February is the month of love, with Valentine’s Day and Galentine’s Day around the corner. It’s the perfect occasion to treat our loved ones with heart-shaped candies and thoughtful gifts. While Valentine’s Day dates back centuries ago, the latter holiday is relatively new. “Galentine’s Day” was coined by Amy Poehler’s character in the 2009 sitcom Parks & Recreation, Leslie Knope. She described February 13th as “the best day of the year,” as it is an opportunity for the girls to “leave [their] husbands and [their] boyfriends at home, and [they] just come and kick it breakfast style.” Contrary to popular belief, Galentine’s Day is not exclusive to single ladies. It is for all women to take time for themselves and celebrate their loving, platonic relationships. Since the episode aired, Galentine’s Day has become a cultural phenomenon celebrated by women all over the world. The Leslie Knope way to celebrate the unofficial holiday is to grab brunch with waffles and mimosas, but it can be as simple as getting drinks or going to the movies with your girlfriends. We don’t want you to miss out on celebrating your best friends, so here is a list of ways to celebrate your friendships!
- The Classic Dinner Date
You can never go wrong with taking your gal pals for dinner. The theme of the date depends on everyone’s mood. Whether the girls want to dress up and book a fancy restaurant or have a potluck hosted at someone’s place, at the end of the day, it is a night of “ladies celebrating ladies,” as Leslie Knope would say.
- Romantic Gifts for your Platonic Friends
We’re talking about flowers, chocolates, candles, love letters, and other “romantic” gifts traditionally given in a love affair. It is the perfect day to shower your best friends with gifts to show them how much you love them. Trust me, who doesn’t want to receive chocolates and flowers?
- The Iconic Galentine’s Day Brunch
It’s only fair to celebrate the iconic holiday the way it was first introduced to the world. You can’t go wrong with brunch at home or a cute restaurant with your besties, sharing a laugh and exchanging stories about your lives, with waffles and mimosas, of course!
- Charcuterie Board Party
It is one of the hottest themed events that can be easily hosted at home. The concept revolves around a theme where everybody turns a classic charcuterie board into something fun and innovative. The common themes are usually different colors, snacks, or cuisines! For example, if the theme were colors, each person would pick a color unique to them and create a charcuterie board with food, dips, and even drinks corresponding to that color. It’s unique, creative, and tasty.
- Get Pampered!
Book an appointment and take the time off to visit the salon and get pampered. Nothing is more relaxing than getting your nails done with your girls, and a quick visit to the spa would be the cherry on top. Many of us lead busy lives, so a day to take care of ourselves is one of the best ways to celebrate Galentine’s Day.
There is no “perfect” way to celebrate the unofficial holiday. As long as you take the time to acknowledge the friendships that made an impact in your life, that already encapsulates what Galentine’s Day is all about.
Roselle Torres
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