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Wait… Is It Really Just About Washington?
If you think Presidents’ Day is only about George Washington’s birthday, think again! This holiday has evolved into something much bigger than just celebrating the first U.S. president. From retail sales to quirky traditions, there’s a lot more to this federal holiday than meets the eye.
Let’s break down some fascinating, surprising, and downright bizarre facts about Presidents’ Day!
1. It Was Never Meant to Be Called “Presidents’ Day”
Believe it or not, the official name of this holiday is Washington’s Birthday. Congress declared February 22 a federal holiday in 1879 to honor the first U.S. president. But over time, retailers and marketers started calling it Presidents’ Day to sell more stuff—because who doesn’t love a good sale, right?
In 1971, the Uniform Monday Holiday Act moved the celebration to the third Monday in February, making sure Americans got a three-day weekend. But guess what? There’s no official federal holiday called “Presidents’ Day”—it’s still legally Washington’s Birthday!
2. Some States Celebrate It Differently (Or Not at All!)
Not all states see Presidents’ Day the same way. Some states, like Virginia, celebrate George Washington Day, while Alabama throws Thomas Jefferson into the mix and calls it Washington and Jefferson Day. Meanwhile, in Arkansas, the holiday honors both Washington and Daisy Gatson Bates, a civil rights activist.
And then there’s Delaware, which simply doesn’t recognize the holiday at all. Yep, they treat it like any other Monday!
3. Abraham Lincoln’s Birthday Was Supposed to Be a Holiday Too
February 12 marks Abraham Lincoln’s birthday, and for a long time, some states celebrated it separately. But when Presidents’ Day became a thing, Lincoln’s birthday quietly faded into the background.
That’s why some people assume Presidents’ Day honors both Washington and Lincoln—but technically, it doesn’t. Still, given Lincoln’s legacy, it makes sense that we unofficially celebrate him, too.
4. Retailers Turned It Into a Shopping Extravaganza
Like Black Friday’s younger cousin, Presidents’ Day has become all about the sales. Car dealerships, furniture stores, and big-box retailers offer massive discounts, making it one of the best times of the year to snag a deal.
So, whether you need a new mattress, a laptop, or a car, Presidents’ Day weekend might just be the time to shop. Thanks, capitalism!
5. The White House Hosts a Special Event Every Year
Every Presidents’ Day, the White House marks the occasion with various events, often featuring historical reenactments, special tours, and educational activities for kids. Some presidents even take this time to visit historic sites or deliver speeches about leadership.
And if you’re in Washington, D.C., you can celebrate by visiting the National Portrait Gallery, where you’ll find paintings of all the U.S. presidents in one place.
6. The Holiday is Surprisingly Close to Never Falling on Washington’s Actual Birthday
Here’s a weird fact: Because the holiday always lands on the third Monday of February, it can never actually fall on Washington’s real birthday, February 22! The closest it can get? February 21.
So, we’re essentially celebrating Washington’s Birthday on a day that isn’t his birthday. Make it make sense.
7. Some People Think We Should Have a New Presidents’ Day Tradition
A growing number of people believe that Presidents’ Day should be used to reflect on leadership and civic responsibility—kind of like a Presidential Appreciation Day. Ideas include school projects on great leaders, voter registration drives, and even using the holiday to promote political awareness.
Imagine if, instead of just shopping for discounts, we actually celebrated leadership by engaging in meaningful conversations about what makes a great president. Now that would be interesting!
Final Thoughts: More Than Just a Day Off
Presidents’ Day might just seem like an excuse for a long weekend and big sales, but it’s got a rich (and slightly weird) history. Whether you’re honoring Washington, Lincoln, or just enjoying your Monday off, now you know the real story behind this American holiday.
So, how are you celebrating Presidents’ Day this year? Let us know in the comments! 🎉
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