Making The Most Of President's Day: History And How To Celebrate

President’s Day is a holiday unique to the United States that typically celebrates the history of all US presidents and their contributions to US history. As it is a national holiday, some companies in the US allow their employees to take time off on this day. You might celebrate the holiday this year by learning more about its history and focusing on self-care. For professional guidance regarding stress related to politics, consider reaching out to a licensed therapist online or in your local area.

What is President’s Day? 

President’s Day is a holiday connected to George Washington’s birthday on February 22nd and Abraham Lincoln’s on February 12th. It generally occurs on the third Monday of February each year and brings awareness to the contributions of all US presidents. Officially, the holiday is referred to as “Washington’s Birthday,” although it may not always fall on the 22nd, and it can have 15 different names, depending on the state that celebrates it. 

Like some other federal holidays, President's Day is not always celebrated by everyone in the US, as some businesses may remain open on this day. However, it can offer a chance for those who take time off to focus on self-reflection, self-care, and family matters.

The history of President’s Day 

The national holiday of President’s Day was initially founded to celebrate the birth of George Washington on February 22nd, 1732. On February 22nd each year, US citizens may celebrate Washington’s birthday or “George Washington Day.” 

However, in 1968, the Uniform Monday Holiday Bill moved the holiday to the third Monday in February to ensure Americans could get a three-day weekend for President’s Day celebrations. People began calling the holiday “President’s Day” instead of Washington’s Birthday, although the name remained the same for the federal holiday.  

While the holiday was initially focused on George Washington and Abraham Lincoln, modern President’s Day celebrations can take any form and concentrate on all US presidents' histories. Today, the President’s Day National Committee oversees these celebrations. However, some states may still celebrate Lincoln’s Birthday as a holiday, which occurs on February 12th. In general, Delaware is the only state that does not officially celebrate President’s Day or Washington’s actual birthday. 

How to celebrate President’s Day this year

If you plan to celebrate President’s Day or have time off work for this holiday, below are a few suggestions to keep in mind.  

Visit a national monument

Some of these monuments include the following: 

• The Dwight D. Eisenhower Memorial 
• The Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial 
• The Lincoln Memorial 
• Theodore Roosevelt Island 
• The Washington Monument 

Visiting a monument can be a way to learn more about the president who inspired it and appreciate the effort and history it took to build it. 

Visit a national forest or park

According to the US Department of Agriculture Forest Service page, there are over 193 million acres of national parks and grasslands in the US. With over 150,000 miles of trails and 10,000 developed recreation sites, the country’s national parks may offer the opportunity to explore the US’s history through nature. 

Studies show that being in nature can benefit mental and physical health. By spending President’s Day in a historical nature spot, you can learn more about the US and regulate your nervous system through exposure to the outdoors. A national park or forest may be valuable if you’re not interested in celebrating the presidents but want to appreciate your country. 

Learn about the US presidents

Learning about all US presidents can be one way to celebrate President’s Day. Each president had different contributions to US history, and learning about these contributions can be a way to appreciate those in power who made positive strides toward diversity, equality, and other movements focused on civil rights. 

Below are facts about several past US presidents: 

• President Abraham Lincoln created the Emancipation Proclamation to start the efforts to end slavery in the US. 
• President Franklin Roosevelt started the Social Security Administration and offered financial protection for those experiencing challenges after the Great Depression. 
• President Theodore Roosevelt regulated larger corporations, like the railroads and oil companies, and started the Pure Food and Drug Act, which came before the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). He was also responsible for naming some of the United States’ first national parks. 
• President Dwight Eisenhower signed the legislation that created the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). 
• President Barack Obama signed the Affordable Care Act (ACA) to bring more affordable care and mental healthcare to Americans. 

Volunteer for a cause 

Not everyone with time off work for President’s Day may be interested in celebrating past presidents or learning about US history. In these cases, focusing on a cause you care about, such as volunteering or offering support to people in your community, may be more beneficial. Below are a few volunteer options you might consider: 

• A nursing home 
• A shelter for unhoused individuals
• A shelter for those experiencing domestic violence
• A local non-profit organization 
• A political group looking to help people register to vote
• An animal shelter or foster program 
• Ecological and environmental organizations 

According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), volunteer work can reduce stress, increase happiness, develop confidence, and help individuals find a purpose. These benefits can be reaped at any time of year, but having a day off from work may offer an opportunity to spend your time giving back to the community you live in. 

Focus on self-care 

President’s Day may also be a time to consider self-care. Self-care can involve any activity that improves your mental, spiritual, physical, or social health. Self-care can be physical, such as brushing your teeth, exercising, and eating a nutritious diet. However, it can also be mental, involving hobbies, spending time with friends, or writing in a journal. Regardless of how you practice self-care, giving yourself a moment to partake in an activity that directly benefits you can increase self-compassion and well-being in the long term. 

Does everyone celebrate President’s Day? 

Some people in the US may choose not to celebrate President’s Day for personal reasons or because of its connection to early presidents, who may not have made wise decisions regarding equity and equality for marginalized groups. Whether you celebrate President’s Day can be a personal decision, and there may be ways to enjoy your three-day weekend without paying homage to any presidents or US history. Consider developing your own tradition for this holiday and making it a fun occasion that fits your lifestyle.  

Benefits of online therapy

For many, events and discussions related to politics can be sources of stress. If your stress levels are impacting your quality of life, you might consider scheduling a therapy session with a licensed therapist. Online therapy can offer the opportunity to receive the professional insight and guidance you deserve from the comfort of your home, at a time that fits your schedule. 

Effectiveness of online therapy

Evidence suggests that online and in-person therapy tend to produce the same client outcomes. Either option may be a valid choice for those interested in seeking professional help with their mental health.