I’m not here to discuss your plans for Valentine’s Day. I’m not here to make you feel better about your single status or encourage spoonfuls of Ben and Jerry’s in between gulps of Cupcake wine. I’m here to remind you of the other, lesser-known holiday that falls on February 13: Galentine’s Day.
Galentine’s Day was born on February 11, 2010, with the airing of my favorite show, Parks and Recreation. It takes place in Pawnee Indiana, where Leslie Knope (Amy Poehler) manages a slow moving Parks and Recreation department with humongous enthusiasm (five seasons are already up on Netflix, so within a week or two you’ll probably have every episode ingrained into your memory). Season 2, Episode 16 is where Galentine’s came in and changed my world forever. It opens with all of Leslie’s closest friends seated at a table for brunch, where she pulls out ridiculous gifts for the attendees, including mosaics made out of crushed bottles from their favorite sodas and personalized five thousand word essays. “Every February 13th my lady friends and I leave our husbands and boyfriends at home and we just come and kick it breakfast style. Ladies celebratin’ ladies.”
Via: theprothros.com/
Take a moment to appreciate the wise words of Leslie Knope.
I’ve been celebrating Galentine’s Day ever since. In the process we’ve turned against those with boyfriends and husbands by placing it on Valentine’s Day and refusing to let them come. It’s such a treasured, hyped up experience that being single became the new move in preparation for February. We were selfish for turning Galentine’s into an exclusive event, rather than appreciating our friendships as Leslie taught us to do. We did, however, celebrate it right.
The most important part is planning. It needs to be incessantly talked about, mapping out every detail including where to eat, what to wear, what to bake and what to craft. My friends and I discuss it so in depth that every male within a five-foot radius struggles not to roll their eyes as they overhear bits and pieces of our Galentine consumed conversations. As far as the celebratory meal goes, it should be a place where the portions are ridiculously large. We usually choose Thai restaurants, because that means egg rolls, bottomless curry, enormous plates of pad Thai and rolls on rolls of sushi (investigate our Lunch Bunch guide for the perfect restaurant.) Each member must also bring a small token of appreciation for the fellow gals. It shouldn’t be expensive or extravagant, just simple and homemade. The best place to find ideas is Pinterest. Last year I made the shot by cupid cards pictured on the right. The rest of the group brought cupcakes, CD’s, cookies, cards and flowers.
The day doesn’t have to end there. This year, we’re planning on stepping up our game and adding an additional local Gainesville activity to celebrate.
Tour Kanapaha Botanical Gardens
Open on Friday from 9 am to 5 pm, The Kanapaha Botanical Gardens is sixty-two acres worth of twenty-four different flower collections. It houses a Rose Garden, Ginger Garden, Asian Garden and a plethora of other spots with appealing Garden names that are the perfect backdrop for endless chit chat with the ladies.
De-Stress at Cloud 9 Spa Salon
Treat yo self with a Mani-Pedi, facial or go big with a hot stone massage. Known as “Gainesville’s Sanctuary for stress Relief,” Cloud 9 spa is the number one place to relax and unwind.
Hike Payne’s Prairie
If you haven’t visited Payne’s Prairie yet, now is the time. With a sixteen-mile bike trail and eight hiking trails, the prairie is a great way to get some exercise before the feast. One of my roommates is so ambitious that she wakes up at the crack of dawn to watch the sunrise with friends, but I don’t expect us normal college kids to move before at least ten am.
Be Cliché
I’m not one for sappy movies, but Galentine’s Day is an acceptable excuse to make a beeline towards the nearest chick flick in theaters. Sneak in some candy and a box of tissues to see the latest sob story, Endless Love.
The way my friends and I celebrate should in no way limit your spin on Galentines’ Day. It’s about appreciating all of the special people in your life, as well as showing them they mean as much to you as any significant other. Christmas and Thanksgiving are a long stretch away, so let’s make the most of the holidays we have in the meantime. Start scheming and get excited, because the fourth annual Galentine’s Day is only a week away.
