Ah, Presidents’ Day. That glorious third Monday in February, when the federal government takes a breather, schools may or may not close, and mattress sales hit their peak. But what’s the deal with this holiday? For Encinitas locals, it’s a perfect excuse to debate history over a latte at Pannikin or stroll along Moonlight Beach. Let’s unpack this uniquely American celebration with a dose of wit and a dash of local flair.
Washington’s Birthday: The Original Party
Before we dive into the modern-day confusion, let’s rewind to 1885. Back then, Congress decided George Washington deserved his own holiday for being, well, George Washington—the first president and the guy who could never tell a lie (except maybe about that cherry tree). His birthday, February 22, became a federal holiday. Simple enough, right?
But then came the 1960s, an era of bell-bottoms and bureaucratic tinkering. Congress passed the Uniform Monday Holiday Act in 1968, moving several holidays—including Washington’s Birthday—to Mondays. Why? To give workers more three-day weekends. Because nothing says “honoring our founding fathers” like a long weekend at Disneyland.
Wait, What About Lincoln?
Here’s where things get murky. Abraham Lincoln’s birthday (February 12) was never a federal holiday but was celebrated in some states. When Washington’s Birthday moved to the third Monday in February—often landing between Lincoln’s and Washington’s actual birthdays—people started calling it “Presidents’ Day.” The name stuck, even though Congress never officially changed it. So technically, we’re all wrong when we call it Presidents’ Day. But hey, semantics never stopped anyone from enjoying a day off.
Presidents’ Day: One Holiday to Rule Them All?
Over time, Presidents’ Day morphed into a catch-all celebration of all U.S. presidents—yes, even the ones you forgot existed (looking at you, Millard Fillmore). Retailers jumped on board with sales galore, and schools began teaching kids about leadership and democracy—or at least handing out coloring sheets of Washington crossing the Delaware.
For Encinitas folks, Presidents’ Day is less about historical debates and more about enjoying the perks of living in Southern California. It’s a chance to hit the beach without the weekend crowds or snag deals at local shops along Coast Highway 101.
What’s Open and Closed?
Here’s your cheat sheet for navigating Presidents’ Day in Encinitas:
- Closed: Federal offices, post offices, and most banks will take the day off.
- Open: Retail stores (because capitalism never sleeps), local coffee shops (thankfully), and most private businesses.
- Schools: It depends—check with your district before assuming it’s pajama day for the kids.
- Public Transit: Expect reduced schedules if you plan to take the Coaster or buses.
So yes, you can still grab your favorite burrito from Juanitas or browse books at Encinitas Library—but don’t expect to mail that package or cash that check.
Fun Facts to Impress Your Friends
- George Washington wasn’t born on February 22—at least not originally. He was born on February 11 under the Julian calendar. When Britain switched to the Gregorian calendar in 1752, his birthday shifted to February 22. Time zones are confusing enough; imagine juggling two calendars.
- The holiday isn’t universally called Presidents’ Day. Some states still call it Washington’s Birthday, while others celebrate Lincoln separately. California? We’re all-in on Presidents’ Day.
- The idea of combining Washington and Lincoln into one holiday wasn’t just about convenience—it also made room for Martin Luther King Jr. Day on the federal calendar without adding an extra day off.
How to Celebrate Like an Encinitas Local
Forget stuffy parades or reenactments—this is Encinitas. Here are some ways to make Presidents’ Day your own:
- Beach Walks With History: Stroll along Swami’s Beach while pondering how presidents like Teddy Roosevelt championed conservation efforts.
- Coffee and Contemplation: Sip an Americano at Lofty Coffee while debating which president had the best facial hair (spoiler: it’s probably Lincoln).
- Retail Therapy: Hit up local boutiques for some Presidents’ Day sales—you know Washington would approve of frugality.
- DIY History Lesson: Teach your kids about democracy by letting them vote on dinner options (spoiler: pizza always wins).
- Cherry Pie Bake-Off: Honor Washington’s mythical cherry tree incident by whipping up a pie—or just buy one from Betty’s Pie Whole Saloon.
A Holiday Worth Celebrating
Presidents’ Day may have started as Washington’s Birthday, but it has evolved into something broader—a day to reflect on leadership while enjoying an extra-long weekend. Whether you’re hitting the beach or diving into history books, take a moment to appreciate how far we’ve come as a nation—and how lucky we are to live in sunny Encinitas while doing it!
Sources: timeanddate.com, livemint.com, almanac.com
Header Image Source: Sonder Quest on Unsplash
