The Best Fake Holiday

The average price of a dozen Roses in $100, price for a heart-shaped box of Godiva chocolate $40, Valentines Day Hallmark card costs $5.99, and what does it equal? It equals the waste of money on a meaningless holiday.

For most Valentines Day is the day we share tokens of affection to those we love. When I think of Valentines Day, I am reminded of sappy clichés, Meg Ryan movies, and gifts.

For others it is a somber occasion known to some as “Single Awareness Day”, the day when those who are unattached are reminded of that fact. But with today’s economy I’m sure there is something else this holiday brings to mind: Spending.

I was having a conversation with my newly single brother and he mentioned the fact that this Valentines Day he is single and that means not having to buy jewelry, chocolates, flowers or anything for that matter. He was overjoyed at the thought of all the money he would save.

Why do we spend so much on this holiday? According to the National Retail Federation, spending topped 17 billion last year.  With any healthy relationship you should be given tokens of love everyday not just on the holiday. Not necessarily expensive gifts but signs of adoration, support, affection.  

            The holiday has become a mass produce of greetings cards and even e-cards for the lazy, with generic inscriptions.

            The holiday has even become an easy opportunity for scammers to prey on the inept. According to FraudGuides.com, Crooks are sending Valentines Day e-cards to trick you into giving personal and financial information.

            So even though it has its place on my wall calendar, it wont be a any different from any other day. I will continue to show everyone I love adoration everyday, not just on the best fake holiday.

February 12, 2009. Uncategorized.