Believe it or not, Valentine’s Day isn’t the only made-up holiday we can celebrate in February. Valentine's Day endorses buying cards, candy and overpriced flowers for your sweetheart, but what about those of us that don't have one? It's unfair to expect us to miss out on the fun. Since we are celebrating our significant other, we might as well celebrate our significant others too. Galentine’s Day started out as just an episode of "Parks and Recreation", but has become a movement for "lady friends" everywhere. It takes the pressure away from those of us that aren't in a relationship, but still allows us to celebrate the lovey-dovey month of February. Here are some fun ways you can celebrate this holiday on Feb. 13:
Go out to breakfast
I mean, DUH. This is how Leslie celebrated the original Galentine’s Day on "Parks and Rec." What's better than friends? Simply put: coffee and mimosas. But an epic holiday includes coffee, mimosas and good conversation with friends around the breakfast table.
Send your friend a letter
I am blessed to have all of my college friends close to me for this holiday, but all my gal pals from high school are doing their own thing at their own school. So, why not send them a sweet handwritten note to let them know you’re thinking of them? It's a good way to start up a conversation with old friends you haven’t talked to in a while.
Make your friend a playlist
We all have those songs we listen to in the car with our buddies, so why not make your friend a little playlist they can jam to even when you’re not there? Spotify and Apple Music might have some exceptional pre-made playlists, but they still don't know your best friend like you do. You can add some of their favorite songs, songs you think they’ll like and some best friend appreciation songs like “Best Friend” by Saweetie and “Oath” by Becky G.
Have a movie night
For some of us this might be just a typical Tuesday, but when you and your friends are really busy with the start of a new semester, it might be a good idea to wind down for a relaxing movie night. My friend, Nicole, and I did this the other night and after a couple episodes of "The Haunting of Bly Manor", some good snacks, and a few face masks, it was 4 a.m. But since it is the season of love, why not watch a romantic comedy to set the mood. Even if you're single, you can watch movies like "Someone Great" that celebrate female friendships (which is what Galentine's Day is all about).
Bake
Everybody loves some classic brownies or cookies, but baked goods are always more delicious when you make them yourself (or with your BFFS). It might seem like a lot of work at first, but sometimes so is friendship, but the result is always a treat. You could even add a little competitive edge to your baking with a decorating competition.
If you need me on Feb. 13th, I’ll be busy celebrating all my amazing friendships and I hope you will be too! But the whole month of February should be dedicated to being grateful for all the people we have in our life. I think Anna Taylor put it best saying, “Some people arrive and make such a beautiful impact on your life, you can barely remember what life was like without them.”I hope you celebrate those kinds of people in your life, and live your life trying to fulfill that impact for somebody else as well.
