Galentine's Day

February is truly the month of love, and Galentine's Day on February 13 fits right in. We quickly shower our significant others with gifts and delicious food on February 14, but the day before that is designed to celebrate other equally important relationships in our lives. Valentine's Day is a time to gather the women you love most in your life.

Some facts about Galentine's Day

4.98 million Household viewers of "Valentine's Day"

According to Nielsen Media Research, Parks and Recreation's "Galentine's Day" episode in the show's second season drew nearly 5 million viewers, marking this as an improvement in ratings within the series.

548,000 posts on Instagram

Search #GalentinesDay on social media platforms and you'll find over half a million posts by women congratulating other women in honor of the holiday.

66% of women buy non-romantic gifts in February

As sales for Valentine's Day specials are trending down, Hallmark found that nearly two-thirds of women who buy cards around Valentine's Day are doing so because of non-romantic relationships, including including friends and family. This prompted the brand to release a line of Celebration Day cards and others that revolved around pure relationships.

History of Galentine's Day

Galentine's Day is the creation of the beloved fictional deputy director of Pawnee, Indiana, and Leslie Knope. The show's writers focused the 16th episode of Parks and Recreation's second season around Leslie's favorite tradition of February, Galentine's Day. Over a brunch of waffles and over-the-top gifting, Leslie celebrates the joys of female friendship with close friends and co-workers.

What was previously an unknown and unofficial holiday immediately skyrocketed in popularity, so much so that businesses created Celebration Day promotions? Happy hour specials, group spa discounts, and brunch deals are popular ways to honor the occasion, as the fictional holiday that once filled a gap in the Valentine's Day market left single women alone body feels alienated by the glitz and circumstances of their lover's holiday.

The holiday that Knope invented brings out striking similarities to her character - immense generosity and sincerity. Galentine's Day is Valentine's Day or Festival of Friends is Thanksgiving: an opportunity to recognize the impact our friends have had on our lives and thank them for their unwavering loyalty, love, and voice.

We could go on, but we think Leslie explains Galentine's Day best: “On February 13 every year, me and my boyfriend leave my husband and boyfriend at home, and we just come and enjoy it, breakfast style. Ladies celebrate ladies. It's like the Lilith Fair, minus the distractions. Plus frittatas. "

How to celebrate Galentine's Day

Invite the women you know to celebrate this day in all their glory. Bring their favorite wine, beer, cocktails and mocktails. Snacks, dips, chips, and appetizers of all kinds are welcome. Turn on the music, dance and experience day and night. Get together, have a TED talk, or have a breather. Whatever works for you? Make up. Or get dressed and go out for the night. Book a cruise and take off for the weekend. Whatever your style, do it your way. But be sure to use #GalentinesDay to share it all on social media.