Presidents Day is Really Two Birthdays!
In 2012, Presidents Day is observed on February 20. Many children only think of this holiday as a time to be off from school, but they do not realize that Presidents Day is a birthday celebration too!
In the 1880’s the United States government created a holiday to memorialize the first president of the United States, George Washington. The holiday was celebrated on the date of his birth, February 22. In many states, Abraham Lincoln’s birthday was celebrated on February 12 as well. In 1971, a bill went into effect to always observe Washington’s birth on the third Monday in February. Many people wanted to include a remembrance of Lincoln in the holiday as well, calling the holiday Presidents Day, but that measure failed. On federal calendars this day is still recorded as Washington’s Birthday, but most of the nation now calls the holiday Presidents Day.
Parents and teachers might be interested in teaching children about the origins of this holiday. Although school might not be in session for the actual holiday, the Friday before or the Tuesday after Presidents Day would be a wonderful time for a Presidents Day party. This party would include fun and interesting learning experiences about two important Presidents who have led the nation.
Reading good books about Washington and Lincoln will help elementary school aged children learn more about these important men. George Washington’s Mother and George Washington’s Breakfast written by Jean Fritz inform children of some little-known details of George Washington’s life in an entertaining style. Abe Lincoln’s Hat by Martha Brenner and Just a Few Words, Mr. Lincoln by Jean Fritz are two books that make Abraham Lincoln come to life for children. Older children might be interested in reading some of the speeches given by these two presidents. Washington’s farewell address speaks of the importance of preserving the unity of the nation. This issue was still a problem in Lincoln’s time, years later. Of course, no study of Lincoln is complete without the reading of the Gettysburg Address.
Making interesting crafts will also help children remember key parts of the lives of these two presidents. Creating a Washington-style powdered wig out of a painter’s cap and cotton balls [http://crafts.kaboose.com/powdered-wig.html] and a Lincoln-style log cabin from a milk carton and pretzel sticks will be easy and fun ways for children to enjoy their party.
No party is complete without food. Red, white, and blue should be the order of the day.. One could also serve cherry pie to bring to mind the old legend about Washington’s chopping down his father’s cherry tree. Serving some favorite dishes of other presidents [http://www.foodtimeline.org/presidents.html] would also help children learn trivial facts about other presidents.
By creating a party for Presidents Day, children will learn the true origins of this interesting holiday. By making the celebration into a fun party, children will remember two important men who made the United States a great nation.
