This is heartfelt tribute to Leslie Knope of the beloved TV show ‘Parks and Recreation’ for birthing ‘Galentine’s Day’ into our lives. Portrayed with unmatched brilliance by Amy Poehler, Leslie set aside February 13th as a day to honour the spirit of female camaraderie, giving birth to a celebration that echoes in the hearts of women worldwide.
Galentine’s Day has become a global phenomenon, and whilst it is no substitute for Valentine’s Day, it’s an excellent choice for those of us who don’t have Valentine’s Day plans or maybe do but also have solid female friendships worth celebrating. It’s a day of love, a day we show love to our female friends who have held us down over the years. It’s a day to tell our girls, “Hey, thank you for riding with me, I love you”. Even though this special day falls on a Tuesday this year, amidst our busy lives, it’s still a celebration not to be missed. And who says we can’t turn it into a Galentine’s weekend? There are no rules against it!
Here are five fantastic Galentine’s Day activities to dive into to ensure you and your squad have the best time.
Catch up over brunch
We know life can get hectic for some of us, and you can’t remember the last time you had a glass of mimosa with your best girls at your favourite brunch spot. Well, Galentine’s Day or weekend is here to fix that. Interestingly, the originator of Galentine’s Day listed ‘breakfast with the girls’ as one of the highlights of the holiday, so brunch with the girls is very spot on. You could take it up a notch and go with a theme. Explore themes like garden, breakfast at Tiffany’s, bohemian, and many more. A themed brunch will always make the most fun.
The 3 Rs (Relax, Recharge, Rejuvenate)
Pick a day to relax with the girls, and don’t forget to order a bottle of champagne while at it. A trip to the spa is always a great idea because nothing feels better than being pampered on a do-nothing day. Schedule an appointment at your favourite spa, gossip over pedicures, and have a little nap during your group massage. Go home feeling relaxed and ready to power through the week.
Learn something new
Learning something new is fun, but learning something new with the squad? Now that’s an experience. Think of anything you’ve always wanted to try with your girls and do it (as long as it’s legal, lol). It could be pottery, candle making, salsa, or tap into your bartending side and try a mixology class. Learning new things with the ones we love is a bonding experience that will forever be etched in our hearts. We’re confident that three months from now, you’ll be sitting at your desk in the office, remember the worst or best cocktail you’ve ever had and let out a little laugh.
An old-fashioned sleepover
Sleepovers are up there on the list of favourite activities for women, and it’s no wonder why. It creates an atmosphere for deep conversations and vulnerability, essential for any healthy female relationship. Wear matching pj’s, order a tray of delicious snacks, play soft music in the background, open a bottle of wine, grab some tissue boxes ( you know how it gets), select card games (we recommend card games that allow for deep conversations) and enjoy each other’s company. This is also a great time to exchange gifts and catch up on that TV series you and your girls love to talk about.
Private dinner for 5 or 10
Dinner is excellent, but a private dining experience is better. Go the extra mile to rent a fancy space for a girls’ evening and have the chef curate a menu. We recommend somewhere quiet and luxe with great lighting for those pictures that will cause a stir on the gram. This is a good time for you and your girls to try out that fancy new spot in town, enjoy soft banter, and share laughs and grateful moments.
Galentine’s Day could be all of this and more. What’s most important is celebrating female friendships. Women need to celebrate each other, and what better way than a memorable holiday?
Happy Galentine’s Day in Advance!
