SuZan Klassen

Do you hate February? One of my friends considers this month the absolute worst of the whole year—mainly because she despises winter. But February has several interesting national holidays that just might lift her spirits and yours if the winter blahs are getting you down, too.

February 1

• National Freedom Day – We have numerous freedoms in the United States of America. Imagine how hard it would be if you didn’t have freedom of speech. Although right now, we seem dangerously close to losing that freedom.
• Emancipation Day – On February 1, 1865 President Abraham Lincoln signed the 13^th Amendment, the resolution to outlaw slavery.
• Take a moment to think about the freedom you most appreciate as an American citizen.

February 4

• National Thank a Mail Carrier Day – You think you have it hard during the winter months? These men and women faithfully deliver. Tuck a thank you note in your mailbox. Add a gift card for hot chocolate, etc. if you’re able.
• National Homemade Soup Day – How about a soup potluck with a few friends? Or a build a soup party with your children. Start with a base of broth: beef, chicken, or vegetable. Let each family member choose a favorite ingredient to add to the base. You could create an interesting new tradition. A new favorite soup. Or not.

February 5

• National Wear Red Day – If you think winter colors are drab, why not participate to raise awareness about women’s heart disease and stroke. The Amercan Heart Association supports this event in conjunction with national heart health month.

February 6

• The first Saturday in February (February 6 this year) is National Eat Ice Cream for Breakfast Day! How about a dollop or two of your favorite ice cream on the waffle flavor of your choice? (I think I’ll have a chocolate waffle with chocolate ice cream topped with strawberry slices and toasted almonds.)

The first ice cream cone was served in a folded waffle because the ice cream man ran out of dishes. So, why not have some ice cream on your waffle for breakfast?

• National Time to Talk Day draws attention to mental health. It’s so important to reach out to others. While you’re serving ice cream for breakfast, make the morning even better through Talk Time with your loved ones and friends. Some people suffer terribly during the winter months.
• A.D. (Seasonal Affective Disorder) is a real condition. If you are suffering from it, please seek help from the appropriate medical professional. A friend tried to make it without her anti-depressants but could not. If you need help. Get it. Now.

February 7

• National Fettuccine Alfredo Day. Yummy as this dish is, I think you could eat any favorite pasta on this day. If you can make it to Lidia’s in Kansas City, Missouri, I highly recommend the pasta trio. Three different pasta courses are served. The best part is you can have unlimited samplings of the chef’s daily pasta. Enjoy your favorite. Mine is the Spinach Ravioli. The thinnest pasta (I’d even call it delicate) served with a light garlic butter sauce. Oh, yum! My mouth is watering just writing about it.
• Super Bowl Sunday. I really don’t need to say anything more about this do I? Even people who don’t like football have been caught up in this annual event.

February 9

• Safer Internet Day – ConnectSafely.org hosts a conference. This could be a good day to discuss safe Internet practices with your family. More than ever, we want to protect our children and ourselves.

February 11

• National Clean Out Your Computer Day goes along well with Internet Safety. It’s a good day to delete junk from your downloads folder, temporary Internet files, clear out all that old email and anything you no longer need. Viruses love email. Make sure your filters are set to catch spam messages. Backup your data, too. Not only does this clean out help us be more organized, but it also makes our computers faster. A full system scan with your antivirus program may save you from getting hacked. Hopefully, you’re doing that more than once a year.

February 14 – Chocolate isn’t just for Valentine’s Day. Chocolate and February seem to go together all month

• February 1 – National Dark Chocolate Day
• February 5 – National Chocolate Fondue Day
• February 19 – National Chocolate Mint Day
• February 28 – National Chocolate Soufflé Day

All those chocolate days surely count for something sweet about this month. Numerous other holidays and events are available during February. I’ve only included a few. So you see, with all these things to celebrate, there really is no need for winter doldrums.

Again, if you suffer from S.A.D. or other depression, please seek professional help. For the rest of us, vitamin D3 with a cup of hot chocolate may be beneficial.

I hope February is just a little brighter for you. May you enjoy the freedoms you have today. May they always be yours.

Tell me about your favorite freedom as an American citizen. Today is the day to proclaim it.

Until next time . . . Travel Light,
SuZan

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