February has never been my favourite month. When I was in school in Ireland it was always exam-month and studying was done to the relentless sound of heavy rain with the house lights on all day long. Nowadays, February usually brings grey moods when I realize all my New Year resolutions (to get more sleep, exercise, holidays, peace of mind etc.) have been broken. I feel trapped between Winter and Spring and am definitely in need of a bit of colour.

This year I am expecting my February to be full of colour. The colour red to be exact, as I celebrate the Chinese New Year which falls on February 7th. The Spring Festival, as it is also called, is a very significant celebration for Chinese families and is steeped in tradition and superstition - give your house a thorough clean before New Years Eve so that bad luck from the preceding year is swept away and there is plenty of room for good luck! The colour red is associated with good luck and prosperity and at New Year hong bao (small red packets containing money) are given to children by family and friends. The year, 2008, is a Rat Year and since the Rat symbolizes leadership and success here's hoping we all have a rewarding year ahead.
www-singapore.com/festivals/festival2.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rat_(zodiac)
http://spectacular.ntdtv.com/2007/content/view/39/lang,en/

In 2008, the characteristics of the Rat will be tempered by Earth, one of the five Chinese elements. Earth Rat likes to establish roots to create a secure future for himself and his family. With all that is going on globally, as we try to change our behaviours and attitudes, with respect to the environment the Earth Rat seems very appropriate. The tree hugger site covers every aspect of eco-friendly living (for those of us who have not yet mended our ways). Some of the content on the site is heavy going- I felt like I was being hit on the head with a log as I waded through the technical details. But if you want a 'greener baby' or tips on safe toys, here is some excellent information.
www.treehugger.com
www.treehugger.com/files/2007/05/how-to-green-your-kids-toys.php
www.treehugger.com/files/2007/05/how-to-green-your-baby.php

A different type of respect for nature is practiced in Pagan culture when mead is symbolically poured over trees ancient Celtic Festival of Light. Celts were not the only people to have light festivals which coincided with the passing of the Winter Solstice (December 22nd/23rd). From Ancient Romans to modern-day Christians the darkest and longest day of the year has always been seen as a turning point and a time to spread some festive light and cheer.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paganism
www.religioustolerance.org/winter_solstice.htm
www.lookaroundireland.com/newgrange.htm

Light therapy has proven to be an effective way to relieve Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) symptoms. The winter depression was first identified by Dr. Norman Rosenthal in 1992 when he attributed SAD to stress, genetics, and reduced daylight. His research was treated with skepticism at first but now it is recognized as a form of mild seasonal depression and symptoms can be managed using light therapy. A small percentage of children display SAD symptoms and some research suggests it may be linked to puberty. As a child in Ireland my grandmother made us go for a walk every day during winter holidays in despite the weather. She called it '‘blowing away the cobwebs' and we always felt better for it. I think it was her own form of light therapy and I highly recommend it to chase way the blues - try hugging a tree too, it can't hurt.
www.nosad.org
www.normanrosenthal.com
www.holisticonline.com/hol_sad.htm

Some psychologists believe we would be better at keeping resolutions if they were positive rather than negative aspirations - give up junk food becomes take up vegetables, etc.. Dr. Richard Wiseman is a psychologist who in 2006 investigated the psychology of New Year resolutions. He has no magic formulae but there are some useful insights. His paper on the psychology of luck and improving good fortune is definitely worth reading at the start of any new year.
www.richardwiseman.com/research/psychologyluck.html