You know that feeling when Presidents Day rolls around? You're psyched for the day off work, maybe hunting for mattress sales, but then you pause and wonder: "Wait, why do we celebrate Presidents Day anyway? And why in February?" Happens to me every single year. Last February, I actually overheard two guys at the Dunkin' drive-thru arguing whether it was just for Washington or Lincoln too. Total confusion.
Let's unpack this together. Presidents Day isn't just about scoring discounts on furniture (though I won't lie, I bought a ridiculously cheap standing desk last year). It's got layers – like an onion with legal documents instead of skin. We'll dig into the messy history, the surprising reasons it exists today, and why some states still refuse to call it "Presidents Day." Grab some coffee and let's clear this up once and for all.
The Whole George Washington Birthday Situation
It started simple. Back in 1885, Washington's actual birthday (February 22) became a federal holiday. States loved it – parades, cherry pie, the whole patriotic vibe. But then Abraham Lincoln entered the chat. His February 12 birthday became a thing in many states, especially up North. Having two February presidential holidays? Felt redundant even back then.
I remember my grandma talking about her school days in the 1930s. They'd have separate lessons for each president in February, complete with log cabin crafts for Lincoln and papier-mâché cherry trees for Washington. Must've been exhausting for teachers.
That Time Congress Changed the Calendar
Things got wild in 1968. Congress passed the Uniform Monday Holiday Act, basically saying: "Let's move some holidays to Mondays so people get long weekends." Washington's Birthday got shifted to the third Monday of February. But here's where it gets messy:
- Official federal name? Still "Washington's Birthday" according to the U.S. Code (Section 6103)
- Colloquial name? Everyone started calling it Presidents Day almost immediately
- Date quirk: The third Monday never falls on Washington's actual Feb 22 birthday (math nerds, it can only land between 15th-21st)
Honestly, I think politicians just wanted more three-day weekends. Can't blame them.
Why Do We Celebrate Presidents Day Today? The 3 Real Reasons
Beyond the historical shuffle, three practical factors keep this holiday alive:
| Reason | How It Plays Out | My Take |
|---|---|---|
| Retail Therapy | Post-Christmas sales slump + no major holidays = retailers' desperation. Presidents Day now trails only Black Friday in sales revenue. | Kinda cheapens things, but my wallet isn't complaining about 60% off appliances. |
| School Breaks | Teachers need catch-up days. Perfect time for "President Units" and history fairs. | My kid's Lincoln costume last year? Adorable but cost me $47 in felt. |
| Government Efficiency | Combining Washington/Lincoln celebrations saves taxpayer money on events and closures. | Makes sense, though Lincoln purists still side-eye this in Illinois. |
What Actually Closes on Presidents Day
Wanna avoid showing up to locked doors? Here's the real-world impact:
- Federal/State Offices: Closed (DMV, post office, etc.)
- Public Schools: 93% closed nationally
- Banks: Most closed (check your local branch!)
- Retail/Grocery: Wide open – often with extra staff
- Trash Pickup: Usually delayed by a day
Pro tip: Need passport help? Terrible day for it. Government buildings are ghost towns.
State-by-State Celebrations: It's Complicated
This blew my mind when I moved from Virginia to New Mexico. Not all states play by the same rules:
| State | Official Holiday Name | Honors | Weird Quirk |
|---|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts | "Washington's Birthday" | Only Washington | Also observes "Presidents Day" separately in May?! |
| Illinois | "Lincoln's Birthday" (Feb 12) AND "Washington's Birthday" | Both separately | State offices close twice in February |
| Virginia | "George Washington Day" | Mostly Washington | Parades at Mount Vernon |
| California | "Presidents Day" | All presidents | Some schools teach about lesser-known presidents like Polk |
Beyond the Sales: Meaningful Ways to Observe
Look, mattress deals are great. But if you wanna actually connect with the spirit of the day, try these:
- Visit a Presidential Library (e.g., Reagan Library in CA has Air Force One; $16 adult admission)
- Watch Historical Documentaries (Apple TV's "Lincoln: Divided We Stand" is surprisingly gripping)
- Read Washington's Farewell Address (Takes 20 mins – find it at Archives.gov)
- Attend Local Reenactments (Colonial Williamsburg does killer Feb events; $40/day pass)
My personal ritual? Making Martha Washington's cherry bread recipe. Turns out rock-hard. Every. Single. Year. Historical accuracy isn't always tasty.
Controversies Nobody Talks About
Not everyone loves Presidents Day. Historians gripe about two things:
- The "All Presidents" Problem: Should we really honor scandal-plagued presidents equally? Feels lazy.
- Lincoln's Shrinking Role: In states that dropped his separate holiday, kids learn less about him.
A professor friend rants every February: "Calling it Presidents Day is like having a 'Scientists Day' for Einstein and flat earthers!" Harsh... but maybe fair?
Presidents Day FAQ: What People Actually Ask
Based on real Google searches and my cousin's text messages last February:
Is Presidents Day always the same date?
Nope! Always the third Monday in February. In 2025 that's Feb 17, but in 2026 it's Feb 16. Mark your calendars.
Why do we celebrate Presidents Day if it's not Washington or Lincoln's real birthday?
Two reasons: The Monday Holiday Act moved it for convenience, and retailers pushed the "Presidents Day" name to make sales feel inclusive. Honestly? The birthday connection is pretty much symbolic now.
Do all states observe Presidents Day?
All states have some February holiday, but 14 states don't officially call it "Presidents Day." Check my state table above before you print event flyers!
Why don't we celebrate other presidents?
Some states do! Arkansas celebrates Daisy Gatson Bates Day alongside Washington. But nationally? Adding more holidays gets expensive. The last new one was MLK Day in 1983 – that took 15 years to pass.
What's open on Presidents Day near me?
Malls = open (expect crowds). Costco = open (sample frenzy). Movie theaters = open. Post office = closed. Pro tip: Call small businesses – my favorite indie bookstore closes, but the comic shop stays open.
Final Thoughts: Why This Holiday Sticks Around
After digging through Congressional records and dodging aggressive mattress commercials, here's my take: We celebrate Presidents Day because it's become this weird cultural hybrid. It's part history lesson, part retail holiday, part excuse to sleep in. And maybe that's okay.
The older I get, the more I appreciate having a day – however commercialized – to reflect on leadership. Last February, stuck in traffic near Mount Vernon, I listened to a podcast about Washington giving up power voluntarily. Gave me chills. Then I bought 50% off towels at Macy's. Balance, right?
So when someone asks "Why do we celebrate Presidents Day?" next year? Tell them: "Because we need Mondays off, history matters, and hey – my new sofa was 70% cheaper." Truth resonates.
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