This February, we are celebrating some of our favorite holidays. Here is the list of what we'll be celebrating this month and the history of each holiday's origin. We hope you join us in honoring the history of these days, no matter how crazy they sound! So here's to holidays big and small this February! 

 

 

 

 

The start of Black History Month

February 1st

Black History Month was officially recognized in 1976 as part of the nation's bicentennial celebrations and celebrates the contributions and sacrifices African Americans have made and to educate Americans on black history. Originally a week in February, scholar Carter G. Woodson chose February to celebrate black history because of Abraham Lincoln's birthday on Feb. 12th and Woodson's chosen birthday of Feb. 14th. Black History Month aims to promote equality, freedom and celebrating culture. 

 

 

Groundhog Day

February 2nd

The first Groundhog Day was in 1887 and has been an American staple ever since. Every year Punxsutawney Phil predicts whether there will be an early spring or 6 more weeks of winter depending on if he sees his shadow. Newspaper editor Clymer Freas created this holiday to sell papers, but now tens of thousands of spectators head to Punxsutawney, PA to witness the event first hand, though his success rate is about 50%. Legend has it Punxsutawney Phil is 125 years old and he has predicted 6 more weeks of winter this year. 

 

 

National Tater Tot Day

February 2nd

National Tater Tot day was established in 2009 when food writer John Bryan Hopkins needed to reach his quota and decided to write about tater tots. The history of tater tots is a bit deeper than that and stems back to 1934 when two brothers in Idaho started making french fries. Nephi and Golden Grigg would feed the excess waste to the cattle, but wanted a way to use it as a product. They created the tater tot which was perfect for their line of frozen foods they were forming and they later became Oregon Frozen Foods Company. 

 

 

National Golden Retriever Day 

February 3rd

National Golden Retriever day was started in 2012 by Kristen Shroyer to honor her own golden and all the goldens. The golden retriever breed was created in the 1800s in Scotland and is the third most popular dog breed today. They are known for their loyalty and friendliness and are commonly used as guide dogs. 

 

 

National Pizza Day 

February 9th

National Pizza Day was first celebrated in 2000 to give the appreciation to one of the best foods, as far as we're concerned. Pizza itself was invented in Naples, Italy in the 10th century and was brought to the U.S. in 1905 when Lombardi's in New York was opened. Now 3 billion pizzas are sold every year in the U.S. We will definitely be celebrating, so send us which pizzas you will be eating to celebrate!

 

 

Valentine’s Day

February 14th

Valentine's Day is celebrated to commemorate Saint Valentine who was the patron saint of love, young people and happy marriages. There is a darker history of Valentine's Day but the hallmark version of the holiday encourages people to shower their friends, families and partners with appreciation and love. If you're single Valentine's Day can be a drag but it's a great way to celebrate yourself or have a Galentine's Day! If you're celebrating your partner flowers, chocolates and quality time go a long way. 

 

 

National Random Act of Kindness Day

February 17th

National Random Acts Of Kindness Day was started in 1995 by the Random Acts of Kindness Foundation in Denver, CO. This foundation wanted to promote treating people with kindness. Random Acts of Kindness Day is celebrated by complimenting a stranger, buying someone a coffee or donating time or money to a charity. Anyway that you can make someone's day is a great way to celebrate this holiday!

 

 

National Drink Wine Day

February 18th

It's unclear where the origin of National Wine Day comes from, but we're still ready to celebrate! Wine has so many great qualities such as heart and liver health benefits, can help you relax and can enhance the flavor of a meal. Some other things that we love about wine is the vast flavors and types of wine to choose from as well as the amount of places that produce their own unique wines. Raise a glass (or 3) to national wine day!

 

 

National Love Your Pet Day

February 20th

The purpose of National Love Your Pet Day is to give your pet special attention to show them how truly appreciated they are. The majority of households in the U.S. have at least one pet, primarily dogs, that are an important part of the family. People with pets usually experience stress relief and even lower blood pressure. Make sure your pet, or should we say bestie, feels the love!

 

 

National Margarita Day

February 22nd

Margaritas are considered the official drink of having fun, at least by us. This drink was created in 1938 in Mexico and has been on everyone's radar ever since! As much as we love an original margarita, it is so fun to try new flavors and levels of spiciness. Margaritas are so versatile and can be enjoyed on the beach, at the bar, or on your couch. How are you celebrating with you favorite margarita?