While typical Valentine’s Day traditions consist of going to dinner, getting chocolates and flowers, and writing cards, there are so many other unique ways to celebrate this love-filled day. To learn more about Valentine’s Day traditions, I interviewed five Berkley students to find out how they spend their holiday.
Firstly, I interviewed junior Laney Reich about her Valentine’s Day traditions. Reich shared that she spends Valentine’s Day with her friend group. When asked what her plans are for Valentine’s Day this year, Reich explained, “We will probably go to one of my friends’ houses to make cookies, watch movies, and hang out.” Reich shared that last year, “I just spent time with my friends and watched movies.” Reich’s favorite Valentine’s Day activity is “making and decorating Valentine’s Day sugar cookies.”
Next, I interviewed junior Bryn Wightman about her Valentine’s Day traditions. Wightman shared that this year, she’s spending Valentine’s Day with her boyfriend, Sam, and her friends. Regarding her plans for this Valentine’s Day, Wightman said, “Since it’s a half day, I’m going to lunch with my friends at Crispelli’s to celebrate. Then we are going to someone’s house to bake Pillsbury heart cookies.” Wightman added, “After that, I’m going to Sam’s basketball game to cheer him on.” Wightman shared that last year, “I went out to dinner with Sam at Mad Nice in Detroit.” Wightman’s favorite Valentine’s Day tradition involves creating sentimental gifts, such as, “a photo collage or a handwritten card to people.”
Similarly, Senior Aidon Lelli shared that she spends Valentine’s Day with her friends. When asked about her plans for this Valentine’s Day, Lelli said, “My friends and I are having a Galentine’s party! We are all bringing a board of food, fun decorations, and we might also take photos.” Lelli reminisced excitedly about last year, “My friends and I went to Jojo’s Shake Bar in Detroit for Valentine’s Day. It was a lot of fun!” As for her favorite Valentine’s Day activity, Lelli mentioned “giving out very heartfelt Valentine’s Day cards to people.”
In comparison to Lelli’s traditions, I talked to junior Vega Nischan about her Valentine’s Day traditions. Junior Vega Nischan typically celebrates Valentine’s Day with friends and family, but this year she plans to “Go out to dinner with my boyfriend. After that, I’ll probably hang out with my friends and family.” Nischan shared that last year she went out to dinner with her mom. Finally, Nischan shared that her favorite activity to do on Valentine’s Day is, “Going out to dinner and hanging out with friends and family.”
Lastly, I interviewed senior Allie Capuano about her Valentine’s Day traditions. Capuano shared with me that she normally spends Valentine’s Day with her friends and her boyfriend, Case. When asking Capuano what her plans are for Valentine’s Day this year, she expressed that, “I am going to see Paddington 3 with my boyfriend.” Finally, Capuano shared that her favorite activity to do on Valentine’s Day is, “To have a girls’ night with my friends where we just make cookies and watch movies.”
Overall, after interviewing Berkley students about their Valentine’s Day traditions, I learned that everyone celebrates the holiday in their own way. Whether you’re going out to dinner with family, spending time with your significant other, or having a Galentines with friends, your day will be spent with the people you love.
