Do people really like Valentine’s Day?

Love one another.

People think that’s the message of Valentine’s Day.

But according to the National Research Center, consumers spend an average of $13 billion per year on Valentine’s Day gifts like stuffed animals, candy, chocolates and of course flowers.

The research center reports shoppers spend an average of $116. So are people really in a loving mood when it comes to the holiday, or do they spend that much because they think they have to?

Businesses seem to love the holiday, especially flower shops like Christine’s Floral in Pocatello. They said Valentine’s Day is what supports them for almost the entire year.

But what about everyone else? What about those who are doing the buying?

We asked some shoppers what they thought of the holiday, and if they celebrated it.

“I love Valentine’s Day,” said Michelle Muse. “I think it’s just a great day to be with family and friends and tell them you love them.”

“I’m not a big fan of Valentine’s Day but my woman really appreciates it and I like to make her feel very special,” said Ryan Wiscombe.

Ryan Hopkins and Nicole Hopkins said they enjoy Valentine’s Day as a family. “We love Valentine’s Day. We like to buy stuff for our little girls and help them fill out valentines and they really enjoy it. Plus then we find a babysitter and we get to have a date night,” said Ryan Hopkins.

Other people weren’t as excited about it, but they didn’t hate it.

“Valentine’s Day is pretty OK,” said Samuel Muse. “I do enjoy spending time with friends and stuff.”

“I don’t like or dislike it,” said Heather Purrup. “We just don’t celebrate it.”

One man said Valentine’s Day is exactly the kind of holiday we need.

“I love Valentine’s Day,” said Steven Muse. “Any day that’s set aside for love so that we can be kind to one another and treat each other with respect and go the extra mile and do some special things. That’s the way it needs to be, there’s too much hate in this world.”

So do they celebrate it?

“Yes, we do celebrate it,” said Michelle Muse. “We have candy and cookies and sweet treats. And just love with our family and friends.”

“I celebrate it as much as possible,” said Steven Muse.

“I do it for love,” said Wiscombe.

While some people may not be the most excited about it, most people still said they celebrate it anyway. That’s pretty on par with the rest of the U.S.

According to national research studies, about 61 percent of people in the U.S. celebrate Valentine’s Day. Valentine’s Day is also the second biggest holiday for greeting card companies, right behind Christmas.