Valentine’s Day in the USA !

What’s different about Valentine’s Day in the USA ?

Valentine’s Day in the USA: At school

Americans have celebrated Valentine’s Day since the 19th century. But the holiday became really popular in the 20th century, especially in schools.

In the USA, Valentine’s Day is a big event at schools. In elementary school, kids exchange Valentine’s cards. Each kid will make a special box, and every student in the class will put a small Valentine’s card in the box of every other kid in the class. So if you live in the USA, and you have a child in elementary school, be sure your kid has enough cards for the whole class!

Students also offer a Valentine’s Day present to their teacher. Chocolate, maybe flowers, or a small gift. There will probably be a Valentine’s Day Party, with heart-shaped cookies, red velvet cupcakes.

Conversation Hearts are the classic Valentine’s Day candy in the US. Every American knows this candy. These little hearts have cute messages like “Kiss me”, “Be Kind”, “My baby”, or more modern messages like “Tweet me” and “Girl Power”!

Valentine’s Day in the USA: Family & Friends

Adults also exchange Valentine’s Day gifts and cards with family and friends. While in Philadelphia, my American Friend, always gave a Valentine’s Day Card to her parents. And today, we send each other e-cards for Valentine’s Day!

The cards might have short, sweet messages like “You’re the best mom ever! Happy Valentine’s Day” or “You’re such a sweet daughter”, or things like that. They can be funny or serious.

Chocolates are popular gifts for friends and family too. Especially a heart-shaped box of chocolates a heart-shaped box of chocolates.

Valentine’s Day in the USA: With your love

Of course, in the US, you also celebrate with your significant other. This just means your boyfriend or girlfriend, or your fiancé, if you’re engaged, or your husband or wife.

For couples, it’s pretty traditional. You might offer flowers, like a dozen red roses a dozen red roses. Or maybe jewelry.