Whoever said Valentine’s Day was only about celebrating romantic love got this soooo wrong. Allow me to introduce you to Galentine’s Day — a special day dedicated to celebrating friendship in all its forms. Because, yes, regardless of whether you’re coupled up this month, romantic love isn’t the only kind of love that deserves all the attention.
Sure, Galentine’s Day isn’t an “official” holiday, so it probably isn’t popping up in an e-calendar notification. But just know that it’s important. Why? Because your friends can be there for you in many ways that your partner probably can’t be.
Who else but your friends can you FaceTime from the dressing room of your fave store for a truly honest opinion? Who else can you complain about your partner’s messy habits to? And while it’s all fun and cute to dress up, get flowers, and have super-hot sex with your lover (still do that, please), it’s also fun to get dolled up and grab a drink with your besties. They’ve been there through it all and deserve your affection in that “it’s official” sort of way.
Just know that if you’re a lil short on time/cash/resources, something as simple as a “Happy Galentine’s Day” card can go a long way. Have no clue where to start? Here are some cute Galentine’s Day card ideas for you.
What and When is Galentine’s Day?
According to Urban Dictionary, Galentine’s Day is celebrated on February 13th, the day before Valentine’s Day. It’s a day to celebrate the love you have for your best girlfriends whether they’re single or not and shower them with love and attention… more than you do every other day.
Where did Galentine’s Day come from?
The best thing about Galentine’s Day is that it was created by a fictional character by the name of Leslie Knope from ‘Parks And Recreation. In 2010, the second season of the show included an episode called “Galentine’s Day,” in which Leslie gathers a group of her closest gal pals for a brunch full of waffles and love.
“Every February 13, my lady friends and I leave our husbands and our boyfriends at home and we just come and kick it, breakfast style,” Leslie says in the episode. “Ladies celebrating ladies.”
And thus, Galentine’s Day was unofficially added to everyone’s calendar.
How do I celebrate Galentine’s Day?
Don’t be stressed. First off, just like Valentine’s Day, you are free to skip Galentine’s Day. But considering it’s all about showering your friends with affection, why would you want to?
There’s no wrong way to celebrate. You could pay tribute to Leslie Knope, the foremother of Galentine’s Day, by hosting a waffle brunch. Or you could gather your gal-pals for a wine-and-cheese happy hour, make a reservation at a fancy restaurant, make a group mani-pedi appointment, or pop champagne and celebrate how great it is to be in a room full of your favourite people for a few hours.
You can also celebrate your long-distance BFF by sending them a cute care package and catching up over a long FaceTime call. It’s your Galentine’s Day and you can celebrate however you want.
Is Galentine’s Day only for gals?
Nope. Despite its name, anyone and everyone can celebrate Galentine’s Day. At its gooey heart, Galentine’s Day is a celebration of friendship and the people who stick by your side as romantic relationships come and go.
Like the holiday it precedes, it’s a day dedicated to showing the most important people in your life how much you care about them. It’s corny.
It’s cheesy. And that’s what makes it great!
