Galentine’s Day 101: A Girl’s Guide to the Best Holiday Ever
By Sarah Fertsch
If you’re a 21st century lady, you know your girlfriends deserve all the love and support in the world. Our queen from Pawnee, Ind., Leslie Knope from the hit show Parks and Recreation pioneered Galentine’s Day. On Feb. 13, ladies come together and celebrate each other. There’s so much emphasis on romance surrounding Valentine’s Day—take back the 2018 (the year of the women by the way) and let me show you how to take Galentine’s Day to the next level:
- Gather your lady squad
My mom always says the most important part of life is finding YOUR people. Who’s there for you when you need them? Who pushes you to work harder and love yourself more? That’s your girl. This year, I’m celebrating Galentine’s Day with my college besties (Megan, Kira, Kelly—I’m talking about you). These goddesses represent some of the most selfless people I know. Kira studies education and hopes work in inner-city schools one day. Megan, my magnificent roommate, marched at the Women’s March and always reminds me that “the future is female.” Kelly, a literature major, carries a book everywhere she goes and makes everyone around her feel complete. Surround yourself with beauties like them (inside and out) and “treat yo self.”
- What kind of party do you want?
Galentine’s day is all about doing your own thing. My college besties and I are getting dressed up and putting a spin on the old-fashioned date at the movies. Galentine’s Day legend Leslie Knope hosted her gal pals for brunch, including waffles and mimosas. Take your warrior women to a night on the town in Atlantic City and buy each other drinks. Do a chill night-in complete with a fun female film (I recommend Frozen, Brave, The Hunger Games, or Pretty in Pink), popcorn, and big laughs. Go ice skating, wine tasting, belch out some karaoke, play charades, or bake some brownies. Whatever you do, kill it.
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Give Gifts to Your Girls
For me, this is the best part of Galentine’s Day. Gift-giving is definitely my love language and I’m crazy about DIY. Remember, we must remind our darlings how perfect they are. If you’re like me and obsess over crafting, make some flower wreaths or sugar scrubs. Write your beauties some heartfelt poetry or dedicate a song to their fierceness (perhaps some Beyonce?). Name a star after your gal pal to remind her how bright she shines. Fill a motivational mug with some chocolates or if you want to splure, treat her to a massage or facial. Make your princess pack feel appreciated and adored (as every woman should feel).
Here’s your opportunity to celebrate the Lorelai to your Rory, Monica to your Rachel, Dionne to your Cher, or Cristina to your Meredith. As a politics major, I feel obligated to direct your attention to some powerfully awesome ladies who forged our future: Eleanor Rooselvelt, Maya Angelou, Ruth Bader Ginsburg and Harriet Tubman. I’m proud to vote, own property and run for political office one day, and that’s all because of my female ancestors’ hard work. The only way for women to continue to rise is through love and support. I hope that this Galentine’s Day is that start to your boss-lady year. Remember, the future is female.
