Happy Presidents' Day?????

So it's Presidents' Day weekend.  While you won't hear me complain about having a day off work, I'm just not sure what this holiday is all about.

When I was a kid, we drew pictures of log cabins and tall men with beards for Lincoln's birthday.  Our finger paintings were barely dry when we shifted to the young Washington chopping down a cherry tree. Two bank holidays within days of each other undoubtedly made for a bit of a stop and start work flow, so someone got the bright idea to combine them.

Should I feel cheated?  We have one holiday less on our calendars and our holiday tally is already a bit sparse compared to some countries.   By law, Europeans get a minimum four week vacation -- many take the month of August off -- yes, the month -- and get a lengthy Christmas vacation as well.  You have to work at many American companies for years to accrue that much time off. 

But that's another rant.  Back to the holiday at hand.

So it's one day.  Fine. Live with it.  But is it Lincoln and Washington we celebrate or is it all presidents?  And how exactly are we to celebrate?  When someone says "Happy Presidents' Day" I feel like there should be balloons and confetti -- maybe a small red, white and blue gift of some kind.  There are no traditions to generate the "happy" part.  

Perhaps we could initiate a  national pilgrimage to Mt. Rushmore where we contemplate what democracy actually means.  Sounds a tad too PBS though.  Add a concert, a brutal competitive sport, scantily clad cheerleaders, a barbecue and beer to broaden the appeal  and we may be onto something. 

Meanwhile, until we can pull it off, go shopping.  Whether you're a president, a veteran or a descendant of St. Patrick, it's how we celebrate most holidays anyway.  Get out there and buy something.