Not everyone wants to celebrate Valentine’s Day, but the first months of the year don’t have many other major
holidays. So what options are there? As it turns out, there are dozens of holidays people may not have heard of that
are worth observing this year.

The art of letter-writing may not yet be lost. February 7th is Send a Card to a Friend Day, a great way for people to express their gratitude to their favorite people. A gift, a card, or even a handwritten note can be sent to a friend to show appreciation and admiration.

Enjoy America’s favorite food (according to a survey reported by Reader’s Digest), and celebrate Pizza Day on February 9th. The annual holiday has existed for over 20 years, and many popular chains have begun to offer discounts and special deals for those who celebrate.

As stated by Polly Campbell, “Any celebration, big or small, is really about taking a beat to notice the good stuff in your life.”

Rewatch old classics, or find new favorites on February 12th, the 3rd Global Movie Day. The Acronym listed the psychological benefits of watching movies, including that “film watching has a cathartic effect, allowing viewers to experience strong emotions through an activity.” Websites such as Rotten Tomatoes and IMDb offer lists of must watch movies to provide inspiration, or seek out small, independent features on streaming services.

Make somebody’s day on Random Act of Kindness Day, February 17th. Shoveling a snowy driveway, donating to charities, or simply paying someone a compliment are many good, small ways to help someone. This may even bring personal benefit, as the Mental Health Foundation reports, “people who are kind and compassionate see clear benefits to their wellbeing and happiness.”

70% of America owns at least one pet. Love Your Pet Day, the 20th of February is the perfect opportunity to
give them special attention, no matter what animal someone calls a companion. The CDC recommends households to have a pet with which to share a strong bond, listing health benefits such as decreased blood pressure and cholesterol, and increased exercise.

The great variety of holidays this February each gives a way to celebrate with friends and loved ones, no matter how small the reason, and to find new annual traditions.