Details: Created: 16 January 2025; Last Updated: 18 February 2025

Honoring Leaders, Sales, and a Well-Timed Three-Day Weekend

Every third Monday in February, Americans celebrate Presidents Day, a holiday that somehow manages to honor the highest office in the land while also being the best time to buy a mattress. Officially recognized as Washington’s Birthday by the federal government, this day has evolved into a broader celebration of all U.S. presidents—whether they were great leaders, questionable decision-makers, or just really good at growing impressive facial hair.

So, how did this holiday come to be? Why does it sometimes honor one president, sometimes two, and sometimes all of them? And most importantly—how can you celebrate it in a way that’s fun, educational, and maybe even beneficial to your wallet? Let’s take a deep dive into the history, traditions, and quirks of Presidents Day.

A Brief History of Presidents Day

Presidents Day has its origins in the granddaddy of all U.S. presidents—George Washington.

1879: The holiday was established as Washington’s Birthday to honor the nation's first president, who was born on February 22, 1732.
1885: It became a federal holiday, meaning government workers got a day off (lucky them).
1968: The Uniform Monday Holiday Act was passed, moving federal holidays to Mondays so Americans could enjoy more three-day weekends. (A truly presidential move.)
1971: Washington’s Birthday was officially shifted to the third Monday in February, meaning it no longer actually falls on Washington’s real birthday.

But here’s where things get a little…murky.

Over time, many people began unofficially recognizing Abraham Lincoln’s birthday (February 12) alongside Washington’s.
Retailers, never ones to miss a marketing opportunity, began branding it “Presidents Day” to make it feel more inclusive (and to sell furniture, cars, and appliances).
Some states now officially call it Presidents’ Day, some call it President’s Day, and others still insist on Washington’s Birthday. Confused? You’re not alone.

Today, Presidents Day is widely accepted as a celebration of all U.S. presidents, past and present—whether they were great, mediocre, or best left in the footnotes of history books.

Why Celebrate Presidents Day?

Sure, it’s easy to view this as just another bonus day off work (for some) and a sale bonanza (for everyone else), but Presidents Day actually holds historical and cultural significance.

Honoring Leadership and Legacy: Presidents Day gives Americans the opportunity to reflect on the contributions of past leaders, whether they guided the country through war, economic turmoil, or just had a knack for delivering great speeches.
A Lesson in History (Or at Least a Fun Trivia Session): From Washington’s legendary honesty (that whole cherry tree story? Total myth.) to Lincoln’s ability to deliver a speech in under two minutes (looking at you, Gettysburg Address), Presidents Day is a perfect excuse to brush up on presidential fun facts.
The Best Excuse for Sales: Let’s be honest—most people associate Presidents Day with discounts. Need a new couch? A car? A refrigerator? This is the time to buy. George and Abe would want you to get that deal.
A Celebration of Democracy: Regardless of political beliefs, the presidency is one of the most enduring institutions in American history. Presidents Day is a moment to reflect on the challenges, responsibilities, and impact of leading a nation.

How to Celebrate Presidents Day

Looking to celebrate Presidents Day in style? Here are a few ideas:

Learn Some Presidential Trivia: Did you know that John Quincy Adams used to skinny dip in the Potomac River? Or that Calvin Coolidge had a pet raccoon named Rebecca? Presidents are full of surprises—take today to learn some fun and weird history.
Visit a Presidential Landmark: If you’re near Washington, D.C., Mount Vernon, or the Lincoln Memorial, take a day to soak in some history. If not, plenty of museums and historical sites offer virtual tours so you can explore from the comfort of your home.
Watch a Presidential Movie or Documentary: From historical dramas like Lincoln to classic comedies like Dave, there’s no shortage of presidential-themed entertainment. (Or you could watch Independence Day and cheer as Bill Pullman delivers one of the most epic fictional presidential speeches ever.)
Read a Presidential Biography: Whether it’s Washington’s military strategy, Lincoln’s leadership, or Teddy Roosevelt’s adventures, there’s no shortage of fascinating presidential books.
Take Advantage of the Sales: Let’s be real—if George Washington were around today, he’d probably tell you to save some money. If you’ve been waiting to make a big purchase, this is the time to snag those deals.

Eat Like a President

Ever wondered what your favorite presidents loved to eat?

Washington loved hoecakes (cornmeal pancakes).
Lincoln was a fan of apples and bacon.
Teddy Roosevelt loved coffee—like, a lot of coffee.
Thomas Jefferson helped popularize mac and cheese in the U.S.

Why not celebrate with a presidential feast? (Or at least a cup of coffee so strong Teddy himself would approve.)

Fun Facts About Presidents

Presidents may be known for their policies, speeches, and historic decisions, but they also have their fair share of quirks, surprises, and downright bizarre moments. From unusual pets to record-breaking speeches (both in length and impact), U.S. presidents have led fascinating lives beyond the Oval Office. Whether they were surviving assassination attempts, bringing raccoons to the White House, or drinking enough coffee to power a small city, these fun facts prove that behind the title, presidents are just as peculiar as the rest of us.

📌 George Washington never lived in the White House—it wasn’t finished until after his presidency.
📌 William Henry Harrison gave the longest inauguration speech (over two hours!) and then died 32 days later. Lesson: Wear a coat in bad weather.
📌 James Madison was the shortest U.S. president at 5’4”. (He probably needed a little extra boost to stand at the podium.)
📌 John Adams and Thomas Jefferson both died on July 4, 1826—exactly 50 years after the signing of the Declaration of Independence.
📌 Teddy Roosevelt was shot in the chest while giving a speech—and continued speaking for another 90 minutes before seeking medical attention. That’s tough.

At its core, Presidents Day is about honoring the individuals who have shaped the history of the United States. Whether you admire their policies, their resilience, or just their ability to look dignified in old-timey portraits, this holiday is a chance to reflect on leadership, democracy, and history.

And yes, it’s also about sales. But hey—if Washington and Lincoln were around today, they’d probably be flattered that their legacy is helping you get 50% off a recliner.

Happy Presidents Day!

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