So what do you do on a day that only rolls around once every four years? I find the traditions around this day to be as hysterical as Groundhog’s Day.

One tradition from Europe allows women to ask that commitment phobic guy to marry her, and depending on the place and time in history, he could be on the hook for some expensive presents if he refused. But considering the women had to wear a bright red petticoat to propose, the men could sure see what was coming and hide out until the day passed.

However, Greek men could breath a little easier when it came to settling down. In the Greek tradition, marrying during a leap year was considered bad luck. So the men could buy theirselves a little more time before popping the question. This also holds true for men from Scotland and Italy.

Another tradition surrounding Leap Year predicts bad luck for the elderly. It is thought that more elderly people die during Leap Years, especially in Taiwan. The Taiwanese daughters return to the homes of their aging parents to cook for them Trotter’s Noodles, made with pig’s feet. This soup is believed to bring good luck and health.

In Anthony, Texas, the reported Leap Year Capital of the World, holds a festival every four years for all those “Leaplings,” children born on Leap Day. This three day festival has carnival rides, music and food booths or a great big birthday party for those who don’t celebrate every year.

But the best tradition I think that I have heard of comes from Modern Family. Phil Dunphy yells, “Come on, boys! It’s leap day, not sleep day.” Phil goes on to explain we are given an extra 24 hours this year and we cannot waste it on school or work. He says that we must do something extraordinary or shocking with this time. I think it means doing something new.

So for my something new, I read a book from a new genre. For those that know me, you will be shocked to see that I sampled a Paranormal Romance novel. Paranormal is not in my repertoire.

Lana Ferguson’s The Fake Mate

Mackenzie Carter’s grandmother is determine to find Mack a good husband, but Mackenzie doesn’t have time to date just being a year out of her residency program. So when grandmother applies a little more pressure, Mackenzie lies by telling her she has already met someone. She names the first person that comes to mind, Noah Taylor.

Noah Taylor is a surly, interventional cardiologist, who also happens to be an alpha wolf. Mackenzie, who is an omega wolf, approaches Noah to ask him to play along and be her fake date, knowing she will be rejected. But surprisingly, Noah agrees because he needs her to cover for him. He has been hiding his status as an alpha from the hospital board. The secrets they are hiding from others drive these two into a crazy relationship that neither can control.

So what is your Leap Day tradition?