It’s almost Presidents’ Day—you know what that means?
Mattress sales! No battling school buses on your morning commute (school-bus
battles are brutal—those kids got serious game)! Three-day weekend!
In all seriousness, Presidents’ Day was originally
established to recognize and honor the birth of George Washington. While our
first President’s birthday actually falls on February 22nd (on the
Gregorian calendar, for you history purists), we celebrate it on the third
Monday of February. Why? So the day can be observed to honor all U.S.
presidents? While many Americans do observe Presidents’ Day in this
manner, the date was actually adjusted to
give those who work for our government more three-day weekends. No joke. The
Uniform Monday Holiday Act was passed in 1971 for the purpose of changing the
dates of certain federal holidays so that they fall on a Monday, thus giving government
employees more Mondays off.
Lucky saps.
We tried something similar here at Things, but despite our
best efforts, International Goof Off Day has failed to be recognized on our company-wide
holiday calendar two years in a row. We’re hoping 2017 will prove third time’s
a charm…
So, what are some Things YOU can do to celebrate ol’ George’s
birthday? Well, I have a few suggestions:
- Binge-watch Presidential documentaries on the
History channel
- Wear a powdered wig while you’re out buying that
sweet new mattress
- Take a hatchet to a cherry tree*
- Snag some amazing collectible currency featuring
Mr. Washington’s handsome mug that you can later pass on to a youngster—history
FTW!
*If you
choose this option, make sure it’s your own cherry tree. My neighbor got a
little angry over last year’s Presidents’ Day celebration, even though he got a
cherry pie out of the deal. You just can’t please everyone…
See you next week,
Bobby
