The month of February isn’t just about whether you have a partner to celebrate St. Valentine’s Day…February like any other month, should be about expressing your love for those around you: whether it be a partner, friend, family, etc. Historically, ‘Galentine’s Day’ is a celebration created by the writers of Parks and Recreation. In the show, “Leslie Knope”, played by Amy Poehler, mayor of Pawnee, Indiana, invents the day to celebrate female friendships. As Leslie explains:
“Every February 13, my ladyfriends and I leave our husbands and our boyfriends at home, and we just come and kick it, breakfast-style. Ladies celebrating ladies…”.
This year, we won’t be able to brunch with our friends…nonetheless we should definitely want to celebrate and thank them for the unbreakable bond we have. There are different levels of female friendship, but the term Galentine’s Day is for celebrating that friend (or a group of women) who really get you. They’re the friends who ask for little, yet offer so much and are always there because they genuinely care about their gal.
This year, Love is NOT cancelled! So meet your girls from the comfort of your home with 5 ways to spend your own virtual Galentine’s Day.
- Brunchin’ with my Woes
Pre-COVID times, you and your girls loved getting brunch. This Galentine’s Day, change things up by celebrating with a meal at home. You and your friends could choose your favourite brunch inspired recipe to cook and eat together on a Zoom/Teams call.
2. Sending your Love
Whoever said we’re too old to send out Valentine’s Day cards were wrong. This year send a Valentine’s Day Card using Canada Post or multiple online services to your friends. Another way of sending your love is by writing out a card for your friends and reading them to one another on your Zoom/Teams call. Make it funny, make it sappy or make it rhyme! Cupid is on your side!
3. Jammie Party!
We’ve probably spent the better part of the past year in our sweats and pajamas, so why not keep that going but with nicer and fancier jammies. Throw on your favourite PJs and have a chilled out jammie night with your girlfriends. Don’t forget the music for your socially distanced slumber party!
4. Book Club
With so much screen time this year alternating between Netflix, social media and Zoom/Teams meetings/classes, why not give yourself a break and practice more self love and prioritizing quality “YOU” time. A great way of disconnecting from the real world is by immersing yourself in the story. I highly recommend A Promise Land-Memoir by Barak Obama. You could even suggest it to your closest gal pals and have an online book club chat afterwards!
5. My Cup of Tea
After living in England, I have a huge appreciation for the High Tea experience and how floral it can be. Get out your fanciest teacup and saucer, brew a calming loose leaf tea and treat yourself to scones and other fine desserts. If you’re in the area, make a pit stop and support your local favourite bakeries or coffee shops. Here is a list provided by BlogTO of popular bakeries in Toronto (with Valentine’s themed goodies) to treat yourself and/or loved ones.
To make your Valentine’s Day extra special this weekend we have curated a Local and Small Business Guide. Here you can find sweet ideas for valentine’s gifts for yourself, a special someone/people. Why not treat yourself and/or loved ones? You have an excuse, it’s V-day!
Most importantly… you should also be your own Galentine so OWN IT & TREAT YO SELF!
Hope you found this helpful! Let us know what plans you have for Valentine’s Day!
-The Wahid’s
