Happy Galentine's Day! Galentine's Day is all about ladies celebrating ladies. And brunch.
Between all the Valentine’s Day jewelry commercials and romantic movies, it can be easy to forget that true love isn’t just for lovers. Love is also about the ladies who are there for you during all the ups and downs life brings—the ones who text you when you start a new job, bring you chocolate when you really need it, check in after you’ve had a baby and always remember your birthday. You know you can count on them wherever and whenever, even at 2 a.m. This bond between best girlfriends is powerful, and it deserves to be celebrated, whether you’re single on Valentine’s Day or happily hooked up—and that’s exactly what Galentine’s Day is for!
What is Galentine’s Day?
So as you get ready for that other holiday—thinking through the many Valentine’s Day ideas—don’t forget to honor the other loves of your life. But what is Galentine’s Day, exactly? We answer below, along with showing you all the ways to celebrate to your heart’s content—by wishing the amazing women in your life a happy Galentine’s Day, sending them friendship quotes and maybe even picking up a littleGalentine’s Day gift. They’ll appreciate it more than you know.
GetReader’s Digest’sRead Up newsletterfor more holiday tips, fun facts, humor, cleaning, travel and tech all week long.
When is Galentine’s Day?
jacoblund/Getty Images
Galentine’s Day is Feb. 13, or Valentine’s Day Eve. This day is all about celebrating the unique bond women share with their best gal pals. These best friends come in many different types, but every woman needs them in her life. Galentine’s Day is a made-up holiday (but aren’t all holidays?) and a very recent addition to the calendar of celebrations, but the relationships that it commemorates are as old as they come.
Who invented Galentine’s Day?
Ever wish you could live in some of your favorite TV shows? Galentine’s Day will bring you one step closer to living your sitcom dreams, as it was “invented” by Leslie Knope, the fictional mayor of a small town on the show Parks and Recreation, played by the hilarious Amy Poehler. It started as one of Leslie’s many mini-holidays but took on a life of its own because the message resonated with women in real life.
How do I celebrate Galentine’s Day?
The “traditional” way to celebrate Galentine’s Day is with a lavish brunch. Here’s how Leslie explained it in the 2010 episode of Parks and Rec: “Every Feb. 13, my lady friends and I leave our husbands and our boyfriends at home, and we just come and kick it, breakfast-style. Ladies celebrating ladies. It’s like Lilith Fair, minus the angst. Plus frittatas.” However, there’s no need to find a high-end romantic restaurant for the occasion. Feel free to celebrate it any way you and your girlfriends like—dancing, a rom-com movie marathon, taco night or even a white elephant party in which you exchange the weird gifts your exes have given you. Make it a big party at a charming hotel or host a small soiree—there’s no wrong way to do it.
Does Galentine’s Day include gifts?
Westend61/Getty Images
Not traditionally, but the nice thing about a made-up holiday is that you can make it up as you go. So if you want to give your girls aGalentine’s Day gift on the 13th, go for it! Leslie would approve. Look for thoughtful yet inexpensive presents that highlight something unique to your friendship (maybe a box of sweet candy hearts?), would be fun to do together and will make great memories. Be sure to include a heartfelt note or funny Galentine’s Day card.
However you decide to celebrate your lady friends, there is one thing Leslie would say needs to happen: Tell your friends, from the bottom of your heart, what they mean to you and how grateful you are to have them in your life. Bonus points for stories! And if you’re not a huge talker, send them a few funny Valentine’s Day memes.
Is Galentine’s Day women-only?
No! However, Galentine’s Day is typically a holiday for women (hence the name). But if you have a special guy or two you really want to invite, go for it … as long as they’re cool with all the girlie stuff. That’s the best part of this holiday—you get to set the rules! Plus, even though there’s no official or made-up holiday for guys, don’t hesitate to use Valentine’s Day to spend time with your favorite gents!
Why do we need a special holiday for platonic girlfriends?
andreswd/Getty Images
The reasons vary from woman to woman, but the common thread is the desire to love, thank and praise other women. Plus, it’s not just a day for singles!For women who are single on Valentine’s Day, Galentine’s Day helps to reinforce how cherished and valuable they are right before a holiday where they are often made to feel otherwise. And for women who are in a relationship, celebrating the day before frees up actual Valentine’s Day so they can be with their partners. That’s why we call our favorite gals our Galentines!
