*Originally published on Feb. 26. Republished for timeliness on Feb. 29, Leap Day.

OCALA, FL (352today.com) – Leap Day is an event that happens once every four years, adding an extra day to the calendar and giving us February 29. This unique occurrence is a result of the Gregorian calendar’s attempt to align with the Earth’s revolutions around the Sun.

The Gregorian calendar is recognized around the world and basically deems that no century year is a leap year unless it is exactly divisible by 400.  Let’s find out why we have Leap Day, as well as some things we can do with this extra day.

Understanding Leap Day

Leap Day is the extra day added to the end of February every four years, making the year 366 days long instead of the usual 365.

This adjustment is necessary because the Earth actually takes about 365.25 days to make its way around the Sun.  If Leap Day didn’t exist, our calendar would gradually drift away from the four seasons as we know them.

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Acknowledging Leap Day makes sure that our calendar remains in sync with the Earth’s seasonal cycle.  We would lose almost six hours every year without it, which would lead to huge shifts in our calendar and seasonal alignment over time. By incorporating Leap Day, we maintain the accuracy of our timekeeping through years and generations.

Celebrating Leap Day: Things to Do

Leap Day provides us with 24 extra hours to do something special. Here are some suggestions on how you can celebrate this occasion:

  • Embark on an Adventure
    North Central Florida is a treasure trove of natural beauty and outdoor activities. Use this extra day to explore our scenic trails, springs, and rivers. Whether it’s kayaking in Ichetucknee Springs, hiking in the Ocala National Forest, or simply enjoying a drive through the tree-canopied scenic roadways, make this day an adventure to remember.

    Enjoy a day on the water with friends and family. The Ichetucknee River is accessible at Ichetucknee Springs State Park. Courtesy: Canva Pro
  • Perform Acts of Kindness
    Leap Day is a fantastic opportunity to engage in acts of kindness. Consider volunteering at the Humane Society of Marion County, participating in community clean-up events, or simply doing something special for a neighbor or friend.
Make a new furry friend at one of our many, overcrowded animal shelters, and maybe take a new family member home. Courtesy: Canva Pro
  • Learn Something New
    Dedicate this day to personal growth by learning something new. Whether it’s a cooking class, art workshop at the Appleton Museum, or fluttering through the Butterfly Rain Forest at the Florida Museum, expanding your horizons can make Leap Day truly enriching.
Learn to paint.
Take a class and learn a new skill or pick up a new hobby. Courtesy: Canva Pro
  • Connect with Loved Ones
    Use Leap Day to reconnect with friends and family. Plan a family-fun day, have a get-together with your neighbors, or simply spend quality time with your loved ones.
Spend time with family and friends.
Use this time to bond with family and friends. Courtesy: Canva Pro
  • Reflect and Set Goals
    You can also use Leap Day as a moment of reflection. It’s a perfect time to assess your goals, dreams, and the direction of your life. Consider setting new objectives or revising the ones you already have, making the most of this additional day to plan ahead.
Set new goals.
Think about your future and reflect on the past. Set attainable goals. Courtesy: Canva Pro

Leap Day is more than just an extra day on the calendar; it’s your chance to pause, reflect, and do something out of the ordinary. Whether you choose to embark on a new adventure, learn something new, or spend the day spreading cheer to others, make sure to take full advantage of this rare gift of time.