Valentine's Day in elementary school was a magical time filled with candy, cards, crafts and gift exchanges. Art class before the week of this "Hallmark holiday" was spent decorating your box where the other students in your class would place your personally-addressed Valentine's Day cards. From preschool to fifth grade, this is how every schedule occurred around this special holiday.
Since entering college, I've noticed many people totally despise February 14th and most do absolutely nothing in celebration. Select student groups on campus will sell flowers or chocolates to be delivered to your special someone, while other random college students use the dreaded holiday as just another excuse to get drunk on a Wednesday night. So here are seven reasons why Valentine's Day was better in elementary school.
1. There was an entire week of preparation in art class.
I mentioned this already, but I took pride in my Valentine's Day box. I'm 20 years old and still have one of my old boxes lying around at home. It was a nice break from learning the color wheel and drawing yellow suns in the top corner of the paper.
2. You made your family Valentine's Day gifts.
Making crafts for your family during for different holidays during class was one of the best parts of the elementary school. There was no need to stress about presents or gifts or managing the postal system. Hand-made gifts are always better, in my opinion, and it's awful having absolutely no time to make my parents crafts anymore even though they're so deserving of the love.
3. Fun Dips have disappeared from the realm of sweets.
The kid who brought fun dips for the class was the true hero of the classroom. Essentially, this snack is almost entirely composed of sugar, but as an elementary school child, what more could you ask for? Unfortunately, many of us have outgrown this love for solely sugar, but sometimes I always wonder how my crush would react if I showed up to his door with a Fun Dip candy and a mini Valentine's Day card. Instead, if college students receive any candy for this holiday, it's often a box of heart-shaped chocolates.
4. Lizzie McGuire cards no longer populate superstore shelves.
I would love to get one of these old-school cards for a Valentine's Day gift. Unfortunately, these trends have disappeared from department store shelves and are replaced by new popular shows and movies for today's kids such as "Star Wars," "Paw Patrol" or "Trolls."
5. I'm no longer guaranteed 20 Valentine's.
Another great part of Valentine's Day in elementary school? You were guaranteed at least 20 Valentine's cards from other students in your class - how loved! However, during college, I'm satisfied if I received one card on February 14th. Rather that is due to the lack of funds by college students to purchase these cards for their friends or lack of caring, it's pretty rare to receive Valentine's gifts around this time of the year.
6. Any exchange of cards is often digital.
People have opted for the Twitter memes as acceptable Valentine's cards instead of real, handwritten cards. It's not that I don't appreciate the memes, but a nice sentimental card would be nice too.
7. Valentine's Day now focuses on S.Os than any other important person in your life.
While I understand the appeal of celebrating Valentine's day with your significant other, let's not forget about all of the other important people in your life, too. In elementary school, we exchanged cards/gifts with everyone - acquaintances, your crush, family, and friends. When did it start becoming out of the ordinary to show these people our appreciation of the day of love?
Valentine's Day doesn't have to just be focused on romantic love; it can be a multitude of things. Bring back the enjoyment and excitement around Valentine's Day, even if it is just a 'Hallmark holiday." Let's start showing our love for those around us again.
