As Valentine’s Day approaches, people may have to begin thinking about how they will celebrate this holiday during the pandemic. Valentine’s Day, a day where people express their love to their friends and significant others through gifts such as: flowers, chocolate hearts, teddy bears and jewelry. Sales for these items all skyrocket during this time of the year.
This year, dinner dates and gatherings may have to be modified and postponed amidst the growing number of COVID-19 cases and the fear of the new strains entering the United States.
Senior exercise science major Cameron Adams said, “COVID, in particular, is not affecting me this year for Valentine’s Day, although it may affect other couples because they may not be able to do some of the things that they have planned.”
Valentine’s Day 2021 will be the first year that people will not experience a traditional Valentine’s Day due to social distancing guidelines. However, much like those in school and working remotely, those celebrating this holiday can use technology to spend time with their friends and significant others in order to follow social distancing recommendations.
Corinne Whipple, a senior computer science major, shared a little about her relationship as it is one that is long distance. As a result of their long-distance relationship, they do a lot of dates through Zoom and FaceTime.
“My boyfriend and I are long-distance as it is, so we do a lot of things virtual,” Whipple said. “Fortunately, he will be visiting me for the holiday, but if he were not visiting me, we would FaceTime or watch a movie and celebrate that way.”
Fortunately, there are various ways to use technology to celebrate with those you love. Many couples or friends can use FaceTime and Zoom to have dinner and conversations, while some may use Hulu Party or Netflix Party to watch movies with their family and friends.
Despite the options technology offers, it still doesn’t change that Valentine’s Day will unfortunately not be the same as it usually is for many people because of the pandemic. But some are not letting that stop them from spending time with those they love.
Senior English major Beth Warnken said, “My mom’s birthday is around Valentine’s Day, so we’ve had to be extra safe in how we plan to celebrate her, so we are opting for more close family time instead of going out or having a big group together.”
For those who choose to gather in big groups and spend time in person with their significant others to celebrate the holiday of love, it is important to remember to social distance as much as possible and to continue to wear masks, properly, around others.
“I hope people will take the time to think of fun and unique ways to celebrate loved ones with the pandemic happening,” Warnken said. “Taking the extra time to plan around gatherings and going out could be super meaningful to your loved ones and others.”
Photo by Emma Crouch
