With February comes Sweethearts and Snickers season. But this time of year can also bring some pre-Valentine’s Day stress. Maybe it’s time to get all loved up and post pics with bae. Or, maybe it’s time to love yourself up. Either way, not everything in the month of love is about that special someone. Whether you’re celebrating V-Day or you’re avoiding it, it’s definitely time to say “season’s greetings” to your fave single-safe holiday: Galentine’s Day.
Considering Galentine’s only started 10 years ago (don’t worry, we’ll get into that) it’s likely not popping up in a notification from your iCal. But, just because it isn’t an “official” holiday, doesn’t mean that it’s not important (like, *coughs* the most important). Truly, if you’re going to pick one “fake” holiday to get pumped about, it shouldn’t be National Pizza Day, Star Wars Day, or whatever else…it should be Galentine’s Day. And why is that, you ask? Because it’s all about lovin’ up on your ladies! While it’s all fun and cute to get flowers and gorge yourself on chocolates (still do that plz), it’s even more fun to get dolled up, grab a drink, and shower your fave ladies with love! They’ve been here through it all and they deserve your affection in that “it’s official” sort of way.
We’ve rounded up all you could possibly need to know about Gal’s Day from the holiday’s unique history to ideas for celebrating—boozy waffle brunch, anyone? (looking at you, Leslie Knope). Oh, and if you’re struggling to brainstorm the perfect gift, we’ve got ideas for that too. Read on to learn how to properly embrace the day and all your best gals this year.
Okay, what the heck is this?
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According to Urban Dictionary, Galentine’s Day is celebrated on February 13, the day before that other made-up holiday (ahem, Valentine’s Day). It’s a day for celebrating the love you have for your lady friends, whether they’re single or not. Basically, it’s a day dedicated to showering your closest friends with love and attention…more than you do every other day.
Who invented it?
Excellent question! The best thing about Galentine’s Day is that it was created by a fictional character: Leslie Knope of Parks and Recreation. In 2010, the second season of Parks and Rec included an episode called “Galentine’s Day,” in which Leslie gathers a group of her closest gal pals for a brunch of waffles and love. “Every February 13, my ladyfriends 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. No, seriously: According to the Atlantic, it’s such a widely recognized fake holiday that some companies now run Galentine’s Day promotions. What could be more real than that?
I’m stressed. How do I celebrate?
OMG! 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 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 without men for a few hours. It’s your Galentine’s Day and you can celebrate however you want.
Does this mean I need to buy stuff?
Only if you want. And obviously, we have a list for that.
Is Galentine’s only for ~LaDiEs~?
Nah. 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.
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