Being the first Valentine’s Day in this pandemic, there is a multitude of factors that are going to be different from last year. 

Valentine’s Day is usually spent with a significant other or a really close friend. One of the most notorious parts of Valentine’s Day is gift-giving. Most couples compete with each other to see who can give the most sentimental gift. Long messages on cards, candles, teddy bears and chocolates are sold out fast at certain stores. Another tradition on Valentine’s Day is going to all of the stores that sell the holiday chocolate and buying them on sale.

However, with all of that, there is still a pandemic going on. This year, the holiday is going to be full of social distancing, mask-wearing, and low contact compared to other years before.

Valentine’s Day is often looked forward to as well. Being one of the first holidays where you see candy bags with designs on them, it gets some attention in the stores. But what is the right way to spend this holiday with a significant other. 

The Center for Disease Control and Prevention posted a guide on how to participate in Valentine’s Day safely. The most common tips included social distanced gift giving. 

Gift-giving can be done by dropping off presents or cards to a significant other. 

Going outside can also solve Valentine’s Day during a pandemic. Taking walks to a park or an open area is another way to safely participate in Valentine’s Day.

Even with the safe options for spending Valentine’s Day with a significant other, it still can be dangerous. For students in school, the coronavirus rates have to be low for the school to stay open. If everyone goes out to a crowded restaurant on Valentine’s Day, then there is the possibility of spreading more than needed. Restaurants are operating at half or partial capacity right now. If everyone tries to go to one place, there are going to be crowded rooms, long lines, and no social distancing. 

The normal dates are getting postponed during this time. Most sports games and events are not allowing in-person spectating so there is no opportunity to go out to one of those.

 Staying home and dropping off gifts is the safest way to participate in Valentine’s Day this year. The coronavirus has changed many things, however, there is always an alternative option. At the beginning of the pandemic, nobody knew what to do, since it has been around for a year, there is more experience on what to do or what not to do.. The CDC has put out many guidelines on what to do during these times. Many of their recent ideas have been involved with Valentine’s Day. Although there are many ways to celebrate Valentine’s Day, participating in a safe manner is beneficial for everyone.