Valentine’s Day is stereotypically viewed as a holiday based on dating and significant others. When most hear the word ‘valentine’ they turn away, thinking it’s only a holiday for romance. That may seem like what it is on the surface, but for many students at Spectrum High School, they see Valentine’s Day as a holiday to celebrate and spend time with their families and friends.

“When you say the word love,” says Skylar MacLennan. “It’s an unconditional thing of ‘I’m always going to be there for you and I’ll be there to support you.’ ”

Many students have fond memories with their families on Valentine’s, further spreading the idea that Valentine’s Day is more than it seems from first glance. Aden Khamdamov, a  junior at Spectrum High School, states that he watches movies with his mother every Valentine’s Day. Amelia Halverson, another junior, states that her and her mother go out and buy flowers every year as a Valentine’s tradition. MacLennan also states that her brother and dad get her mother, her sister, and herself flowers each Valentine’s.

Businesses also are among those who flourish during the holiday seasons, with Valentine’s being one of the larger ones. Rachel Yothers is the manager of Christine’s Hallmark Shop, located in Elk River, Minnesota.