Before the gift wrap could be picked up from our trash or recycling containers, it seemed stores had already begun to hang their red and pink décor with hearts.

That’s right, we’re talking Valentine’s Day. Stores in Florissant have already announced their chocolate-covered strawberry sales as well as plans for that special dinner for your special someone.

But has the holiday become too much of a commercial holiday—like everything else?

Back in our days of courtship (that’s right, some young people do court), Valentine’s seemed like an important day, where we went out and had a special time. Now that we’re married, I’m sure it’ll be cut down a bit.

For full discretion, my husband is a big one to say, “Valentine’s Day is nothing but a Hallmark holiday, which causes more shopping after Christmas.” He’s partly right, which is why we choose to keep things simple.

Last year, the National Retail Federation estimated that consumers would spend more than $15 billion on goods, with each person dishing out more than $115, for Valentine’s Day.

That’s insane. Some people have even started a new occupy movement to protest the holiday.

We’re not against the day of love, though. We celebrate it every day. But we do something small or different for our Valentine’s Day.

For example, we almost always make gifts versus buying them. The most memorable gift I’ve ever received from my husband was a book of poetry he made himself. The most memorable thing I’ve done for him—to me—is a scavenger hunt around our apartment where he collected pieces to complete a puzzle of us.

As corny and simple as it may sound, it’s fun for us.

This year, we’re going to take it easy and catch a matinee movie at Jamestown Mall—either The Vow or Safe House—and cook a meal together.

Whatever you do, just remember the real deal of the holiday—celebrate your love with that special someone or of those around you.