Presidents’ Day is an American holiday celebrated on the third Monday in February. Originally established in 1885 in recognition of President George Washington, it is still officially called “Washington’s Birthday” by the federal government. Traditionally celebrated on February 22 ~ Washington’s actual day of birth ~ the holiday became popularly known as Presidents’ Day after it was moved as part of 1971’s Uniform Monday Holiday Act, an attempt to create more three-day weekends for American workers. While several states still have individual holidays honoring the birthdays of Washington, Abraham Lincoln and other figures, Presidents’ Day is now popularly viewed as a day to celebrate all U.S. presidents past and present.

Things to do with children:

• The United States has had more than 40 presidents. How many can the children name?How many presidents have you had in your own country?
  
• Who has been president during their lifetime? Who has been president during your lifetime?
  
• Take a look at American coins and bills; who are the Presidents pictured on each coin and bill? Show your kids coins and bills from your own country.