Presidents’ Day is a distinctive American holiday celebrated every year during the month of February. Presidents’ Day is a day set aside to pay tribute to U.S. presidents, especially George Washington, America’s first president. Presidents’ Day falls on the third Monday in February, and in 2025 Presidents’ Day will be celebrated on Monday, February 17.
Let us discuss the history of Presidents’ Day, its celebration, and shopping habits around it.
History of Presidents’ Day
Presidents’ Day started as a birthday holiday for George Washington. George Washington was born on February 22, 1732, and he was the first president of the United States.
Washington’s birthday was initially a day to pay tribute to him.
In 1752, the U.S. calendar switched from the Julian calendar to the Gregorian calendar. This moved Washington’s birthday to February 22 from its original date of February 11. But the holiday was not on that specific date forever.
In 1885, Washington’s Birthday was declared a federal holiday by Congress. It was officially celebrated nationwide. Later, individuals started to celebrate not just Washington but Abraham Lincoln, the 16th president, whose birthday fell on February 12.
In 1971, a law renamed Presidents’ Day to the third Monday in February. This provided people with a long weekend. Although the holiday is technically Washington’s Birthday, most people now consider it Presidents’ Day, which celebrates all U.S. presidents.
Presidents’ Day 2025: A Special Year
Presidents’ Day is special in 2025. This year, President Donald Trump begins his second term.
He was sworn in as the 47th president of the United States on January 20, 2025. His new presidency is thrilling and introduces change to many people.
President Trump’s inauguration speech discussed making America a “golden era,” emphasizing growth and togetherness.
This year, Presidents’ Day also falls just ahead of the nation’s 250th birthday. In 2026, the U.S. will mark 250 years after the Declaration of Independence. Presidents’ Day in 2025 will serve to lay the groundwork for that big bash.
How People Celebrate Presidents’ Day
Presidents’ Day is a holiday that provides most individuals with a day off from work or school. Presidents’ Day is part of many schools’ winter break, and it is referred to as the “Presidents Day break” or “midwinter recess.”
While individuals enjoy the additional time off, Americans celebrate Presidents’ Day in other ways. There are parades in some cities, and occasionally there are special events that concentrate on U.S. presidents.
Individuals can go to presidential-related historical sites, such as Mount Vernon, which is George Washington’s residence, or Springfield, where Abraham Lincoln resided.
But this year, most companies and advertisers are focusing on more than just patriotic themes.
They are concentrating on unity and onward progress. Since the new president is at the helm, the holiday will also symbolize a look towards the future of the country.
Presidents’ Day Sales: Shopping Trends in 2025
One of the biggest parts of Presidents’ Day is the big shopping sales. Stores offer fantastic discounts on products, and people like to take advantage of these sales. In 2025, about 67% of Americans will shop during Presidents’ Day sales. This is both in-store shopping and online.
What do people usually buy during Presidents’ Day sales?
Some of the most popular purchases are:
Clothing: Many stores offer discounts on winter clothing and new spring collections.
Electronics: Televisions, computers, phones, and other electronic products are usually bought.
Home Appliances: Major appliances like refrigerators and washing machines are also offered at discounts.
Furniture: Some individuals utilize the offers to purchase furniture such as sofas or dining tables.
But 2025 could be slightly different. Due to inflation and potential tariff hikes, some may opt to purchase second-hand products rather than new ones. Others may seek out local substitutes that may be cheaper.
Another shift this year is the increasing power of younger consumers, particularly Millennials and Gen Z.
These consumers are very concerned about matters such as sustainability, ethics, and patronizing businesses that contribute to society. What this implies is that retailers and brands will be more inclined to push values such as togetherness, contributing to communities, and being green.
The Future: 250th Anniversary and Beyond
Forward to 2026, the United States will mark its 250th birthday, as the Declaration of Independence was signed in 1776. The anniversary is referred to as the “semiquincentennial,” and it will be a big occasion for the nation. It will be a year-long celebration with a “Great American State Fair” and other special events.
The government has proposed building a “National Garden of American Heroes,” where statues of iconic U.S. citizens will be installed.
While this grand anniversary will not arrive until 2026, Presidents’ Day 2025 will serve as a precursor to all the festivities. It will get everyone thinking about how far the nation has travelled and what the future holds.
Conclusion: Looking Ahead to Presidents’ Day
Presidents’ Day has significantly evolved since it was first initiated. What began as a holiday commemorating George Washington has evolved into a day when all U.S. presidents are honored.
Over time, it has developed into a symbol of respect for the nation’s leadership, history, and accomplishments.
In 2025, Presidents’ Day will be honoring not only the U.S. presidents but also the new era that is being ushered in by President Trump. The holiday will remind the nation as well of the country’s upcoming 250th anniversary.
Whereas Presidents’ Day will remain a period when individuals will rest and reflect, it will also be a period to shop for bargains. With younger generations increasingly participating in the direction of consumer trends, the holiday will change even more so in the future. Regardless of how it is commemorated, Presidents’ Day is a significant point in the American calendar.
