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Momfessions Podcast Episode 65 featured this article in a recent episode. Listen in to “Celebrating Gal Pals” to hear Beth and Emily talk alllll about Galentine’s Day.
Galentine’s Day. A made-up holiday just to get you to buy more Hallmark cards? Or a chance to celebrate female friendships in your life? You decide.
As Valentine’s Day approaches, your Instagram feed may be clogged with jewelry ads or pictures heightening your expectations of the romantic holiday. Nowhere do you see touted the holiday celebrated just one day before on February 13: Galentine’s Day. This holiday, coined by a personal favorite sitcom of mine, Parks and Recreation (season 2, episode 16 to be precise. Definitely worth a rewatch), gives us an opportunity to reflect on the ways we have felt loved and supported by our female friendships this year.
How might you celebrate this special day? I’m glad you asked. Here are 13 ways you can plan to celebrate this February 13.
1. Treat Yo’ Selves
Get your friends small treats you know they will love! This could be a small token from the Target dollar aisle or a $5 Starbucks gift card for a latte.
>> RECOMMENDED RESOURCE :: Support Local :: Local Makers Guide <<
2. Have a Galentine’s Day Bake-Off
If you’re known for your sweet treats, bake up a batch of your biggest crowd-pleasing cookies to deliver to your best gals (these chocolate chip are a personal fav in my house). Wrap them in some festive cellophane and tie it off with a bow to complete the look.
You can also invite friends over to join in the baking! Have everyone bring copies of their favorite cookie recipe for a recipe swap.
3. Write Letters to Your Gals
Who doesn’t love getting a letter in the mail? Set a reminder on your phone to sit down the week before Galentine’s and write a few notes to your best gal pals. Reflect on ways that they have lifted you up this year. Point out something wonderful about them. End with an effusive expression of love — because platonic love deserves flowery prose too.
To get really into it, buy yourself some new stationery or postcards for the task. These greeting cards from Emily McDowell always have just the right sentiment.
>> RELATED READ :: Celebrating Love Without the Valentines <<
4. Plan a Girls’ Night on Galentine’s Day
If Galentine’s Day doesn’t call for wine and PJs, I don’t know what does. Plan to have a few of your best gals over for a low-key pajama party and maybe even a viewing of said episode of Parks and Rec if that’s your fancy!
5. Take a Class
Find a local class for you and a girlfriend or two to take! From crafting to cooking, try something outside of your comfort zone together. Learn more about wine and cheese pairing or try your hand at glass-blowing.
6. Do Something Playful
Let your hair down with your friends. Try out an activity that you haven’t done in awhile. Maybe you want to try your hand at ax throwing for the first time, or you could go bowling for the first time in a decade and laugh about your gutter balls.
7. Read Up
Check out works by a woman who inspires you. Better yet, grab a friend or two to read with you in your own mini book club! Personally, I can’t get enough of Brené Brown’s newest book, Atlas of the Heart, and what a fitting time to learn more about all of our human emotions.
>> RELATED READ :: 15+ Easy Ideas to Show Love to Your Kids <<
8. Volunteer or Donate
Put together care packages for a local women’s shelter. Task some girlfriends to look through their bathrooms for unopened, unexpired makeup or hair products. Look at local shelters’ wishlists and plan a shopping trip for a donation drop off. Look for an opportunity to get together with girlfriends and volunteer for a cause close to your heart.
Here are 12 local nonprofits FWM supports: Fort Worth Moms Supports — And You Can, Too. The organizations provide important resources and support to local moms and children.
9. Lend a Hand
Have a girlfriend who has really been going through it? Offer to babysit. Come over and do her laundry. Take her kids for a sleepover. Drop off dinner. Taking something off her plate helps her feel seen.
10. Pick Up the Phone
Maybe you’re in a season of life where a full-blown event does not feel within your grasp.Make a point to get in contact with good friends this week. You can make a list of women you wish you stayed in touch with and then ACTUALLY reach out. Let them know what they mean to you.
11. Make a Galentine’s Date
That one friend you are always playing phone tag with? Or saying “we should get together sometime”? Make the date. Set time aside this Galentine’s day for a screen-free date with a friend. Meet for coffee. Or if the weather allows, take that coffee to-go and walk along the Trinity, catching up or talking about nothing.
12. Reflect with Gratitude
Sit down with your coffee, friends, and a pad of paper on February 13 and reflect on women who have made an impact on your lives. Make a list of women you have looked up to, who have supported you, or have offered guidance along the way. These can be celebrities, friends, relatives, and talk about why they mean a lot to you.
<< RELATED READ :: A Quick Guide to a Perfect Mom’s Getaway <<
13. Write in a Journal
On a similar note, if you are the introspective type, journal about the ways in which you have been a good friend. How have you lifted other women up? What are your best qualities as a girlfriend? How would you like to engage further in your female friendships this year?
Now check out this video from Emily, Beth, and Kim as they discuss Mom Friends 101:
How will you choose to celebrate female friendship and all it has brought to your life?
