Galentine’s Day: A Unique Celebration for Au Pairs

Every February, just before Valentine’s Day, a special celebration fills the hearts of many in the United States. Galentine's Day is an unofficial holiday, recognized mostly amongst women on February 13th to celebrate the power of friendship. While Valentine’s Day is well known for being all about romantic love, Galentine’s Day shines a spotlight on the joy, support, and laughter that come from meaningful friendships.

Moving to a new country and experiencing a new culture can be a difficult transition for some. So for au pairs who have come to the United States to be part of the au pair program, celebrating Galentine's Day is a great way for au pairs to celebrate friendships and connections made in a new country. Galentine’s Day offers a chance to connect with others, immerse themselves in American culture, and appreciate the bonds they’ve built far from home.

What is Galentine’s Day?

The term Galentine’s Day was coined in the 2010’s through the cable TV show, Parks and Recreation (2009-2014). In the show, the female main character, Leslie Knope, played by Amy Poelher, introduced the “holiday for ladies celebrating ladies”. Though initially made up, this new celebration resonated with viewers and quickly transformed into a real-life tradition celebrated by women across the U.S.

The essence of Galentine’s Day lies in appreciating the friends who make life brighter. What does this day mean for au pairs? It’s a great way for them to have quality time with their friends, deepen the relationships they’ve built, and celebrate their newfound community while living abroad. Friendships play a crucial role in the au pair experience, providing support and comfort in moments of homesickness and joy during shared adventures.

New country, new long-lasting friendships

Galentine’s Day shines as a celebration of the bonds we share with the incredible people in our lives. It’s not about the extravagance but about the simple gestures that show we care. Small yet thoughtful gifts often become a touching part of the day, whether it’s a handmade card, a bracelet, or a favorite snack. For au pairs, these details take on an extra layer of meaning when they reflect traditions from their home countries, making the exchange even more special.

What truly makes this day unforgettable, however, is the time spent together. Friendship plays a crucial role in the au pair journey, as au pairs often find themselves navigating similar challenges and experiences. Living abroad can be isolating, but the shared bonds of friendship make the experiences richer and more meaningful. In many cases, the friendships formed during the au pair program transcend distance and time, lasting well beyond the program itself. Galentine’s Day is a perfect reminder of how important these connections are, and how they continue to shape our lives even after au pairs return home.

How Can I Celebrate Galentine’s Day?

Galentine’s Day is wonderfully versatile, and there are countless ways to make it special. This day is a chance to get creative, share laughs, and create lasting memories. Here are few ideas:

Girly Weekend Brunch

As depicted in the TV Show “Parks and Rec”, getting your gal-pals together for brunch is a beloved tradition on Galentine’s Day, Au pairs can find a restaurant or coffee shop to go to, or they can invite friends over to a potluck-style gathering where everyone brings a dish that represents their country. This transforms the standard brunch into a vibrant cultural exchange event, filled with delicious food and heartfelt conversations.

Karaoke Night

Galentine’s Day is the perfect time to host a karaoke night with friends. Those who attend can share music, dance, or stories from their home countries, making it a great opportunity for cultural exchange.

Crafts and laughs

Whether it’s crafting, painting, or cooking, hosting a creative workshop session where everyone gets a craft, something homemade is a great way to bond and celebrate the power of friendship with your gals. Au pairs can add a cultural twist by introducing a craft or recipe from their culture, turning the activity into a shared learning experience.

Exploring your Community Together

Many communities in the U.S. host Galentine’s Day-themed activities, such as yoga classes, guided city tours, chocolate tasting experiences, or even professional networking nights. Participating in these events is a chance to meet new people, explore local culture, and celebrate in a lively atmosphere.

Bringing Galentine’s Day to Home

In addition to spending time with friends, Galentine’s Day can be a great opportunity for au pairs and host families to create special memories.

Find a Kid-Friendly Galentine’s Craft

Crafting is one of the easiest and most fun ways to celebrate Galentine’s Day with host kids. From making paper hearts, to designing custom Galentine’s cards, the possibilities are endless. Au pairs can also share crafts from their home countries and talk about how friendships are celebrated there. These cultural stories can spark curiosity in kids and create a meaningful exchange of traditions.

Celebrating Friendship and Cultural Exchange in the Kitchen

Cooking a sweet treat for Galentine’s Day is another way host children and au pairs can bond and create fun, special memories. Baking cookies or cupcakes with the kids is not just about making something delicious, it’s about creating happy moments together. Kids will enjoy using heart-shaped cookie cutters, colorful frostings, and sprinkles to decorate their treats.

For something extra special, au pairs can make desserts or snacks from their home country. This is a fun way to introduce the kids to new flavors and show them a piece of your culture.

Learning about friendship together

Au pairs and their host kids can both explore different ways of how to show their appreciation and love for those they are close to. Examples of this could be writing a letter of gratitude to friends or finding books together at your local library about friendship. These activities can remind kids how important their friendships and loved ones are and celebrate the people they care about.

Celebrating new friendships

Galentine’s Day celebrates the beauty of friendship and connection. For au pairs, it’s a reminder of how their journey abroad is not just about exploring a new country but also about forming meaningful friendships with people from different countries and creating unforgettable moments of cultural exchange.

So, here’s to the friends who are always there, near or far, and to the incredible connections you’ll make on this journey. Cheers to friendship and the memories yet to come!

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