On February 14th, Valentine’s Day, the annual day of love, people show their love and appreciation for each other through flowers, candy, and fancy dinners. People tend to celebrate Valentine’s Day with a significant other, but what happens when the “V” in Valentine’s changes to a “G” for Galentine’s? Galentine’s Day is for the girls, where women and all their girlfriends get together and celebrate their love for each other, treating themselves to a much deserved day of appreciation and empowerment.
Galentine’s puts the spotlight on the platonic side of love, Makenzie Best, 11, mentions “I think Galentine’s should be more normalized for all girls, it is important to celebrate other relationships in your life.” Best goes on to state, she, Makayla Best, 9, and Leila Kawamura, 10, decided to celebrate Galentine’s because they, “did not need a man to celebrate the holiday.” The trio chose to spend their Galentine’s night together exchanging gifts, getting food, taking photos, and most importantly having girl talk.
Shyanne Carvalho, 10, did not get to celebrate Galentine’s but adds, “I do wish I celebrated a Galentine’s. Galentine’s is a fun way for females to express friendship and it helps show that everyone can celebrate the holiday despite their relationship status,” going on to say, “If I were to have a Galentine’s, I’d want to have a big picnic with valentines themed food. Along with some sort of entertainment like games.”
Eranda Citaku, 11, spent Galentine’s with eight of her longtime friends. To show each other how grateful they are for their friendship, they all went out to dinner, exchanged gifts, and ended the night with ice cream. Citaku explains, “It was a good breath of fresh air to spend it with people I love and not the feeling of loneliness some may feel on Valentine’s Day,” adding, “Valentine’s and Galentine’s are both holidays of love they just have different aspects that you’re spreading love in.”
Galentine’s Day shows that not only can Valentine’s Day celebrate significant others, but any loved one as well. So go celebrate the bromances, go spend the day with the girls, and express appreciation to those who make a personal impact.
