– picture courtesy of wallpaperholidays.com
Today in the provinces of Ontario, Saskatchewan, and Alberta there is a holiday called, “Family Day”. This rather new holiday falls on the third Monday in February. In the province of British Columbia, Family Day is held on the second Monday of February. “Islander Day” is celebrated today in the Province of Prince Edward Island. “Louis Riel Day” is held today in the Province of Manitoba. As for the remaining provinces of Quebec, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, and Newfoundland, there is nothing. Well, there is something; it’s called, “Oh no, is it really Monday again and we are back to work already?”
In the United States today is, “Presidents’ Day”. A few years ago I had to ask what this actually stands for in terms of celebrating. Is it a day like Mother’s Day where we send the President a greeting card (*biggest grin I can muster*)? Well, no, it is actually the celebration of Washington’s birthday; the first President of the United States. Why then, is it called, “Presidents’ Day” connoting more than one President? Was Washington more that what one assumed? No, it was President Abraham Lincoln’s birthday on February 12th. But wait, it gets even better than that! Washington’s actual birth date was February 22nd! Oh, and let’s really add some birthday cake confusion to the mix: In the state of Indiana, December 24th is a state holiday called, “Washington’s Birthday”.
– picture courtesy of happydayquotes.com
Confused yet? I sure am. I can’t imagine how President Washington would feel knowing he was getting twice as old in the state of Indiana each year! *grin*
Ah, the antiquated preponderance of such ‘states’ of confusion, as it were. I have a splendid suggestion. Why don’t we have a brand new shiny holiday for everyone in Canada, the US, ah, let’s add the planet and call it, “Appreciation Day”. We can hereby have an official day of acknowledging that which we are so in appreciation of, and grateful for in our lives. No land of confusion here, folks, just good ‘ol fashioned thank you. Now, where did I put my Presidents’ Day coupons for Macy’s? I think they must be tucked inside my Family Day card. Ah yes, there they are, and I sure do appreciate it! 🙂
– picture courtesy of thethingswesay.com
Have a wonderful day wherever you are!!!
The Chicago Files 
Merci my dear! Cher xo
LikeLike
There was a time actually when Washington’s and Lincoln’s birthdays were celebrated separately, both, however, were celebrated on a Monday to provide a 3 day weekend. I think “they” consolidated them at some point for some reason. It is quite confusing. I like Family day, let’s just say #famday lol
LikeLiked by 1 person
Well thank you for the information! As a Canadian I did not know that! I like Family Day, too! LOL Cher xo
LikeLiked by 1 person
In Australia we celebrate the Queen’s Birthday with a long weekend which happens to be about a month after her actual birthday. Perhaps we are actually having a holiday for someone else’s queen?
LikeLiked by 1 person
LOL Well that is indeed a curiosity, isn’t it? Now whose queen could it be if it’s not (ours)? Cher xo
LikeLike
Of course if we had a vote on it we’d probably choose to take the birthday Princess Mary of Denmark because she’s an Aussie 😀
LikeLiked by 1 person
LOL Oh is she? I didn’t know that! Cher xo
LikeLiked by 1 person
I wish you a happy presidents day and a nice day off!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ah, thank you, Erika! Muchly appreciated! Cher xo
LikeLike
this is such great, valuable and brings important history to remember – Thank you for sharing it!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh thank you so much, Mihran!! I appreciate your kind words! Cher xo
LikeLike