The air is buzzing with love and romance as Valentine’s Day approaches. The red and pink heart decorations, the chocolate boxes no one really likes, and the stuffed animals the size of small cars make the impending holiday hard to ignore. Romance is important and lovely, but what about the other important relationships in our lives?
Today, we’re going to take a moment to celebrate one of the most important relationships in our lives – our gal pals! The ones that get us through the ups and downs of life, the new loves and broken hearts, the great promotions and bad bosses.
Thanks to the brilliant minds behind NBC’s TV show Parks & Recreation, Leslie Knope gave us the gift of Galentine’s Day – a day dedicated to celebrating the incredible bond between gal pals. So, grab your besties, and let’s dive into the ultimate guide on how to celebrate your very own Galentine’s Day in style.
The Origin of Galentine’s Day:
First things first, let’s take a stroll down memory lane and explore the roots of Galentine’s Day. This unofficial holiday originated in the fictional town of Pawnee, Indiana, courtesy of Leslie Knope, played by the talented Amy Poehler. In the second season of Parks and Recreation, Leslie introduces the concept of Galentine’s Day, celebrated on February 13th, as a day for ladies to appreciate and celebrate their female friendships.
Leslie describes Galentine’s Day as, “Oh, it’s only the best day of the year. Every February 13th, 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.”
And just like that, a new tradition was born! Galentine’s Day has since transcended the small screen, becoming a real-life celebration of friendship, appreciation, and empowerment.
Celebrating with Food:
Now that we know the backstory, let’s move on to the fun part – celebrating with your own gal pals! Galentine’s Day is all about indulging in the company of your besties, and what better way to do that than with delicious food?
Brunch Bonanza:
Start your Galentine’s Day with a brunch bonanza that would make Leslie Knope proud. Whip up a spread of waffles (Pumpkin Spice Waffles? Yes, please!), pancakes, and any other breakfast delights that get you excited, fruit, yogurt, granola, mimosas, etc. Don’t forget the whipped cream – it’s a Leslie Knope Galentine’s Day staple!
DIY Creations:
Always wanted to try your hand at making your own homemade pasta? This is your chance! Invite your gals over and take a stab at something you’ve never made before! Bonus points if it’s something that gets your hands working. Try making your own pasta or pizza dough from scratch. Hello, homemade tortillas! Fry your own doughnuts? We’re so glad you asked. There are all kinds of things you can try with
Sweet Treats:
No celebration is complete without something sweet. Use those homemade tortillas to make dessert quesadillas. Organize a dessert exchange among your friends, bringing different treats to share and enjoy. Bake heart-shaped cookies or have everyone bring a different type of chocolate to indulge in. You can even play a choose-your-own-adventure game with unknown chocolates in each box.
Celebrating Friendship:
While food is a key component, Galentine’s Day is ultimately about celebrating the incredible bonds of friendship. Here are some great ideas to make the day memorable:
Friendship Affirmations:
Take a moment to appreciate each other with handwritten notes or personalized affirmations. Share what you love about each friend and let the compliments flow. It’s a simple yet powerful way to express gratitude for the amazing women in your life.
Memory Lane Photobook:
Compile a photo album or scrapbook filled with memories from your adventures together. Whether it’s goofy selfies, travel snapshots, or moments that define your friendship, this personalized gift will be a cherished reminder of the beautiful journey you’ve shared.
Galentine’s Day Gift Exchange:
Exchange small but thoughtful gifts that reflect each friend’s personality. It could be a favorite book, a piece of jewelry, or even a quirky item that holds sentimental value. The goal is to show appreciation for the uniqueness of each friendship.
Spa Day at Home:
Treat yourselves to a spa day without leaving the comfort of your home. Set up DIY face masks, paint your nails, and enjoy some pampering. This relaxation time is a perfect chance to unwind and rejuvenate together.
In the spirit of Leslie Knope, let’s make Galentine’s Day a tradition worth celebrating each year. Whether you go all out with a brunch extravaganza or keep it low-key with a cozy movie night, the key is to cherish and honor the incredible women in your life. So, gather your gal pals, embrace the love, laughter, and heartbreak you’ve all been through, and make this Galentine’s Day a celebration to remember! After all, ladies celebrating ladies – what could be better than that?
How do you celebrate the important women in your life?
Join our conversation over on our Facebook page and tell us all about your favorite women!
Over the next few weeks, we will be diving into bread making, soup (loving that bone broth!), and Instant Pot tips and tricks! To make sure you’re the first to receive our newest articles, sign up for our newsletter today!
