How do you celebrate Presidents' Day?

What does Presidents' Day mean to you? Do you have the day off from work? Are you seeking out the best deals and sales? Are you into Clothing and Accessories, Shoes and Purses, Home and Garden, Health and Well Being, Tech/Computers/Accessories? Slow down. . .actually, STOP!

While Presidents' Day is renown for its 'deals and sales', there is something much more special about this day that unfortunately often goes unnoticed. Everyone knows it is an American holiday celebrated on the third Monday in February. BUT, what is it really celebrating and has it always been this day?

Embrace the Past...

In 1885, this day was set aside in celebration of President George Washington's birthday. It was traditionally celebrated on February 22, the actual day of Washington's birth. In 1971, under the leadership of President Richard Nixon, the Uniform Monday Holiday Act attempted to create more three-day weekends for the nation's workers. Thus, the third Monday of February was supposedly designated as Presidents' Day. But, not so fast, there is more to the story...

Not only was Washington born in February but also another great U.S. President, Abraham Lincoln, who was born February 12. Having two Presidents' birthdays so close together created problems. February is the shortest month of the year and here were two holidays which potentially would mean two school-free days, two Mondays off from work and sales, sales, sales on both days. Actually, that sounds pretty good, doesn't it? 

Of course, we know the celebration of two holidays so close together did not become reality. Only the one day evolved with that day neither actually being Washington's birth date or Lincoln's birth date but instead an arbitrary date known as Presidents' Day.

Empower the Present...

For the most part, Presidents' Day is a federal holiday now celebrating all United States Presidents, both past and present. Whether you call it Washington's Birthday, Lincoln's Birthday or Presidents' Day, it is all the same day and celebrated primarily in recognition of the United States of America's first President, George Washington.

Enrich the Future...

Make a special effort this Presidents' Day to honor the leaders of our great nation, our Presidents, both past and present. Become an example that can be passed on for generations to come as to how this day should truly be celebrated. Be sure those you meet and greet on this holiday know what this day is all about and that it goes much deeper than bargain basement prices on a single day of the year.

My contribution is a video poem in honor of seven of Our Founding Fathers, many of whom went on to become President of the United State.

Bottom Line...

How do you plan to celebrate Presidents' Day? It is much, much more than simply the sales, sales, sales that are so widely advertised. What better time to pay tribute to America and our founding fathers than on this day!