Galentine’s Day Is ‘The Best Day of the Year’—Here’s Why You’ll Want to Celebrate on February 13!

Valentine’s Day gets most of the attention in February, but there’s another holiday also worth celebrating regardless of your relationship status: Galentine’s Day—and it’s only the day before Valentine’s Day (February 13). As its moniker suggests, this is an occasion dedicated to the love shared in your female friendships—so it’s the perfect excuse to celebrate your best gal pals. 

Everything to know about the origin of Galentine’s Day

Galentine’s Day was coined by the beloved fictional sitcom character Leslie Knope, played by Amy Poehler on mockumentary show Parks & Recreation. One of the recurring themes of the cult favorite was Leslie’s adoration for her best friend, Ann (Rashida Jones), so it’s no surprise that she dedicated a day to the closest ladies in her life. 

Season 2, episode 16 of the series, entitled “Galentine’s Day” sees Leslie hosting Ann, as well as their friends April (Aubrey Plaza), Donna (Retta) and a few others at a local diner. 

“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,” Leslie explains, calling Galentine’s Day “the best day of the year.” 

She also gives each of them gifts that would be difficult to rival: hand-crocheted flower pen bouquets, mosaic portraits and 5,000-word essays about why they’re so awesome. 

What is the meaning of Galentine’s Day? 

Galentine’s Day is marked by commemorating love, affection, respect, appreciation and all the positive feelings women feel toward one another—romantic, platonic, familial, whatever the nature. 

Like with a Valentine’s Day gift, this is a time dedicated to expressions of what we feel year-round. While this could look like heart-shaped gifts or candy, it can also be as simple as spending time with your gal pals. And no—you absolutely don’t have to be single to participate in Galentine’s Day!

How to celebrate Galentine’s Day

There’s no shortage of options if you’re looking to throw a Galentine’s Day party. The most important thing to remember is that it’s all about feeling and showing love in all its forms! Here are a few fun Galentine’s Day ideas that make the occasion memorable:

Have a movie night

Grab the popcorn and chocolate—some wine and some charcuterie boards, too, put on some cozy pajamas, maybe a face mask and get comfortable on the couch with your girls while you enjoy some of the best movies about female friendships. Some of our favorites? Sisterhood of The Traveling Pants, Thelma & Louise, Bridesmaids and Now & Then to name just a few iconic flicks. 

Get crafty

Feeling creative? Gather the girls and some arts and crafts supplies for some DIY fun. Try painting with watercolors, handmade friendship bracelets, embroidered candles and other decor. This is a great way to bond and make your own keepsakes you can save to remember the day! 

Enjoy a spa day

You don’t have to get a professional massage to have a spa day (though that is certainly an option if you’re able). You can make your own at home! Start by creating a relaxing atmosphere with ambiance music, essential oils or scented candles, dim lighting and anything else that sets the tone for self-care. 

Then, choose your recipes for homemade facial treatments, body scrubs and hair masks, soak your feet in Epsom salt and exchange mani-pedis. 

Declare your adoration

You can do this one right from your phone! Simply make time throughout your day to share meaningful quotes with your favorite ladies near and far (it doesn’t have to be 5,000 words like Leslie’s). Here are a few greats to get your brainstorm started:

• “Women’s friendships are like a renewable source of power.” — Jane Fonda
  
• “We are friends for life. When we’re together the years fall away. Isn’t that what matters? To have someone who can remember with you? To have someone who remembers how far you’ve come?” — Judy Blume
• “Sometimes that’s all you need my love—another woman’s faith in you.” ― Joy McCullough
• “The best way to mend a broken heart is time and girlfriends.” — Gwyneth Paltrow
• “True friends are like diamonds—bright, beautiful, valuable, and always in style.” — Nicole Richie
• “Friendships between women, as any woman will tell you, are built of a thousand small kindnesses swapped back and forth and over again.” — Michelle Obama
• “Sisterhood was about shared experiences, trust, knowing you had people who would be there for you and would listen to you no matter what, and who could always tell if there was something wrong.” ― Michelle Madow

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