But why does it need to be connected to Valentine’s Day?
Well, for starters, it rhymes. But obvious Valentine’s Day puns aside, this traditional holiday centered around love and romance can lead to some very complicated feelings. Women, and to some extent men, are taught that they are defined by their romantic relationships, and not having one is seen as a failure. Linking Galentine’s to Valentine’s reminds us that we are more than our romantic liaisons.
The other “holiday”
Feb. 13 has also been cheekily referred to as “Mistress Day” because it’s the day that cheating men traditionally celebrate Valentine’s Day with their mistresses so their wives won’t be suspicious on the actual holiday. Sigh. This is all the more reason why we need Galentine’s Day. Ladies, don’t waste your time with a man who doesn’t even care enough about you to be seen with you in public. And if you’re having a hard time remembering that, you have your girlfriends to remind you—so spend Valentine’s Eve with them, instead of him.
Sources:
- IMDb: “Parks and Recreation: Galentine’s Day”
- New York Post: “Galentine’s Day? Give us a break”
Insights, advice, suggestions, feedback and comments from experts
Introducing Galentine's Day: A Celebration of Female Friendship
Galentine's Day is a special holiday that celebrates the bond between female friends. It is a day dedicated to honoring the amazing women in our lives who support us through thick and thin. Whether you're single or in a relationship, Galentine's Day is an opportunity to show appreciation for the strong friendships that enrich our lives.
What is Galentine's Day?
Galentine's Day is celebrated on February 13th, also known as Valentine's Day Eve. It was popularized by the TV show "Parks and Recreation," where the character Leslie Knope, played by Amy Poehler, introduced the concept. Leslie described Galentine's Day as a day for "ladies celebrating ladies" and a time to gather with female friends for a special brunch.
How to Celebrate Galentine's Day?
The traditional way to celebrate Galentine's Day is by organizing a lavish brunch with your female friends. However, there are no strict rules on how to celebrate. You can customize the celebration to fit your preferences and the interests of your friends. Some alternative ideas include a dance party, a rom-com movie marathon, a taco night, or even a white elephant gift exchange with quirky presents from past relationships .
Does Galentine's Day Include Gifts?
While gift-giving is not traditionally associated with Galentine's Day, you can certainly choose to exchange small, thoughtful presents with your friends if you wish. Consider gifts that highlight something unique to your friendship or create lasting memories. It's also a great opportunity to express your gratitude and appreciation for your friends with heartfelt notes or funny Galentine's Day cards.
Is Galentine's Day Women-Only?
Galentine's Day is typically celebrated by women, as it is a day dedicated to celebrating female friendships. However, there are no strict rules, and if you have male friends who would like to join in the celebration, you are free to invite them. The beauty of Galentine's Day is that you get to set the rules and create an inclusive environment that suits your group of friends.
Why Do We Need a Special Holiday for Platonic Girlfriends?
Galentine's Day serves as a reminder to love, thank, and praise the women in our lives. It is a day to celebrate the unique bond between female friends and to reinforce the value and importance of these relationships. For single women, Galentine's Day can be a source of empowerment and a reminder of their worth. For women in relationships, celebrating Galentine's Day allows them to spend quality time with their friends before focusing on their partners on Valentine's Day .
Why Connect Galentine's Day to Valentine's Day?
The connection between Galentine's Day and Valentine's Day serves as a reminder that love and celebration are not limited to romantic relationships. By linking these two holidays, Galentine's Day challenges the notion that our worth is defined solely by our romantic partnerships. It emphasizes the importance of self-love, friendship, and the diverse forms of love that exist in our lives.
In conclusion, Galentine's Day is a special occasion to celebrate the powerful bond between female friends. It is a day to honor the women who support us, make us laugh, and stand by us through all of life's ups and downs. Whether it's a brunch, a dance party, or a heartfelt exchange of gifts, Galentine's Day is an opportunity to express gratitude and appreciation for the incredible women in our lives. So, gather your friends and celebrate the joy of female friendship on Galentine's Day!