19 Offbeat Holidays You Can Celebrate in February

It might be a short month, but there are plenty of unconventional holidays to celebrate.

1. FEBRUARY 1: ROBINSON CRUSOE DAY

On February 1, 1709, Scottish sailor Alexander Selkirk was rescued from the uninhabited island of Juan Fernández, where he'd been put ashore at his own request following a fight with his captain. The story was the basis for Daniel Defoe's Robinson Crusoe, and can now be the basis for your adventurous start to the month.

2. FEBRUARY 2: HEDGEHOG DAY

And you thought this was just the groundhog's day.

3. FEBRUARY 4: MEDJOOL DATE DAY

They brighten your smoothies, breakfast bars, desserts, and appetizers all year long. Take this day to salute the humble date.

4. FEBRUARY 5: WORKING NAKED DAY

It's also National Wear Red Day (for cardiovascular health), so there's something for everyone.

5. FEBRUARY 5: WEATHERPERSON'S DAY

It's the middle of winter. Time to thank your local weatherperson.

6. FEBRUARY 7: DUMP YOUR "SIGNIFICANT JERK" WEEK

This holiday lasts all week and gives you just enough time to upgrade before Valentine's Day.

7. FEBRUARY 9: READ IN THE BATHTUB DAY

It's also Mardi Gras/Fat Tuesday/Pancake Tuesday/Paczki Day, so take a soak after you've stuffed your face.

8. FEBRUARY 11:

PRO SPORTS WIVES DAY

They're the real stars, after all.

Assert your independence and maybe even buy yourself a heart-shaped box of chocolates.

10: FEBRUARY 13:

GET A DIFFERENT NAME DAY

If celebrity baby names have you wishing your name was a little more inventive, this is the day to take the leap.

11. FEBRUARY 17:

MY WAY DAY

If it was good enough for Frank Sinatra, it's good enough for you.

12. FEBRUARY 20:

HOODIE-HOO DAY

If you live the Northern Hemisphere, at high noon go outside, wave your hands in the air, and yell "Hoodie-Hoo" to chase winter away and prepare for spring. Yep, it's a real thing.

13. FEBRUARY 23:

CURLING IS COOL DAY

Literally, and figuratively.

14:

FEBRUARY 23:

SINGLE-TASKING DAY

This is less of a celebration and more like a challenge.

15. FEBRUARY 24:

GREGORIAN CALENDAR DAY

Because there should be a day celebrating the very thing that gives us days on which to celebrate. Or something.

16. FEBRUARY 25:

NATIONAL CHILI DAY

Football season might be over, but chili season never has to end.

17. FEBRUARY

26: FOR PETE’S SAKE DAY

Who is Pete and why do we do things for his sake? Take this day to consider it.

18. FEBRUARY 27:

WORLD SWORD SWALLOWERS DAY

A holiday that needs no explanation.

19. FEBRUARY 28:

NATIONAL TOOTH FAIRY DAY

Santa works one night shift a year and gets all the love, but this woman spends all year collecting teeth and doling out dough. It's high time we gave her some well-earned love.

Holidays found in Chase's Calendar of Events 2016. All photos courtesy of iStock unless otherwise noted.