On February 13th, there’s a holiday worth celebrating. Galentine’s Day is a day all about love. But it’s not the traditional love we associate with Valentine’s Day; instead, it’s all about the love between friends.
What is Galentine’s Day?
Galentine’s Day (Gal+Valentine’s) is for the bonds of friendship, and it’s the perfect time to share some love and appreciation for the important women in your life.
Initially created by character Leslie Knope on NBC’s television show Parks and Recreation, it’s picked up steam connecting deeply with today’s culture. “Ladies celebrating ladies,” says Leslie Knope. “It’s only the most important day of the year!”
Platonic friendships are one of the building blocks of a happy life. They help keep you sane, put you back together after your heart’s been broken and are there to celebrate your most amazing moments.
It’s too easy to let life slip by without letting your loved ones know how much they mean to you. So this February 13, celebrate the friendships in your life by partying with your posse. It’s the perfect excuse to speak and show how you feel.
Hosting the ultimate Galentine’s Day party
Make plans
Invite all the gals in your life. Include your yoga goddess, work wife, childhood BFF, your sister and all your soul sisters. Have a waffle brunch (traditional Leslie Knope style) or potluck dinner. Go out to eat or stay in for a female friendship moviethon. Throw a pajama party or have a spa day. However you decide to celebrate, this event is bound to bring you all together.
Set the mood
Food and drinks are an essential part of any party. Decide if you’ll go with a theme, and then plan the edibles to match. Be playful. Maybe even create a friendship-inspired signature drink, mocktail or smoothie to go along with your event.
Add in décor. Galentine’s Day’s has hit the mainstream, so you can now find cute decorations for your event almost anywhere. Online shops, big chain stores, dollar stores and funky little boutiques all have fun decorations available this time of year. You can also get creative and DIY your décor. Your friends will love all the personalized touches.
Create gift bags
While you’re getting crafty, how about creating self-care packages as take away gifts for all of your guests. Add in homemade bath salts with essential oils and cut flowers, some sweetly scented lotions, lip balms and maybe even an eye mask. Include whatever feels right to provide a peaceful night of rest and relaxation.
Exchange gifts
You can also get everyone involved in the gift-giving. Host a secret cupid or favorite things party. Have everyone bring something they love as a wrapped gift to be exchanged at the party. It’s one more way to open up to your friends and allow everyone to get to know one another on a deeper level.
After the party, you’ll feel renewed and rejuvenated. You’ll also probably have sore cheeks and belly from laughing so hard.
If a party isn’t possible
Send love letters
Send love letters or individualized Galentine’s Day cards to your friends. It’s easy to assume someone knows that they’re the wind beneath your wings, but how do you know for sure unless you tell them. Every relationship is different, and that goes double for every friendship. Some friends lift you up, some crack you up and some are always there in your time of need. Let each of your BFFs know how much you appreciate them, and for what (be specific!). Galentine’s Day is the perfect opportunity to shout your feelings from the rooftops. Get crafty by creating a compliment box or jar filled with little papers telling your friends all the many things you love about them. Put one compliment on each paper. Remember, the more individual, the better.
Remember to love yourself!
This is the perfect time to refocus on self-care. If you’re taking time to show some love to others, remember that it is equally important to give it to yourself. Whatever loving self-care items you make for your friends, be sure to make yourself one too. And then use them all this month for a little extra self-love pampering time. Love starts from within, and when you feel it for yourself, it is easy to share it.
Looking for more Galentine’s Day ideas? Spend a cozy night in the kitchen making these festive cheesecake pops with a friend who enjoys baking.