Here we go again. Time to flip the page on your calendar. This is the shortest month of the year. This year we’re getting an extra day. I never quite understood the whole concept of leap year. So, do we get out our pogo sticks; go to the zoo and watch kangaroos; go to the gym and do jumping jacks? This happens every four years, just like our government elections. I wonder if they needed an extra day to count all those extra votes. Anyway, February is full of fun holidays. Of course. there’s Groundhog Day, which Bill Murray made a movie about. Peta is suggesting that we do away with the groundhog and replace it with a coin? OK, what does that have to do with anything – except maybe if there’s going to be more days of winter it will be harder to find that coin. Who knows?

In February, we’re treated to the Super Bowl. We usually enjoy the commercials more than the game or the half-time production. We all know who is going to win anyway. Since the Vikings and the Packers are no longer contenders, I have very little interest in the outcome. The day after Super Bowl is my husband’s 82nd birthday – a blessing we weren’t sure would happen this year. There’s Valentine’s Day, all the holidays listed on the above calendar, along with the first day of Lent. This season of Lent is a celebration of Jesus’ ministry, life and death. It all leads up to Easter, which changes everything for us. The Mardis Gras celebration begins the day before Lent. In other words, all the things that everyone plans to give up for Lent will be overindulged in for one day prior to that celebration. Another “biggy” is Presidents Day. They’ve lumped all the presidents together for this. I remember celebrating Lincoln’s and Washington’s birthdays separately a long time ago.

In addition to daily holidays and celebrations, there are monthly holidays.  During the month of February, 2024, The Year of the Dragon – Chinese New Year – will be honored. February includes Black History month, National Cancer Awareness month, National Embroidery month and National Pet Dental Health month. There are many more, but I’ll spare you.

In other words, this seemingly insignificant little month is filled with lots of things to look forward to. Some more than others. Maybe it’s because in February, most of us are experiencing cabin fever and we need more things to keep us occupied. Unlike the groundhog in search of a snow-covered coin.

HAPPY FEBRUARY!