I think I'm speaking for most people when I say February couldn't come quickly enough. January 2021 will probably go down on record as being one of the toughest January's ever. In fact I've seen people saying it is the "Januariest January of all Januaries."

January is never an easy month, with the come down after all the Christmas festivities, the cold and gloomy weather and it being a long few weeks until pay day. Yes this January, 2021, we also had a lockdown and soaring Covid-19 cases to deal with too. Many of us probably feel we are just about holding it together, trying to work, home school and simply survive. I noticed it is Children's Mental Health Week 2021 this week, and maybe us grown ups should also take heed of this advice. With today being the 1st of February, I thought we could take a look at some of the positive things we have to look forward to in this brand new month.

Perfect Symmetry

February 2021 is the perfect month! Perfect as in perfectly formed into 4 weeks, with 4 of each day of the week. It also starts on a Monday and finishes on a Sunday. Apparently this doesn't happen all that often, with the last time being in 2010. Here's hoping it is a good sign for the month ahead. And if not, let's just admire how nice and neat it looks in a perfect rectangle on our calendars.

 

Longer Days

We are spending more time outside than ever at the moment as there isn't much more for us to do other than go on walks and take our daily exercise during this lockdown. You may have noticed the first signs that Spring is on its way, as the days are getting longer and Snowdrops are poking through the soil symbolising new growth. Hopefully brighter days and increasingly warmer weather will help to boost everyone's spirits as we all hope for an end to this virus.

 

 

Valentine's Day

There is no better day to spread a little extra love than on February 14th. Valentine's Day doesn't just have to be a romantic occasion either, but a time to celebrate any loving relationship with your friends and family. We are all missing each other at the moment and have to socialise over FaceTime and Zoom instead. We are busier than ever here at BasketsGalore as we are able to help people stay connected by delivering gifts on their behalf via the courier network. If you know someone who could do with some love, kindness or friendship or perhaps you are apart from your partner then take a look at our Valentine's Day Gifts for some inspiration.

 


Pancake Day (Shrove Tuesday)

Do we need to say anything more other than PANCAKES? We eat pancakes regularly in our house, as they are my 4 year old sons favourite. However, the official Pancake Day means they have to be big and made from scratch.  It's also the rule to try out lots of different types of toppings. Maybe some savoury pancakes with bacon and maple syrup or do you prefer sweet pancakes with lemon & sugar, jam or chocolate spread? A little bit of sugar is good for the soul.

 


February Birthdays

Being born in February means they might be an Aquarius or a Pisces star sign. People born under the Aquarius sign are said to be deep thinkers and are highly intellectual. Strengths are that they tend to be progressive, original, independent and humanitarian. Weaknesses being that they may also run from emotional expression and can be temperamental, uncompromising and aloof. Pisces are very friendly folk and often find themselves surrounded by different types of people. They are also said to be compassionate, artistic, intuitive, gentle, wise and musical. Weaknesses are they can be fearful, overly trusting, sad, have a desire to escape reality and can be a victim or a martyr. My brother is an Aquarius and my husband a Pisces, and so I have a couple of birthdays to think about this month.  Despite working for a gift company I am generally unable to give them gifts from here, as that would be too easy apparently. I shall get my thinking cap on, but in the meantime you can feel free to browse our Birthday Gift Basket range with no such worries. 



So as a quick recap we have the perfectly formed month to look forward too, along with signs of spring such as plants growing and longer days. We also have socially distanced occasions to embrace such as Valentine's Day, Pancake Day and February Birthdays. I have to say, looking for the positives in life has helped my perspective and I will try to embrace the good things February has to offer.