What Matters This Month: February 2023
February, the second month of the year, is our shortest month and is notable because of its tendency to gain an extra day every four years going from 28 days to 29 days. Named after the Roman festival Februa, a purification festival where one participated in ritual washing and made offerings to atone for mistakes. It’s still Aquarius season until the 18th with Pisces coming in strong at the end of the month. For such a short month, its jampacked with reasons to celebrate, treat yourself and be treated!
What to Celebrate
On February 2, you can participate in the time-honored tradition of Groundhog day, where we wait for a Groundhog, or as I, like many others like to call them, a whistle pig (or woodchuck), to pop its head up and predict the weather. While NOAA has reassured us that Punxsutawney Phil the groundhog who makes the official call on Groundhog Day has no weather predicting skills, I am certainly still hoping he doesn’t see his shadow hinting at more weeks of cold winter weather.
Hopefully you have been a good sports friend to be around and have secured your invite to a party on February 12, Superbowl Sunday. This year proves to be historic with a matchup between the Kansas City Chiefs and the Philadelphia Eagles both with black quarterbacks which has never happened before. Kickoff is at 4:30 PM MST (That’s 6:30 PM for those of us on the east coast) and for those of you just only in attendance for the Superbowl party food, commercials and Halftime Rihanna concert, try to ignore all the crazy football fans.
For those of you celebrating and participating in the day of love, Valentine’s Day, that takes place every year on February 14, make your restaurant reservations today and try to be creative. The savvy couple looking to save should maybe consider celebrating this day of love a week later when all Valentine’s leftovers go on sale and you will have less difficulty getting a dinner reservation – Just a thought.
What to Buy
Didn’t get that TV and home theater system yet don’t fret. You should still see those deals up until Superbowl Sunday. Still Prime time to buy a new TV.
Winter is winding down, I hope – I’m looking at you Punxsutawney Phil, and stores and retailers will be looking to start off-loading all that cold weather inventory. It’s a good time to shop for winter sports gear and apparel.
You’ve seen the sign and I’ve seen the sign every year around this time - there is going to be a President’s Day Sale. President’s Day is February 20th this year. This is around the time, think the weekend before up through President’s Day, retailers put home goods on sale. Looking to redecorate, keep your eyes peeled.
And for every chocolate lover, February 15 is their favorite day, second only to November 1st. All the Valentine’s Day chocolates and leftovers will be on sale.
Be on the Look Out! February 6 is National Frozen Yogurt Day. If Froyo is your thing there are opportunities for freebies and discounts on this Monday. Just the same, National Pizza Day is Thursday, February 9, this year. Take advantage and save a few bucks with deals on a pizza pie.
What to Put on Your To-Do List
February is a Black History Month thanks to the vision of Carter G. Woodson. This has been a heavier couple of years for black folks so please do not put the onus of learning about and celebrating black history on your black friends. With that said, Black history and culture is beautiful and welcoming. Look for local events in your communities but also, here are a few ways to incorporate it into your life this month and every month:
Watch a documentary on or about the Black Experience ex. The 1619 Project(Hulu), The Loving Story(HBO), 13th(Netflix)
Add some new podcasts to your Queue -ex. Black History Buff, Code Switch, One Mic: Black History
Read Books by Black Authors – ex. “Black Futures” by Kimberly Drew and Jenna Wortham, “Call Us What We Carry: Poems” by Amanda Gorman, “Carry on: Reflections for a New Generation” by John Lewis, “Jubilee: Recipes from Two Centuries of African American Cooking” by Toni Tipton-Martin, “Curly Crew Books” by Markita Staples
Visit Black or African history Museums. Not one close to you? Visit the National Museum of African American History and Culture. The museum hosts a virtual Searchable Museum, where you can explore a number of exhibitions and stories — all from the comfort of your own home.
Support Black Owned Businesses OR eat at a Black Owned Restaurant.
Donate your dollars to Black causes; Have important conversations with your loved ones, and so much more. Get more information and ideas from our friends at GoodGoodGood.
Are you still prioritizing your health? Holding fast to those New Year Resolutions to take better care of yourself? If you didn’t schedule your annual appointments last month, here is motivation to put those annual health screenings on your list. February is National Cancer Prevention Month and American Heart Month. Get Screened and know the signs, find out if you are at risk.
Time to solidify those summer plans. Most Summer Camp registrations are open and the good and affordable Airbnb’s and VRBO’s in warm weather locations are starting to show diminished inventory.
Dreaming or thinking of a bountiful spring or summer garden this year? Now is the time to purchase and organize seeds, buy gardening supplies and plant bulbs, annuals and perennials if you live in warmer climates (not you all in the frozen tundra of northern and middle America)
Call an old friend this month or someone that you haven’t seen in a while, just because.
Cheers to the start of another month in another year of your life. What did I miss ??? Have you all seen these new “Flip Whip Dips” coming out ? They are like whipped cream, but ranch and/or blue cheese instead. Will you be trying it out this month?
Do you have anything to add that people should try or put on their February calendar?
