Groundhog Day – February 2

Pattiann on January 28, 2016

Greeting Card Universe Groundhog Day Card

The wish for a shorter winter lives strong in the hearts of many people, some years more than others. Cold, wind, snow, shoveling, wet mittens, winter boots … at one point or another, most of us call “Uncle”. Common sense or not, we pin our hopes on Groundhog Day. No matter where we live, by February 2, most of us are hoping against hope that Punxsutawney Phil does not see his shadow, thereby shortening our winter by six weeks.

Groundhog Day happens at the midway point between winter solstice and spring equinox and may have originally been based on the Christian celebration of Candlemas Day, as a traditional old English rhyme outlines:

If Candlemas be fair and bright,

Come, Winter, have another flight

If Candlemas brings clouds and rain,

Go Winter, and come not again.

It’s all in good fun, a nice distraction from the cold and snowy weather. And a good time to watch the “Groundhog Day” movie with the children. Other Groundhog Day activities for young children:

  • Make shadows on the wall with a flashlight. Talk about what makes a shadow.
  • Talk about each season and what determines the season.
  • Explain that whether the groundhog sees his shadow or not does not determine the length of winter.
  • The National Education Association has wonderful lesson plans https://www.nea.org/tools/lessons/groundhog-day-for-the-classroom.html for parents and teachers to use on Groundhog Day.

So, have a happy Groundhog Day. May the results be what you want!

Groundhog Day Greeting Cards

Is there a special someone who has a birthday or anniversary on Groundhog Day? Greeting Card Universe has you covered:

Anniversary on Groundhog Day

Birthday on Groundhog Day

Greeting Card Universe has a Groundhog Day Pinterest board

National Compliment Day

Pattiann on January 23, 2016

National Compliment Day greeting card Jan 24

 

A compliment, small or large, is always welcome. As long as it’s sincerely given, a compliment can turn a bad day around or make a good day even better.

Started by Debbie Hoffman and Kathy Chamberlain in 1998, both of New Hampshire, National Compliment Day is a way to share with the people in your life how much you appreciate them. From your sister, who always drops everything at a moment’s notice to babysit, to the bagger at the grocery store who always has a smile for you, there are people in your everyday life who make it better. And perhaps we don’t always show them how much their actions mean to us.

“A compliment is verbal sunshine” Robert Orben

The above quote was written by Robert Orben, a comedy writer for Dick Gregory, Red Skelton, and Jack Paar, among others, and who also served as a speechwriter for President Ford.

The benefits of complimenting someone are manifold: makes people feel better, lifts their spirits, makes a positive connection between the two of you, and creates in people a positive sense of themselves. And who knows? You’ll likely get some compliments back!

The best kind of compliment is specific and sincere. “You look nice today.” is too vague. Specify that the color of their shirt brings out their eyes, for example. Even better than a compliment about their looks would be one about their actions. Does your co-worker always have a cheerful greeting for you? Does the checkout person always make sure your eggs are securely protected in the bag? Did a staff member get a project done early? Letting them know could make their day! And you’ll feel great, too.

Go ahead — give a compliment or two today!

National Compliment Day Greeting Cards

 

Ditch New Year’s Resolution Day

Pattiann on January 14, 2016

Ditch New Year's Resolution day

Many of us start the new year with good intentions of changing bad habits or adding good ones. From stopping smoking, starting a new diet or exercise program, being more organized, the first blush of the new year brings resolutions to improve our lives.

And then …

Two weeks in, a piece or two of chocolate cake has somehow snuck onto your plate; you’ve hit the snooze button more than once instead of getting up to go walking; and you’re following smokers around the street, trying to inhale their second-hand smoke.

The most common date to give up on your resolutions is January 17. To mark that date, there is Ditch New Year’s Resolution Day. It’s a day to surrender and join the estimated 1 in 3 people who give up on their New Year’s resolutions.

But all is not lost. If you are determined to make your resolutions stick, here are some helpful hints.

Tips for Keeping your New Year’s Resolutions

  1. Make realistic resolutions. It’s unlikely that you will be successful at never having chocolate again. It’s better to set a goal of having only a small amount every so often.
  2. Write down your goals. Look at them when you feel discouraged.
  3. Keep a journal to write encouraging notes to yourself.
  4. Try to make only one change at a time.
  5. One or two–or five–slip ups shouldn’t discourage you. Learn from the triggers that made you slip-up (maybe coffee makes you want a cigarette) and avoid them.
  6. Find a friend or family member who is also trying to form better habits and you can both serve as encouragement buddies.

Whatever you do, know that even small changes can make a difference. Keep your resolutions simple — and don’t give up! A failure today can be turned around tomorrow. You could consider Jan 17 “Stumble” vs a “Ditch Day”. Good luck!

Ditch New Year’s Resolution Day Greeting Cards

Be sure to follow Greeting Card Universe’s Ditch New Year’s Resolution Pinterest Board for related material and tips and hints on keeping your resolutions.