Galentine’s Day, which falls on the day before Valentine’s Day, all started in a 2010 episode of “Parks and Recreation.” This holiday was made famous by Leslie Knope, the star character of the show. In the episode, also entitled Galentine’s Day, Knope describes the day as, “the best day of the year.”
It quickly grew into a popular holiday among women, even for those who had not seen the episode. Although it is not an official holiday, it gets recognition across the globe as women come together to celebrate their friendships.
“Galentine’s is the day to get all your girls together, have fun, share the love and reflect on your achievements, battles won, gains and additions to your life,” Maxine Poulter, personal trainer for MissFits Nutrition, explained to The Independent.
Along with the fun activities that girls can do together on this holiday, it is also a good time to treat yourself to something nice. According to the Huffington Post, research shows that treating yourself increases motivation, boosts happiness and improves your overall body image.
While Saturdays may be for the boys, Galentine’s Day is for the girls. In the words of Knope, “Uteruses before Duderuses. Ovaries before brovaries.”
Here are some ideas for celebrating Galentine’s day with your girlfriends:
- Make an Inspiration Board
Gather your crafty friends and create your own inspiration board. This can be done by gathering newspaper or magazine clippings and pinning them onto a corkboard. Add cutouts of your favorite quotes or celebrity role models. This is a fun way to share inspiration with your friend group while also making a decorative piece for your room!
- Waffles
Like Leslie Knope would do, eat some waffles. Top it with peanut butter, pecans, chocolate chips, whip cream or just plain butter.
- Home Cooked Meal
Prepare a home cooked meal together. Time in the kitchen with your friends can be a great way to bond and celebrate Galentine’s Day. If you can’t cook, try taking a cooking class and learn something new with your friends!
- Go Out To Eat
Grab your pals and eat at a fancy restaurant. Then, go dancing or do karaoke. Go for a hike or walk around a park. Just get out and do something with your friends!
- Makeovers
Give each other extremely extravagant makeovers. Do each other’s makeup, hair and nails, whether you have somewhere to go or not. As the saying goes, “If you look good, you feel good.”
- Game Night
Break out the board games, a deck of cards or even video games and have an all-day marathon. Order pizza, stay in your sweats and let the games begin!
- Spa Day
Enjoy a spa day at home or pay a professional. Go to the store and stock up on spa products such as lotions, face masks and cucumbers. Or plan a trip to get massages with your friends and spend the day enjoying a stress-free environment.
- Traditional Valentine’s Day
Buy flowers and chocolates for your friends. Make it a surprise and get something for your gals. Leslie Knope handmade her gifts but picking up your friend’s favorite candy or flowers is still a good way to show them how much they mean to you!
