How I Celebrate Galentine's Day — Just Like Leslie Knope
There are four essentials that you can't go without — and yes, that includes waffles.
NBC /Getty
One brief glance at my Netflix history and you’ll see that I have a bit of a Parks and Recreation problem. Seriously — I’ve seen every episode at least twice (but probably more, if we’re being honest). Luckily, I’m not alone in this journey — my two best friends love the show just as much as I do. Which means that every year we celebrate one special occasion: Galentine’s Day.
What’s Galentine’s Day? It’s a holiday created by Amy Poehler’s Leslie Knope (Parks and Rec’s main character) to celebrate your female friendships on the day before Valentine’s Day.
As Leslie says, "Oh it’s only the best day of the year. Every February 13th, my lady friends and I leave our husbands and our boyfriends at home, and we just come and kick it, breakfast-style. Ladies celebrating ladies. It’s like Lilith Fair, minus the angst. Plus frittatas."
For three Leslie-loving friends, Galentine’s Day was the perfect excuse to treat ourselves. But since the episode first aired in 2010, the three of us have gone away to college, started careers and moved through different phases of our lives — which means we don’t always have time to kick it over brunch. But no matter where we’ve been, we’ve always managed to have a Leslie Knope-approved celebration, thanks to a few key essentials.
RYAN DAUSCH
Waffles
Why is Galentine’s Day celebrated over breakfast? If I had to guess, it’s because Leslie’s obsessed with waffles. For us, morning dates are a bit hard to coordinate — but we’re definitely not opposed to breakfast for dinner. In the past, we’ve been known to swing by a late-night diner (we are Jersey girls, after all), but I want to make my own waffles this year. And since I don’t currently own a waffle iron (due to an unfortunate burning incident), Food Network Kitchen’s sheet-pan chicken and waffles are the perfect hack. Plus, the sweet-and-savory combo is ideal for feeding a group of gals.
A Cute (Practical) Gift
One year, I bought the three of us matching necklaces. However, since none of us wear jewelry that often, those necklaces are currently collecting dust in a drawer somewhere. But hey, lesson learned. This time around, I think a Leslie-inspired mug would be a much better choice.
Sebastian Leesch / EyeEm /Getty
A Girl Power Playlist
Trust us — you can't have a celebration without an epic playlist, even if it's just for driving in the car. To make the most of your Galentine's Day, queue some tunes from your favorite girl groups and crank it up!
Halfpoint Images /Getty
Your Galentines
Last but certainly not least, no G-Day celebration is complete without your best girlfriends. As Leslie says, "We need to remember what’s important in life: friends, waffles and work. Or waffles, friends, work. Doesn’t matter, but work is third."
Now go out there and show your favorite ladies some love!
Related Links:
