February Holidays
- Jack Johnston
- Jan 29, 2024
- 7 min read
By: Marissa Miczek
1st
- Change Your Password Day
First celebrated in 2012, Matt Buchanan got hacked twice and felt it would be best for a day to be set to remind everyone to change their passwords. Don’t forget!
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Celebrate this day by trying some dark chocolate, baking something with it, making truffles or fondue, or sharing some with others. Dark chocolate has health benefits and is full of antioxidants!
2nd
- Groundhog Day
You may recognize this Pennsylvania Dutch superstition-- if a groundhog emerges from its burrow and sees its shadow, it will retreat and winter goes on for six more weeks. If it doesn’t see its shadow, spring will arrive early. The ceremony is typically held at Punxsutawney in western Pennsylvania.-
First created in 1953 by the Ore-Ida company, “tator” is short for potato, and “tot” means little one. This staple is a great side dish for any meal and can be used for practically anything! Fun fact-- Americans consume about 70 million pounds of Tater Tots per year.
3rd
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Though you may be busy, or spending time with your loved ones, take the time to be with your dog! Play games like fetch or frisbee, or go on a nice long hike, make your dog truly feel special.-
Give the birds a little extra help before winter and set a bird feeder up in your backyard! I’m sure our GVHS members at Birding Club are thanking John Porter, a congressman, for announcing the month as National Bird-feeding Month in 1994.
4th
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This holiday was born on a snowy winter’s day in Rochester, New York! It goes to show that there is no wrong time for ice cream, so go ahead.-
The United Service Organizations day is a day to honor the support and entertainment provided to military members and their families.
5th
> National Weatherperson’s Day
This isn’t just any day, it commemorates the birth of John Jefferies in 1744, considered America’s first weather observer who took daily observations of the weather in Boston (1774).
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Surprisingly, this day was established by a blogger and Nutella lover, Sara Rosso. Share pictures, ideas, inspiration, and recipes on this day to spread the love of Nutella. If you don’t like Nutella… well I don’t know what to tell you.
6th
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No this is not some awkward day where your parents talk to you about questionable things. This is an annual awareness day to talk about mental health. Open yourself up to people and listen to others, it can be easy but it can also be hard.
> Tu BiShvat
This Jewish Holiday is a New Year of the Trees where trees are planted in celebration. Fruits and nuts are commonly eaten on this day as the earliest-blooming trees in the Land of Israel begin a new fruit-bearing cycle.
7th
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This day marks the anniversary of when Dmitri Mendeleev first presented his periodic table of elements in 1869!
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It’s quite simple, send a note or message on a card to your friends, it will make both you and your friend happy!
8th
> National Kite-Flying Day
If you have a kite and string, you’re all set! Oh, and you might need some wind, can’t forget about that.
9th
> National Pizza Day
Grab a slice of pizza, bought or baked. I'm sure it’s delicious.
> Read in the Bathtub Day
Relax with a good book in the bathtub… that is unless you’ve had a bad reputation with wetness and books.
10th
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Cribbage has nothing to do with Cabbage in case you were wondering. It’s actually a card game invented by Sir John Suckling in the early 17th century.
> International Winter Bike to Work Day
Consider biking as opposed to driving, unless that is if it’s raining… or there is hail… or snow… or anything particularly dangerous.
11th
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You read it right, don’t cry over spilled milk. It’s a day to remind us to not worry or stress about little things because life is too short for that. If you happen to actually spill milk today, well that’s quite funny to me.
> International Day of Women and Girls in Science
This day was implemented by UNESCO to promote women and girls in science. Gender equality is a global priority and tries to make their ideas heard!
> Super Bowl Sunday
(had to be on the list)
This is the day the National Football League holds its annual championship game and is an occasion for friends and family to get together!
12th
> National Freedom to Marry Day
Founded by Lambda Legal in 1998, this holiday is held annually to promote same-sex marriage.
> Lincoln’s Birthday
The anniversary of Abraham Lincoln’s birth, yup, there is a holiday for it!
13th
> Galentine’s Day
This is Valentine's day for you and your gals! It’s a day for women to celebrate their friendships.
> National Tortellini Day
Enjoy these pasta pillows, originally from Emilia, a region in northern Italy. Read more about it’s fascinating legend here:
14th
> Library Lover’s Day
Dedicated to book lovers, this day honors libraries and the wonderful books they hold!
> Valentine’s Day
As you may know, this is the day people exchange cards, candy, or flowers. I encourage you to dig a little deeper and read more about the holiday:
15th
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This chewy colorful candy is made with gelatin and coated with sugar. They are great for decorations or crafts! You can even try making your own.
