Ten days ago, we celebrated Valentine’s Day, an annual event celebrating romance and love. For children, it’s a day of cookies and candy, class parties, and the exchange of Valentine’s cards. I vividly remember the excitement of the kids as they selected the perfect cards to give to their friends…and the annual family project of creating decorative “mailboxes” to house the cards they received. Our last child was into sports, not arts and crafts, and loathed the project. So, we stored his mailbox and recycled it the following year(s).
Adults either smile or cringe at the approach of Valentine’s Day, depending on their individual circumstances. To couples, it’s a reminder of the special relationship they’ve forged. To singles, it can be a reminder of their solo status. But celebrating Galentine’s Day or Palentine’s Day (see below) can turn the season into something that everyone can enjoy.
I was introduced to “Galentine’s Day” this year. I didn’t even know it existed. But it’s a real thing according to Merriam-Webster. The dictionary states that Galentine’s Day is “a holiday observed on February 13th as a time to celebrate friendships especially among women.” Wikipedia contains a similar definition for Galentine’s Day and also has an entry for Palentine’s Day. “Palentine’s Day is a global holiday celebrating friendships and every other form of platonic love…[It] emerged as a gender-neutral version of Galentine’s Day.”
According to Wikipedia, Galentine’s Day was imagined into existence by the Parks and Recreation writing staff. The sitcom’s main character, played by comedian Amy Poehler, is credited as the originator of the holiday. The day is an annual festival of sisterhood and “mutual empowerment…a reminder for women to support and uplift one another.” Similarly, Palentine’s Day creates an opportunity for a male-bonding “boys night out” or a platonic friend hangout.
This year, I got to celebrate Galentine’s Day with my girlfriends and Valentine’s Day with my hubby. I feel doubly blessed. The holiday has evolved into an all-inclusive celebration of love and friendship. So, extend the hand of friendship and share the love!
