February’s not the most festive month on the calendar- the end-of-year holidays and New Year’s are just behind us, and the long, lazy spring separates us from the relaxing summer months. Aside from Valentine’s Day – which is really a toss-up, depending on whether or not you’re romantically involved – there aren’t a lot of major holidays in the shortest month of the year. Nevertheless, if you’re determined to shake the winter blues, there are tons of less famous holidays in the month of February for you to celebrate! Some may have passed you by, but that doesn’t mean you can’t break out some snacks and drinks and call your friends together for a belated gala. Here are five February holidays that deserve parties all their own. Read on and find a reason to celebrate!
Presidents Day
Originally Washington’s birthday (2/22), the holiday is now celebrated on the third Monday of the month and commemorates all past U.S. presidents, not just the original. The party ideas write themselves: Costume up as your favorite Commander in Chief! Enjoy a presidential party with some truly capitol mixed drinks! Or just kick back and watch a bunch of The West Wing, as the Founding Fathers intended.
Imbolc
Ever heard of this old-school Celtic holiday? A Gaelic festival marking the beginning of the spring season, Imbolc takes place at sunset on February 1st. Imbolc is connected to St. Brigid, an important figure in the religious culture of Ireland. If you want to celebrate Imbolc in style, light some candles, break out some special food, and get your spring cleaning started early – this is a historical day of purification for all.
Leap Day
We don’t get a Leap Day in 2013, but it’s never too early to prepare for this bonus day. Leap Day doesn’t really have an associated celebration (unless you’re a 30 Rock fan who believes in the legend of Leap Day William) but you’re free to make one up. As this day is a freebie, you can do whatever you feel is right to make it count.
Groundhog Day
We don’t generally set aside a whole day to celebrate the well-known psychic powers of tiny woodland mammals, but in February, all bets are off. Each Groundhog Day, we consult the world’s cuddliest oracle to determine whether we can expect an early spring or need to hunker down for more winter weather. As you probably know, it’s all based on whether the groundhog sees his shadow when he emerges from his home. As you also probably know, it’s a terrible day to have to live over and over again.
Wear Red Day
The most simple February holiday to celebrate, and one with one of the most important messages. On Wear Red Day, celebrants put on red clothes as a statement to raise awareness of heart disease. Anything that gets people working together to solve our society’s health issues is worthy of attention, so keep an eye out for the first Friday every time February rolls around and save something red to wear.
That’s all for February’s lesser-known holidays. If none of these catch your eye, it’s never a bad idea to stick with the classics. From Valentine’s Day to the Super Bowl, you’re sure to find something worth celebrating.
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