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 or Galentine’s Day quotes and maybe even picking up a little Galentine’s Day gift. They’ll appreciate it more than you know.
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When is Galentine’s Day?
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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?
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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?
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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
Introduction
As an expert and enthusiast, I have access to a wide range of information on various topics. I can provide insights and answer questions based on the information available to me. In this case, I can provide information related to the concepts mentioned in the article about Galentine's Day.
Galentine's Day
Galentine's Day is a holiday that celebrates the bond between female friends. It is typically observed on February 13th, the day before Valentine's Day. The concept of Galentine's Day was popularized by the TV show Parks and Recreation, where the character Leslie Knope, played by Amy Poehler, introduced the idea of celebrating female friendships with a brunch .
The main idea behind Galentine's Day is to honor and appreciate the women in your life who have been there for you through thick and thin. It is a day to celebrate the power of female friendships and show gratitude to the amazing women who support and uplift each other .
How to Celebrate Galentine's Day
The traditional way to celebrate Galentine's Day is by organizing a brunch with your female friends. This can be a fun and relaxed gathering where you can enjoy good food, share stories, and strengthen your bond. However, there are no strict rules on how to celebrate Galentine's Day. You can customize the celebration to fit your preferences and the interests of your friends. Some alternative ideas include a movie marathon, a dance party, a taco night, or even a white elephant gift exchange.
Gift-giving is not traditionally associated with Galentine's Day, but you can certainly choose to exchange small, thoughtful gifts with your friends if you wish. The focus is more on expressing appreciation and spending quality time together. Consider giving gifts that highlight something unique to your friendship or that would be fun to do together .
Inclusion and Meaning
Galentine's Day is primarily seen as a holiday for women, as it celebrates the special bond between female friends. However, it doesn't exclude men from participating. If you have male friends who would like to join in the celebration, you can certainly invite them. The important thing is to create an inclusive and welcoming environment where everyone feels comfortable.
Significance of Galentine's Day
Galentine's Day serves as a reminder that love and appreciation extend beyond romantic relationships. It is a day to recognize the value of platonic friendships and the support they provide. For women who are single on Valentine's Day, Galentine's Day can be a way to reinforce their worth and remind them that they are cherished. For women in relationships, celebrating Galentine's Day allows them to spend quality time with their friends and free up Valentine's Day for their partners.
The connection between Galentine's Day and Valentine's Day is significant because it challenges the notion that romantic relationships are the sole measure of a person's worth. By celebrating Galentine's Day, women can affirm their independence, strength, and the importance of their friendships, reminding themselves and others that they are more than just their romantic relationships .
Conclusion
Galentine's Day is a holiday that celebrates the bond between female friends. It was popularized by the TV show Parks and Recreation and is observed on February 13th. The day is typically marked by brunches, but there are no strict rules on how to celebrate. Galentine's Day is an opportunity to express gratitude, strengthen friendships, and challenge societal norms that prioritize romantic relationships. It is a day to honor the power of female friendships and the support they provide.