Month of Love

It’s no secret that Christmas is the most exciting time of year at the North Pole and, thanks to Christmas, the residents love winter. They also love to share the warmth of their hearts with friends and family. Let’s take a look at some of the holidays our friends celebrate during the “Month of Love.” 

Groundhog Day:

Although the elves and reindeer LOVE winter, they love the other seasons as well and that’s why Groundhog Day is so important. In North America and Canada, Groundhog Day falls on February 2. Legend says that half way between winter and spring, badgers and bears would come out of hibernation to check the weather. If the sun was out and they saw their shadow, winter would continue for six more weeks. If there was no sunshine to create a shadow, then spring was on its way. In the early 1700s, German settlers came to Pennsylvania and brought the superstition with them, and the first annual Groundhog Day was established in 1887 with help form a groundhog named Punxsutawney Phil. 

On this exciting day at the North Pole, the elves begin celebrating by making their favorite Peppermint Hot Chocolate. Then they gather together to find out if Phil will see his shadow and winter will continue for another six weeks, or if they can expect an early spring. In Alaska, since there are no groundhogs, they celebrate Marmot Day. A marmot is a large ground squirrel that looks a lot like a groundhog. On February 1, Scotland and Ireland celebrate Imbolc, also known as St. Brigid’s Day, with a Gaelic festival honoring the beginning of spring. Serbia celebrates on February 15, on the day known as Sretenje, when a bear awakens from hibernation. 

St. Valentines Day:

Although there are many stories regarding the origin if the “Day of Love,” the most common belief is that it originated with a feast celebrating a priest who married many couples.

Another famous Valentine’s Day myth includes the story of Cupid. Cupid is said to be a young Cherub who flies around shooting magical golden arrows that inspire love. Similarly, Santa’s reindeer, Cupid - born on Valentine’s Day -  also loves to fly Santa around the world to spread the Christmas love.

Nowadays we celebrate the day with love towards family, friends, and even pets. It’s a day to be kind to everyone and celebrate others for what makes them special. Remember when Clarice told Rudolph he was cute and his heart warmed so much that he jumped for joy? That’s when Rudolph realized his differences where nothing to be ashamed of; and ultimately celebrated.

At the North Pole, everyone celebrates by choosing one thing they love about each other, writing it down on a paper heart known as a valentine, while Mrs. Claus bakes up a batch of her famous Chocolate Kiss Cherry Cookies for Cupid’s birthday.