Things to Celebrate in the Month of March

The month of March represents the presence of spring and most of us are longing for its arrival. As we await the disappearance of snow and frigid temperatures, there are plenty of things to celebrate in the month of March that can help us get through the 'defrost' period.

According to HolidayInsights.com, there is something to celebrate every day in March. For instance, March 2nd is National Peanut Butter Lovers' Day. I don't know about you, but I see this as an open invitation to indulge in PB&J sandwiches, peanut butter cookies and peanut butter pie.

March 3rd rings in "I Want You to be Happy Day" which provides an opportunity to focus on others and do something nice for them. Perhaps you could share a piece of your peanut butter pie with a neighbor or friend? In these trying days, I think "I Want You to be Happy Day" should be embraced by everyone. Just imagine how much of a difference we could make by cheering others up!

March 4this "Hug a GI Day" which ties in well with Dave Murphy's "Gratitude Project" presented at ThankASoldier.net. Dave's project is a simple, yet powerful project that invites everyone to send thank you messages to our soldiers. Learn how to give our GIs a virtual hug by visiting The Gratitude Project blog.

March 10th is "Middle Name Pride Day" and encourages us to celebrate our middle name. As one who has never been fond of my middle name, it takes great courage for me to celebrate it. While I'm not ready to reveal my middle name just yet, I'll give you a hint. I was named after a famous country singer.

March 12th is set aside to celebrate Girl Scout Day. Many of us have already purchased our Girl Scout cookies, but if you haven't done so, buy a box or two on March 12^th and show your support. Unfortunately, the lemon cookies were recalled on February 26^th due to the product not being up to standard. Fortunately, all other Girl Scout cookies have been deemed safe to consume.

March 17th is infamous for being Saint Patrick's Day and gives us the opportunity to adorn ourselves with green clothing and shamrocks while sipping green beer. Many festivities are associated with St. Patty's Day including parades, three leaf clover hunts, and indulging in Irish foods such as corned beef and cabbage, Irish lamb stew and apple mash.

March 22nd is "National Goof Off Day" and encourages everyone to chill out and relax. When was the last time you goofed off and did nothing but have fun? Isn't it time to break away from the daily grind and do something different? Plan fun goof-off events with your spouse, children or friends and make new memories that will last a lifetime.

March 25th celebrates the Swedish holiday of "International Waffle Day." Start your day with a freshly pressed waffle covered in strawberries, peaches, or blackberries and smothered in homemade whipped cream. Take your family out for ice cream treats served in waffle cones. Better yet, learn how to make the homemade waffle cones recipe available at FoodNetwork.com. If you don't own a waffle cone maker, you can place the batter into muffin tins to make waffle bowls.

March 28th brings us "Something on a Stick Day" which can be great entertainment for kids and adults. Everybody loves food on a stick, so get creative with your children and encourage them to try Brussels sprouts and carrots on a stick. Dip pretzel sticks in melted chocolate chips for a sweet-and-salty treat. Make vegetable or meat shish-kabobs or order Chinese food and eat your meal with chop sticks. Options are limited only by your imagination!

Close the month of March by celebrating "Take a Walk in the Park Day." When was the last time you took a leisurely stroll through the park? Isn't it time to slow down and smell the roses? With Spring just around the corner, chances are you will find plenty of flowers starting to sprout. A good, brisk walk through the park will fill your lungs with fresh air and provide the opportunity to empty your mind.