February may be the shortest month of the year, but that doesn’t mean it has to be any less fun. Between the Super Bowl, Valentine's Day and President's Day, there are plenty of reasons to celebrate. Here are just a few dates to look forward to as we enter February and leave January behind.

 

February 2: Super Bowl XLVIII

Are you a big Seahawks supporter? Or are you rooting for the Broncos? Or do you not care who wins as long as it's a good game? Whether you're waiting to see Peyton Manning try for another Super Bowl ring or just curious if Richard Sherman will have another "outburst," you should tune in on Sunday, February 2. The Super Bowl isn't just one of the biggest American sporting events of the year--it’s also a great excuse to hang with friends. Order some chicken wings, munch on some delicious snacks, get a bet going on the winner and enjoy the half-time show and all the controversial commercials in between. Football fan or not, there's plenty to enjoy on this game day.

SEE ALSO: Popular Super Bowl Party Recipes

February 2: Groundhog Day

Groundhog Day might be taking a backseat to the Super Bowl this year, but it's still fun to check in with Pennsylvania's season-predicting rodent. If the sky is cloudy and the groundhog remains in his burrow on February 2, the weather should start warming up soon. But if the sun comes out and our furry friend sees its shadow, it could mean a few more weeks of the polar vortex. So will winter take off or will it stay? A recent weather report for Punxsutawney, Pa. (home of Punxsutawney Phil the groundhog) doesn't give us much of a hint. The current prediction is for a partly cloudy day, so we'll have to wait and see whether we'll need our coats and jackets for a few more weeks.

February 6: National Frozen Yogurt Day

There's only one way to celebrate this occasion: by eating frozen yogurt. Find your nearest Yogurtland, 21 Choices, Pinkberry, or another froyo establishment of your choosing and go crazy with flavors and toppings. Sure, you can eat frozen yogurt any day you want, but it’ll taste even better if you know thousands of other people are doing the same. God bless the U.S.A., where froyo gets its own holiday.

February 7: 2014 Sochi Olympics Opening Ceremony

Bobsledding, ice hockey and figure skating, oh my! Tune in to NBC (or an online streaming site, if you can find one) to see the kick-off of the three-week international sporting spectacle.Whether you love the more traditional winter sports like snowboarding and skiing, or you prefer more unconventional games like curling or luge, there's something for everyone to cheer on from the comfort of their own living room.

February 14: Valentine’s Day 

Whether you plan on celebrating with your significant other, your best friends, family, or a pint of Ben & Jerry's, do something on Valentine's Day to make yourself feel loved. Go on an adventurous outing, eat a delicious meal, exchange funny gifts… or all of the above! Valentine’s Day is about love, so no matter what kind of love you're celebrating--platonic, familiar or romantic--try to enjoy the day.

SEE ALSO: Dates To Go On With Friends On Valentine's Day

February 15: Sales on Chocolate

This special day needs no explanation. Take advantage of post-Valentine's sales and stock up on candy and chocolates.

February 17: Random Acts of Kindness Day/Week

In keeping with the Valentine's spirit, February 17 is a day dedicated to spreading the love to people outside your immediate friends, family and other loved ones. Engaging in some random acts of kindness will not only help other people feel good, but will boost your own self-esteem as well. The acts can be big or small: Help an old lady with her groceries, buy a coffee for the guy behind you in line at Starbucks, or treat your mom out to a nice dinner. Do something that will make someone else’s day a little bit brighter, and it will make yours brighter too. And why stop after February 17? If you like, devote the whole week--and beyond--to random acts of kindness.

February 18: President’s Day

This day isn’t typically celebrated with a conventional "party" (though we won't stop you from throwing a President's Day party if you want). A better observance of the day would be to spend an hour brushing up on your U.S. history in honor of two great American leaders: George Washington and Abraham Lincoln. But let's be realistic. Here are a few activities you're more likely to do on this holiday from work and school: Pop some popcorn and watch a historical film like Steven Spielberg’s “Lincoln” or take a trip to a local museum like the Court of Liberty at Forest Lawn Memorial Park. Whatever you do, make an effort, even minimal, to celebrate these presidents and our country.

February 20: National Cherry Pie Day

This "holiday" should just be about simple, tasty fun. If you've got time, grab a friend and make your own cherry pie. But if you’re not feeling the Betty Crocker vibe, you can always buy one at the market or order a slice at a restaurant. Really, it's nothing more than an official excuse to eat pie after Thanksgiving and Christmas.

February 23: 2014 Sochi Olympics Closing Ceremony

Hopefully your favorite country and athletes have won some gold medals and you can finally get up from your couch. But before you tune out of Russia and re-enter the world outside of exciting snowy sports, check out the Closing Ceremony to see your favorite Olympians one last time. Emotional moments and eye-catching aesthetics are guaranteed as the world says goodbye to the Winter Olympics until Pyeongchang in 2018.

Bonus Reason to Celebrate: Black History Month

So many of our country's most celebrated historical figures have coincidentally been African-American. In between (or on) any of the fun dates above, take some time this month to brush up on black history, whether it’s through books, discussions or field trips. The California African American Museum, for example, is located across the street from USC--and admission is free!

 

Reach Staff Reporter Samantha Jacobs here. Follow her on Twitter here.