What do you have planned for the one day of the year that’s dedicated to love? Did you buy your special someone chocolate, flowers, jewelry, a card? Have you made your dinner reservations at a fancy restaurant?

Is this what Saint Valentine’s Day has come to; a day to spend money to sit in a crowded restaurant for the sake of showing someone your love? A day to buy a mass-produced greeting card, with an unoriginal message? A day to buy tacky red roses because that’s the colour associated with love?

There are many variations on the history of Valentine’s Day, and how it’s celebrated. According to History.com, The Catholic Church recognizes at least three different saints named Valentine or Valentinus, all of whom were martyred on February 14.

One legend dates back to the third century in Rome when Emperor Claudius II decided to outlaw marriage for young men because he believed that single men made better soldiers than those with families and wives. Valentine is said to have been a priest who defied Claudius and continued to perform marriages for young lovers in secret. Claudius found out about Valentine’s actions and ordered he be put to death.

The day is about showing and celebrating love, but nowadays it’s being done in such an uninspired, unromantic way. At the end of the day, it’s just about appreciating love and spending time with the apple of your eye.

Why not change things up this year? Why not enjoy each other’s company over a home cooked meal in which you cook together. Even go out to the grocery store before hand to pick out the ingredients. Light some candles for the table, set the mood with some music, and pop open a bottle of champagne. Exchange some hand-written cards, and even reflect on your relationship.

No matter which way you decide to celebrate Valentines Day, try to make it genuine and sincere, and come from the heart.