Presidents’ Day, officially known as Washington’s Birthday, is celebrated on the third Monday of February. This year, it falls on February 17, 2025. Originally established to honor George Washington’s birthday (February 22), the holiday has become a broader celebration of all U.S. presidents. Thanks to the Uniform Monday Holiday Act of 1968, which aimed to give workers more three-day weekends, the holiday was moved from Washington’s actual birthday to a Monday.
In Michigan, it’s not just about history—it’s about enjoying a long weekend while pondering the legacies of leaders like Washington, Lincoln, and Roosevelt. And yes, it’s also a great excuse to snag some Presidents’ Day sales.
Washington and Lincoln: The OGs of February
Before Presidents’ Day became a catch-all for presidential greatness, February was already a big deal in American history classrooms. George Washington and Abraham Lincoln had birthdays on February 22 and 12, respectively.
Washington wasn’t just the first U.S. president but also a trendsetter for leadership. Meanwhile, Lincoln abolished slavery and held the country together during the Civil War. These two heavyweights inspired what we now know as Presidents’ Day—a day that blends their contributions with those of every other president (even the ones you might not remember from your high school history class).
Why Mondays? Blame Congress
If you’ve ever wondered why Presidents’ Day doesn’t land on February 22 anymore, you can thank Congress. In 1971, they decided that federal holidays should be more “weekend-friendly.” The Uniform Monday Holiday Act moved several holidays—including Washington’s Birthday—to Mondays.
This change wasn’t just about convenience but also about boosting retail sales and travel. So, while you’re enjoying your three-day weekend in Livonia, remember that this holiday is as much about economic strategy as it is about history.
What’s Open and Closed in Livonia?
Presidents’ Day is a federal holiday, which means some things shut down while others keep rolling along:
- Closed: Federal offices (like post offices) and many banks take the day off.
- Open: Most private businesses and retail stores stay open—so yes, you can still grab that coffee or hit up those holiday sales at Laurel Park Place.
- Schools: Some schools close for the day, but it varies by district—check with Livonia Public Schools if you’re unsure.
Public transportation often operates on a reduced schedule, so double-check if you plan to hop on a bus or train that day.
Livonia’s Take on Presidents’ Day
While Livonia doesn’t host any grand parades or fireworks for Presidents’ Day (we’ll leave that to D.C.), there are plenty of ways to mark the occasion locally:
- Visit Greenmead Historical Park: Dive into history by exploring Livonia’s own past at this charming park full of historic buildings and artifacts. It’s not presidential history, but hey—history is history!
- Library Time: The Livonia Public Library might have special displays or books about U.S. presidents. It’s a low-key way to learn something new without leaving town.
- Retail Therapy: Many stores offer Presidents’ Day discounts—perfect for scoring deals without trekking too far from home.
Fun Facts to Impress Your Friends
- Washington Wasn’t Born on February 22 (Technically): His original birthday was February 11 under the Julian calendar used at the time of his birth. When Britain adopted the Gregorian calendar in 1752, his birthday shifted to February 22.
- Lincoln Didn’t Get His Own Holiday: Despite his monumental achievements, Lincoln never got a federal holiday in his honor—his birthday celebrations were mostly state-level affairs until they got lumped into Presidents’ Day.
- The Name Debate: Federally, it’s still called “Washington’s Birthday,” but most states—including Michigan—refer to it as Presidents’ Day.
Presidents We Don’t Talk About Enough
Sure, Washington and Lincoln get all the glory—but what about some of the lesser-known presidents? Take Millard Fillmore (13th president), who installed the first bathtub in the White House (allegedly). Or Rutherford B. Hayes (19th president), who oversaw the first telephone installation there! While these tidbits might not make them Mount Rushmore material, they add some quirky flavor to presidential lore.
A Holiday for Reflection—and Discounts
For Livonians, Presidents’ Day is more than just a day off—it’s an opportunity to reflect on leadership while taking advantage of those sweet retail deals (looking at you, furniture stores). Whether you’re diving into history or just enjoying an extra-long weekend with family and friends, this holiday offers something for everyone—even if it doesn’t come with fireworks or turkey dinners.
Sources: timeanddate.com, livemint.com, almanac.com
Header Image Source: Brandon Day on Unsplash