> Singles Awareness Day
This day simply points out that there is nothing wrong with being single. If you weirdly want to know more about this…
16th
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I couldn’t exclude this from the list, I’m Polish after all! I encourage you to try this wonderful pastry, a fried dough with jams, custards, or other fillings.
> World Anthropology Day
This day commemorates the professionals who study anthropology, the study of the origin and development of human societies and cultures.
17th
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This annual festival marks the beginning of Lent, the forty-day period before Easter. Read more about it!
> National Caregivers Day
This honors those who provide personal care, and physical & emotional support to those who need it. It’s important to thank them for their long-term commitment and all that they’ve done.
18th
> National Battery Day
I’m sure we can all agree that batteries are central to powering our daily lives which is why it should clearly earn its own holiday! I mean, imagine life without them!
> National Drink Wine Day
This day serves as a reminder of the benefits of wine for moderate drinkers although I must add, if you are a high schooler, please don’t consume!
19th
> National Chocolate Mint Day
The first chocolate mints were created in England in the early 1800s. Feel free to celebrate this holiday if you are a fan of the flavor combination!
> Tug of War Day
This day celebrated a classic children’s game that as been around for centuries!
20th
> National Muffin Day
I absolutely love muffins (they are far better than cupcakes) and it most definitely deserves its own holiday. They are great to give as gifts, have for breakfast, or bring to brunches!
> Presidents’ Day
Although not as fun as muffins, at least we don’t have school! This day honors all former U.S. Presidents.
21th
> Fat Tuesday
Fat Tuesday, Mardi Gras, Shrove Tuesday, Carnival Tuesday, or Pancake Tuesday, it all means one thing… celebrations! Learn all about it with a simple google search!
> National Grain Free Day
Want to support your loved ones with dietary restrictions? Well this is the day folks! Ditch the grain, try something new, and recognize that there are many challenges with these restrictions.
22th
> Cook a Sweet Potato Day
Sweet potatoes are a lovely vegetable, not to be confused with yams. Curious to learn more? Read here:
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This holiday is celebrated by Girl Scouts and ordinary people alike. It’s about embracing perspectives outside of your own and exploring issues and what you can do to solve them.
23th
> Digital Learning Day
Led by the Alliance for Excellent Education, it empowers educators to use the digital tools that now largely surround our lives.
> International Dog Biscuit Appreciation Day
Have a dog? Make an unusual home-made doggy snack and maybe try to teach your pets some new tricks! If you don’t have a dog, consider making some for your friend’s dog.
24th
> National Skip the Straw Day
What is National Skip the Straw Day you say? Well it’s a moment to understand global warming and plastic pollution and consider whether straws are truly needed!
> World Bartender Day
Not only are they often knowledgeable, bartenders make sure you have a great time with a nice beverage.
25th
> Introduce a Girl to Engineering Day
Volunteers, educators, and other role models serve to show females the great opportunities with engineering. This day was founded by the National Society of Professional Engineers in 1951.
> Let’s All Eat Right Day
Adelle Davis, a famous nutritionist and author, was crucial in the nutrition movement throughout the 1900s. This day, marking her birthday, is a reminder to eat healthy! Fun Fact-- In 1747 it was found that sailors who eat citrus fruits don’t contract scurvy!
26th
> Letter to an Elder Day
Send a handwritten letter expressing your love to any elders you know. It helps fight the loneliness sometimes experienced among senior communities! I’m sure our GVHS Letters for Rose will be working hard to put a smile to people’s faces this day.
> Tell a Fairy Tale Day
Fairies, goblins, trolls, and talking animals galore, these tales are full of terrible twists and happily ever after endings. Perhaps read a classic story or watch Shreck? I know our GVHS Orchestra Members shared some of the folklore spirit at their January concert!
27th
> International Polar Bear Day
This is the time where polar bear mothers and cubs sleep in their dens. This holiday brings awareness to the effects of global warming and encourages reducing our carbon footprint for these wonderful creatures.
> National Pokemon Day
Introduced in 1996, Pokemon still seems to be enjoyed by many! Although I still haven’t gotten to play the game, the holiday is here for all those who enjoy it! I have to say, the live action film, Pikachu (2019) was marvelous.
28th
> National Public Sleeping Day
If you got down to here I wouldn’t be surprised if your eyes lit up. Grab a pillow and take a snooze, today is the day!
> U.S. Snow Shoe Day
This may be an unusual holiday but who says they aren’t thankful for being able to walk through the snow!
29th
> Bachelor’s Day
It’s a leap day! Bachelor’s day is an Irish tradition where women propose to men on Leap Day! Read more about it here:
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