What Is Galentine’s Day?

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You’ve likely heard of Valentine’s Day, but not everyone has heard of the related offbeat holiday Galentine’s Day. What first started as a joke is now an unironic celebration, and you can learn all about it below it.

Where did Galentine’s Day come from? 

Galentine’s Day, which takes place on February 13, originated from the popular television show Parks and Recreation. In an episode of the show, main character Leslie Knope (Amy Poehler) creates the tradition of celebrating the friends she made in her workplace. 

How is Galentine’s Day celebrated?

In Parks and Recreation, Knope gives her friends extravagant gifts and throws a feast of brunch foods such as waffles and frittatas. However, you can really celebrate Galentine’s Day in any way you can think of to show appreciation to your friends.

Who celebrates Galentine’s Day?

Galentine’s Day may sound exclusionary, but it doesn’t have to be. Yes, Galentine’s Day has the word “gal” in it, and yes, it was created by an iconic TV character who wanted women to celebrate their friendships with other women. 

However, part and parcel of Galentine’s Day is that anyone who wants a casual holiday for showing gratitude to their friends should be able to celebrate it. Your Galentine’s celebration can include anyone of any gender as long as they’re your friend.

How can you celebrate Galentine’s Day safely during the COVID-19 pandemic?

There are many ways to celebrate Galentine’s Day, even during the COVID-19 pandemic. First, you can make brunch food to start your Galentine’s Day. Whether you want to learn how to cook or already like cooking with your friends, you and your friends can enjoy a virtual brunch together. Cook with your friends during a video call or follow a tutorial that you can stream while cooking. Add dessert recipes for an especially extravagant Galentine’s Day menu.

Another way to celebrate Galentine’s Day is to watch something together. With a few close friends, you can watch your favorite shows and movies, or to stay on theme for the holiday, you can binge-watch Parks and Recreation. You can couple your virtual streaming party with the above brunch ideas, or your streaming party can double as a self-care day.

If you want to give gifts to your friends for Galentine’s Day, you can easily do so from the comfort of your home. You and your friends can get into the gift-giving spirit by sharing your shopping wish lists or enjoying a virtual Secret Santa gift exchange game (yes, even well after Christmas). Some websites offer games for friends who want to do a random gift-exchange after you all add your specific gift preferences. 

Other Galentine’s Day gifts you can also exchange can include tea, dessert, books, or alcohol. After buying gifts before Galentine’s Day, you can unbox them during a Galentine’s Day video call. Even if you and your friends plan to meet up virtually for Galentine’s Day, you can still have a great time and enjoy each others’ company.

How will you be spending your Galentine’s Day? Sound off in the comments!