The history of how Presidents’ Day came to be and how it evolved into a celebration of multiple past presidents is quite interesting. Washington himself was not one to celebrate his birthday, but he didn’t discourage presidential birthday festivities. He thought having a cause for celebration was vital to help unify the new country. Americans continued to celebrate his birthday even after he died in 1799. In 1879, Washington’s birthday became a national holiday. In February of 1896, the US Senate honored him by selecting one of its members to read his farewell address, a tradition that continues to this day.Â
In 1971, the Uniform Monday Holiday Act moved the celebration of Washington’s Birthday to the third Monday of February, creating a federally-recognized three-day weekend. As a result, some states began to celebrate both George Washington and Abraham Lincoln (whose birthday was also in February) on this day. The holiday became known as Presidents’ Day, as many states chose to honor multiple presidents. However, in addition to recognizing the federal holiday, some states celebrate this holiday on different dates.Â
Since 1979, Indiana has celebrated Washington’s and Lincoln’s birthdays near Christmas and Thanksgiving, respectively. In Indiana, Washington’s Birthday is celebrated on Christmas Eve. It is somewhat fitting that since Lincoln established Thanksgiving as a national holiday, Indiana celebrates Lincoln’s birthday the day after Thanksgiving.
No matter when it is celebrated, Presidents’ Day and other days that recognize specific presidents help us recognize the powerful influence of these men on the United States. As our first president and as a believer, George Washington helped shape our nation and set a godly example for future presidents. Presidents’ Day is the perfect time to learn more about our country’s history as well as our civic responsibilities today. To help you celebrate, below is a list of Presidents’ Day resources for your family that are both fun and educational. At the end of the day, wrap up your celebration with prayer for our country and gratitude for the example set by George Washington.
Activities and Crafts Â
Do your kids love crafts, word puzzles, and other activities? Use these to teach them about Presidents’ Day in a fun and engaging way.Â
- George Washington Paper Plate Craft (kindergartenworksheetsandgames.com)Â Â
- 9 Playful Presidents Day Activities For Family School – Layers of Learning (layers-of-learning.com)Â Â
- President’s Day Word Scramble – LovingHomeschool.com Â
Recipes Â
If your Presidents’ Day festivities have made you hungry, try these fun recipes, including hilarious pancakes shaped like George Washington’s face! Â
- President’s Day Cookies for Kids – George Washington & Abraham Lincoln (survivingateacherssalary.com)Â Â
- Gluten Free & Allergy Friendly: Lunch Made Easy: Happy Presidents’ Day! (keeleymcguire.blogspot.com)Â Â
- Presidents Day George Washington Pancakes – Kitchen Fun With My 3 Sons Â
Virtual Tours Â
Take a virtual field trip! You can explore the White House and George Washington’s home, Mount Vernon. Â
- Tour the White House in 360 Degrees – White House Historical Association (whitehousehistory.org)Â Â
- Mount Vernon Â
Books and Videos Â
This list includes videos with fun facts about Presidents’ Day and books for many different reading levels, including some historical fiction. Â
- 12 Unexpected Books for Presidents’ Day – Sonlight Homeschooling Blog Â
- Presidents Day Facts for Kids Â
- George Washington? Abraham Lincoln? Presidents Day Facts for Kids
Sophie Royer is an IAHE intern. She has been homeschooled her whole life and is now in her junior year. She likes that homeschooling gives her the ability to adapt her school schedule to let her pursue her interests, which include theater, singing, arts and crafts, and gaming. When she’s not doing schoolwork, you will probably find her volunteering at her local theater, singing in a choir, watching YouTube videos, or snuggling her adorable elderly cat.