Valentines, birthdays impacted by COVID

Zeke La Mantia Graphics/Social Media Editor

Valentine’s Day for many means 24 hours jammed full of affection from those closest to them, but this year, some distance is required.

Last year, COVID became serious to many March 13. Lots of schools like Webster dismissed for Spring break and then stayed closed to finish out the school term. Based on this timeline many people’s last holiday spent with friends and family before quarantine would’ve been Valentine’s Day.

Almost a year since quarantine began and with Valentine’s day approaching quickly, this holiday season has some people feeling bittersweet.

“Sometimes waiting for things can make the end result even better. Once COVID is vanquished, we’ll appreciate even more every moment with extended family, friends, even classmates and teachers— everyone we didn’t get to interact with normally during the pandemic. I’m excited for that moment,” senior Sonia Bergfeld said.

Valentine’s Day is the holiday most well known for affection, whether it be physical affection or in the form of gift giving to show appreciation. With COVID still raging around the world, the way many celebrate the day will have to change drastically.

“I think Valentine’s Day is an important day for some people but not everyone, and anyone who doesn’t have a significant other to celebrate on that day shouldn’t feel bad or like they’re Photo by Zeke La Mantia missing out compared to those who Schnucks offers a variety of Valentines Day gifts including candles, flowers, candy, do,” senior Alex de Foy said. teddy bears and balloons. Valentines Day, this year, will change for many due to

Junior Jacey Van Leuven is a stu- COVID concerns. dent whose birthday happens to coincide with Valentine’s Day. When asked about how she felt about her birthday and the holiday being the “It felt super weird because I usually hate my birthday and same she said, don’t like celebrating it. So the one time I do, it ends up being

“Having a birthday on a holiday is the same as having your one of the last times I get to hangout with friends. I guess I got birthday on any other day, except it’s more stressful because you lucky,” junior Elsa Surfas said. have to adjust your plans because your friends might be busy.” “My birthday was the last ‘normal’ day— at least in the U.S.

Aside from Valentine’s Day being the last official holiday It was the last day we attended regular school. It makes that day celebrated by many, birthdays between Jan. 1, and March 13, even more memorable, knowing I went out and celebrated withwere some of the last birthdays celebrated before states went into out wearing a mask for the last time in over 10 months,” Bergfeld lockdown, and birthdays were celebrated alone inside homes or said. over Zoom.