It’s February — stores are overloaded with violently pink hearts, teddy bears and enough chocolate to rot your teeth just by looking at it. If you’re someone who loves love, you’re totally in your element. And even if you think Valentine’s Day is a corporate scheme, you can still celebrate Galentine’s Day with your friends.

The concept of a “Galentine’s Day” started after a “Parks and Recreation” episode was dedicated to this fake holiday. It’s traditionally celebrated on February 13 as a way for women to celebrate their gal pals. The episode emphasizes the importance of friendship and showing love to all the special someones in your life. So for those who need more love in this month of romance, here are four things you can do to have fun on Galentine’s Day this year.

Bake festive (or not so festive) treats.

If the traditional V-Day vibe is your thing, then go all out with cookie cutters, frosting and heart sprinkles. But if you’re like me and gag at the sight of pink, it’s OK to make some basic desserts to treat yourself and your friends. One of my favorites is this chocolate chip cookie recipe from HGTV’s Joanna Gaines.

Adapted from The Magnolia Table.

Ingredients:

• 2 1/2 cups all purpose flour
• 1 heaping teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
• 8 tablespoons (1 stick) unsalted butter, at room temperature
• 2 cups packed light brown sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 cups semisweet chocolate chips (1/2 cup more or less to taste)

Instructions:

• Arrange a rack in the center of the oven and heat to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
• Place the flour, baking soda and salt together in a medium bowl; set aside.
• Place the butter and sugar in a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment. (Alternatively, use an electric hand mixer and a large bowl.) Beat on medium-high speed until light and fluffy, for 2-3 minutes. Add the eggs and beat until blended. Add the vanilla and mix until blended.
• Turn the mixer off and add the flour mixture. Mix on medium speed just until the flour is mixed in, then turn the mixer to high speed for a few seconds to pull the dough together; it will be chunky. Add the chocolate chips and beat on high speed to thoroughly and quickly mix in the chips, about 5 seconds.
• Drop the dough by large spoonfuls onto the prepared baking sheet; don’t flatten them. Bake until lightly browned on top, 10-11 minutes. Cool on the pan on a rack for 1 minute, then transfer the cookies to the rack to cool completely. Repeat with the remaining dough. Keep for ~3 days in a sealed container.

Practice self care.

The most important type of love, even on Valentine’s Day, is self-love. Take time to do something nice for yourself. Peel-off face masks are a super easy and cheap activity to do with friends, even if you end up looking ridiculous waiting for the mask to dry.

Make valentines.

This tradition is a simple way to make someone in your life feel special. Grab some markers, paper or whatever craft supplies you have and get as creative as you want with cute notes or decorations. They don’t need to be fancy or have candy, but a thoughtful note is the perfect way to spread appreciation on Galentine’s Day.

Watch a rom-com.

Kick back, grab some snacks, and pull up your favorite streaming service (or a classic DVD). There’s no better time to make fun of cringy romantic tropes with your friends. And if you want a not-so-cringy option, I’d recommend the ‘90s classic “10 Things I Hate About You.” 

Regardless of whether you’re celebrating Valentine’s or Galentine’s Day this year, it’s the perfect time to have fun and show some love. Take time to appreciate the people around you and check out the video to see how I celebrated Galentine’s Day this year with a few of my friends.

Do's and don't's of Valentine's Day

TKC Valentine's Day Project