By Susan Govern
Ah February! Twenty-eight days of winter that leads us to the month of Spring (good old March). February – our shortest month even in a leap year.
The shortness of days in the month is interesting when you think of how that contrasts with the fact that the days from sunrise to sunset are getting longer. January is the month after the holidays when many people feel a “let down” in their spirit. The holidays are over, the days are gloomy and cold, and this goes on for 31 days. Then comes our reward for putting up with January. We get to enjoy February.
Think about the name of the month – February – it begins with an “F” and so does the word “fun”. Right at the start of the month there is a fun and kind of crazy little “holiday” to enjoy. I’m talking about Groundhog Day of course. Every February 2nd people gather in Pennsylvania (and other cities where they have these critters with cute names) to wait and watch if the groundhog will see his shadow or not. Most don’t take the predictions seriously but it is a fun excuse to have a celebration. It’s a day set aside to not take life too seriously.
And let us not forget that February is also a month dedicated to the idea of romantic love…or at least one day of the month is set aside for that. February 14, Valentine’s Day is very special to many. I personally know two couples who have their wedding anniversaries on Valentine’s Day. The florists, candy companies, greeting card people, jewelers, restaurants all make the most of February 14th and couples in love happily go along for the ride.
If you’re feeling patriotic – there’s even two days (or three, depending on how you count them) to celebrate important historical figures. February is the birth month of President Lincoln and President Washington. We combine remembering these two great men by having President’s Day in February. And looking at the history of our country would not be complete without honoring and remembering the accomplishments of African-American men and women who did great and important things – so we learn about them all during the month of February.
A short month indeed, but it is one packed full of interesting and fun times. As the days go by, we look forward to counting down to Spring. How much lighter our spirits feel knowing that in the very next month, Spring will be here and we can count on the days to continue to lengthen; we can count on Spring to start (hopefully) bringing better weather our way.
Until March finally arrives with all that it brings to us, we can sit back and enjoy the days of February. For me, there are six family birthdays in this month. Great people I love dearly and I get to celebrate having them in my life.
My loving husband who is my Valentine every day of the year will make this February 14 special as he has for our 30 plus years together. And for me – a history buff – I will enjoy this month by reading, researching and learning about people who came before me and what they accomplished, and as in years past I will probably find some wonderful inspiration by doing this.
As we count down the days to February 28th, take time in this month that goes by faster than all the others to savor what it has to offer. Get out and appreciate having some fun in our winter weather, take the time to tell people who are special to you how much you care about them – because February 14 isn’t just for couples in love, it can be a day to express how much we love our family and friends too.
Maybe even spend some time this month learning something new about people of our past, what you might discover may surprise you, and inspire you too.
Ah February…a month often over-looked for what it has to offer because it is so short, but if you want to, you can make it a favorite month by appreciating more than the fact is only has 28 days.
