Sure, handwritten notes are a thing of the past for many of us. But how much has digital communication cut into time-honored traditions like Valentine’s Day, which has long been celebrated with roses, chocolates—and beautiful, hand-signed paper cards? Valentine’s cards dating from the early nineteenth century have been found in England, but traditional card giving is in jeopardy thanks to the rise of the digital age.

Working Mother’s 2012 online Valentine’s Day Survey reveals split feelings about the acceptability of emailed or texted Valentine’s Day notes (in lieu of a hard copy card or a gift). Perhaps surprisingly, 47 percent responded that they’d feel fine with a Valentine’s Day note via text, email or instant message. Still, 50 percent said they’d feel annoyed and would prefer a physical gift or card, and 3 percent said a digital gesture would leave them feeling unloved.

That nearly half seem to be okay with an e-note shows the growing acceptance of email and text messages as a way to communicate even the most intimate of sentiments. But we can’t help but wonder what Emily Post would say about this new take on tradition. 

Working Mother’s survey also revealed that Valentine’s Day is largely considered a couples’ holiday—even though it’s celebrated in schools nationwide and toy companies from LEGO to Barbie increasingly tout Valentine’s Day gifts for kids. 70 percent of survey respondents said they’d prefer to receive a Valentine’s Day card from their spouse or partner, while only 30 percent said they’d prefer a card from their child.

Why is a Valentine’s Day card exchange between a couple important? 55 percent said receiving a card creates a special moment with a spouse or partner. 25 percent said Valentine’s Day is about romance. And while most holidays emphasize the larger family unit, Valentine’s Day is one where it’s acceptable to forget about the kids: 20 percent responded that a Valentine’s Day card from their partner is important because that relationship needs extra attention.

Many who weighed in consider a Valentine’s Day card from one of their kids to be a special gesture. Of those who said they rather get a card from their child than from their partner, 71 percent said it’s because it creates a special moment with their child. Hey, lots of busy working moms carve out mother-child moments wherever and whenever they can find them.