Things to Celebrate in the Month of February

The month of February is often associated with cold, dreary, rainy, snowy weather. Although the shortest month of the calendar year, February can feel as if it drags on forever as we anticipate the arrival of Spring. Most people are familiar with celebrating Valentine's Day, but what else is there to celebrate in the month of February?

According to HolidayInsights.com there are plenty of things to celebrate in the month of February. First and foremost, February is American Heart Month. Throughout the month, volunteers participate in fundraising events to raise money for education and research, while raising awareness about heart disease and stroke.

A medical study conducted by the University of Maryland Medical Center shows laughter is good for the heart because it helps blood vessels function better.[1] Celebrating and laughter go hand-in-hand, so have a good belly laugh and pump up your heart by participating in daily celebrations this month!

National Freedom Day is celebrated on February 1^st. This historical celebration began on February 1, 1949 after Harry Truman signed a bill proclaiming the holiday in June of 1948. National Freedom Day serves to remind Americans of what our country stands for and to celebrate the freedoms we enjoy as U.S. citizens.

February 2^nd brings the always-anticipated Groundhog Day. Punxsutawney Phil is perhaps the most notorious groundhog. This fun-loving rodent has predicted the arrival of spring for over 120 years in the town of Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania.

The legend goes if the groundhog sees his shadow spring will not arrive for six more weeks. If the groundhog does not see his shadow, spring is just around the corner. Everything you could ever want to know about Groundhog Day celebrations can be found at www.Groundhog.org.

February 7^th is Send a Card to a Friend Day. Thanks to modern technology, sending greeting cards to our friends can be as easy as a click of a mouse. American Greetings and Hallmark offer a good selection of free and paid greeting cards. Send Out Cards is a popular greeting card company that sends personalized cards through the mail.

Facebook and MySpace allow members to send friendship, thank you, birthday, engagement, wedding and sympathy cards to friends and family at no charge. Make someone's day by participating in Send a Card to a Friend Day!

February 12^th kicks off the first day of the Winter Olympics which continues through February 28^th. The 2010 games will be hosted in Vancouver, British Columbia with the Grand Opening Winter Olympics Ceremony commencing at 6:00 pm. An abundance of opportunities exist for celebrating this grand event. Obtain the schedule for Winter Olympics games at www.Vancouver2010.com.

February 14^th celebrations include Valentine's Day, National Organ Donor Day, and Ferris Wheel Day. Although it is usually too cold to take a ride on a Ferris wheel during February, if you are lucky enough to live in a warm climate, consider celebrating Valentine's Day at the amusement park. Many engagements have taken place inside a Ferris wheel! For those who prefer a more traditional approach, chocolates, diamonds, roses and dinner always bring a smile.

February 17^th provides the opportunity to perform Random Acts of Kindness. ActsofKindness.org provides a plethora of kindness activities ideas that can be performed within your community, at work and in the classroom.

Suggestions include organizing a blood drive, taking up monetary collections to purchase items for a non-profit organization, or organizing a clothing, coat or shoe drive. Random Acts of Kindness Day provides the perfect opportunity to raise funds for the American Red Cross Haiti Relief Fund.

February 20^th is Love Your Pet Day, providing an opportunity for pet owners to lavish their animal friends with goodies and treats guilt-free! Take your pooch for a long walk or spend the afternoon at the doggy park. Indulge your kitty with some catnip or buy your bird a seed bell.

If you have been considering adopting a pet, Love Your Pet Day might make for the perfect opportunity to visit a local animal shelter. Consider making a donation to the Humane Society or drop off food, treats, bedding or toys to a no-kill animal shelter.

Scientific research shows pets can lower blood pressure which in turn protects your heart. By loving your pets or adopting furry friends, you can celebrate American Heart Month for years to come!

If you're feeling a little nutty, join in the celebration of National Pistachio Day on February 26^th. Pistachios are a nutritionally-dense food which provides the body with fiber, protein, carotenoids that protect the eyes, phytosterols that lower the absorption of cholesterol, and heart-healthy fats that support heart function.

The U.S. Dietary Guidelines recommend consuming thirty pistachio nuts four times per week. Pistachios are great as a stand-alone snack or can be added to oatmeal, pancakes, muffins, yogurt, and salad greens.

These are just a few of the fun and unusual events to celebrate in the month of February. Find something fun to celebrate every day by visiting www.HolidayInsights.com.

[1]http://www.umm.edu/news/releases/laughter2.htm