Despite its chilliness in many parts of the world, February has long been the month of warmth and affection and Galentine’s Day on February 13 fits right in. Albeit not as ancient as St. Valentine’s Day, “Galentine’s Day” refers to the 16th episode of the second season of the American comedy television series Parks and Recreation that originally aired in February 2010 in which Leslie (played by Amy Poehler) throws her annual “Galentine’s Day” party for her female friends, celebrated the day before Valentine’s Day. According to Cosmopolitan magazine, the event is “the only good fake holiday on the calendar.” Although I am yet to actually watch P&R (yes really!) none of us should pass up the opportunity to celebrate our friendships. For me, it also helps that one of my best friend’s birthdays falls on the same date, and as Cicero said “With the exception of wisdom, I’m inclined to believe that the immortal gods have given nothing better to humanity than friendship.” Here are ten of the best ways to celebrate Galentine‘s with your girls
1) Gifts
No one is going to say no to gifts from their friends, and let’s be real, choosing and giving presents is just as much fun as receiving them. Affordable and thoughtful gifts can include homemade baked goods and second-hand books with cute notes tucked in the pages, or small makeup items.
2) Netflix streaming party
So you can’t exactly host a party like the fictional one that kick-started this holiday in the first place. But so what? Host a virtual one instead. You won’t even have to clean up after everyone! Use Telaparty to view Netflix shows as a group, and talk through their chat function.
3) Book a virtual experience
From online murder mysteries to gin-making and cooking classes, there are enough online experiences to suit any group of friends and their interests. This is the perfect way to include friends from all over the world.
4) Take a Hike
Yes, this sounds like something your parents would try to organize on a family holiday, but taking a hike is not just a fabulous way of exploring mother nature, but one of the only ways socializing is currently possible under many pandemic restrictions. Pack a picnic and plenty of water, try and avoid bears, and make sure your phone is fully charged.
5) Do a spa day, at your house.
Grab a face mask and your favorite nail polish color. This is the perfect way to spend time with your girlfriends and pamper yourself at the same time. This doesn’t have to be expensive, as many of us have the items around the house but don’t often have the time to use them. Treat your hair to a hair mask, your face to hydration, and your skin to body oil.
6) Geochace.
If your girlfriends are the adventurous type then download the geocaching app and start looking. Known as the world’s largest worldwide scavenger hunt this is the perfect way to explore your city and spend the afternoon. Solve riddles, track down finds with coordinates, and find local attractions.
7) Make charcuterie boards.
We have all seen these on Instagram. Wooden trays of sliced meat, chocolates, and lavender. Intricately laid in spiral designs. This is the perfect way to try something new and get a delightful meal at the end of it. Google a few youtube videos, grab your ingredients, and start building. The best part of this is the customized meal you get at the end of it.
8) Powerpoint night.
I am sure you have seen the videos, a group of friends gather to present their power points. Creative presentations like “order of death in a horror movie with my friends” or “people my friends have simped for and this is why they can’t be in a stable relationship” or “why emojis should be illegal.” Basically, find a horrible thesis and defend it in front of your friends. The laughs and giggles are sure to ensue.
9) Dress up and go do a photoshoot with the galls.
Every girl wants to do a photoshoot for Instagram, but it’s hard to do it alone. Find a cute brick wall or mural and get to posing. Make sure to give the girls plenty of time to get dolled up, and ready but then get to shooting.
10) Take a safety course at your local shooting range.
Depending on your state this might be an option. Each girl should know how to protect herself and this is a perfect way. Many ranges offer female-only classes that specialize in safety for girls. Girls should have girls back, and getting safety training together is the perfect way to bond and be safe.
The views expressed in this article are the opinion of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Lone Conservative staff.
