravitz is a junior journalism major. She is an assistant news editor for The Brown and White.
