Why women are celebrating Galentines day over Valentines Day

Christie O’Sullivan of Trinity, Florida, has spent 21 Valentine’s Days with her husband, but her favorite celebration was one spent with a girlfriend before she got married.They took the day off work, got massages, and went out for cocktails and a fancy dinner.“For me, it was 10 out of 10.That whole day was intentional,” said O’Sullivan.

She remembers it as empowering “on a day that’s usually filled with pressure to be in a relationship, or sadness because I wasn’t currently in one.”Galentine’s Day became a pop culture phenomenon with a 2010 episode of the TV comedy “Parks and Recreation” that celebrated female friendships around Valentine’s Day.Amy Poehler’s character, Leslie Knope, gathered her gal pals on Feb.

13.“What’s Galentine’s Day? Oh, it’s only the best day of the year,” said Knope.Honoring female friendships can happen any day of the year, of course.Whether on Feb.

13 or another day, here are some ways to create a fun-filled experience:Chela Pappaccioli of Franklin Lakes, New Jersey, has been hosting a Galentine’s Day bash at her home for the last three years.She has a bartender and a DJ hired, and this year invited 45 of her nearest and dearest.

So far, she has 34 confirmations, and is assembling gift bags for her guests to take home.There are no men allowed “unless the bartender happens to be male.”The event may be extravagant, but Pappaccioli says it’s worth it.“It’s an escape to just be with your girls, be silly, do something fun and just focus on the friendships you’ve created and enjoying each other’s company,” she says.Liz Momblanco of Berkley, Michigan, who describes herself as a “serial hobbyist,” invites her friends to take classes like cookie and cake decorating, calligraphy and stained glass.“I enjoy learning something new and having a shared experience,” said Momblanco, who has attended day retreats for women that offer activities like floral arranging, yoga or a cold pl...