Presidents' Day in the United States is a federal holiday celebrated on the third Monday in February. It was originally established in 1885 to honor George Washington, whose birthday was on February 22, and it is still officially called “Washington’s Birthday” by the federal government.

History:

• Early Observance: The tradition of celebrating George Washington's birthday dates back to the late 18th century while he was still alive.
• Uniform Monday Holiday Act: In 1968, Congress passed this act, which took effect in 1971, moving the celebration of Washington's birthday from February 22 to the third Monday in February.
• Shift in Focus: Over time, the day has come to honor not only Washington but also Abraham Lincoln (whose birthday is February 12) and other presidents.

Traditions:

• Educational Events: Schools and communities often use this day to teach about the accomplishments of the presidents, particularly Washington and Lincoln.
• Patriotic Celebrations: Some towns hold parades and other patriotic events.
• Retail Sales: Many businesses take advantage of the holiday to attract shoppers through sales.

Activities:

• Government Closure: Federal and state government offices are closed, as are many schools and businesses.
• Recreational Activities: Many families take advantage of the three-day weekend for short vacations or leisure activities.
• Visits to Historic Sites: Some people visit historical sites related to U.S. presidents, such as Mount Vernon or Lincoln's birthplace.

Overall, Presidents' Day has become a time not only for Americans to celebrate their nation's leaders but also a period for leisure and shopping.