Galentine's Day is a sappy equivalent to Valentine’s Day and it’s all about spending time with your best friends. Forget the cheesy Hallmark cards or tireless internet dating for a minute and gather your closest companions for a day dedicated to friendship. The best part is, regardless of relationship status or distance, Galentine’s Day can be celebrated in a multitude of ways. We’ve made it even easier with a few tips on how to celebrate it digitally!
But First, What is Galentine’s Day?
This day of friendship appreciation was created by the goofy and loving fictional character, Leslie Knope. The made-up holiday debuted in Season 2 of the popular series, Parks and Recreation when Leslie goes above and beyond showing her ‘soul sisters” how much she cares for them. Here we are, over a decade later and it is still celebrated by people worldwide in so many creative ways. When is Galentine’s Day, you ask? February 13th! Not only is it a counter-holiday for those who don't have a partner on the February 14th holiday, but it is simply a great opportunity to meet with and celebrate kindred spirits. Unlike traditional Valentine's Days, there are no cheesy rules or standards. All you need is a couple of your best friends, and time to spare.
No, Galentine’s Is Not Just for the Ladies
Love knows no boundaries and neither does Galentine’s Day. If Leslie Knope taught us anything, it’s that inclusivity and equality are essential. So even if it was traditionally created for women, anyone is, of course, welcome to join in on the friendship festivities!
Galentine’s Day Gift Ideas: Go Digital for 2021
But how do you celebrate it? Like every other special occasion this year, Galentine's Day will most likely need to be celebrated a bit differently. But worry not! Here are some tips to make a virtual version of the holiday just as special. Meet with friends, near and far, over Zoom, Skype, FaceTime or whatever you have at your disposal and give these ideas a try.
Have a Virtual Brunch
Grab a bottle of champagne and orange juice and join your best friends for an on-screen brunch. Catch up over some avocado toast and have everyone stream the same Spotify playlist as make-shift cafe music. Spotify’s Group Session feature makes it simple to listen together with your friends, no matter the distance!
Dinner and a Movie
Don the coziest of PJ’s and settle in for a movie over Zoom. All you need a host with a Netflix account to stream, your choice of rom-com or thriller, and the perfect popcorn, and you’ve got a comfy Galentine’s Day (or night) in!
Game Night
There’s nothing better than a game night with friends. Since board games are probably out of the question, download some seriously fun online games to challenge one another remotely. Play the day away on Steam with your favorite games and your favorite people!
Waffle bake-off
Pay homage to the holiday’s creator and have a waffle bake-off over FaceTime! While mimosas are at the forefront of Galentine’s Day celebrations in the series, every fan knows waffles are Leslie’s all-time favorite. Have everyone try to decorate the most delicious Leslie-approved waffle dish and see who comes out on top. Although, everyone's a winner because you all have brunch to enjoy together in the end!
Happy Galentine’s Day, Love Dundle
So, as you can see, there is no wrong way to celebrate this magical made-up holiday. You can always go full Leslie and write a 5,000-word essay for each friend on why they are awesome...or just try one of our virtual party ideas instead. But whatever you do, just make sure to take a note from the holiday creator herself and let those true friends know you care.
