Christmas is both a religious holiday as well as a secular and federal holiday celebrated every December 25. Secular traditions include decorated Christmas trees, colorful light displays, Santa Claus (aka St. Nicolas or St. Nick), gift exchanges, family gatherings, sumptuous feasts and cookies, Christmas movies, Winter … [Read more...] about What is the meaning of Christmas?
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New Years celebrations and traditions
Today, many people around the world celebrate New Year's Eve every December 31 and New Year's Day on January 1. The date January 1 comes from traditions in the Roman empire. The solar calendar first month (January) honored Janus, the god of beginnings. As the saying goes, every day is essentially the start of a new … [Read more...] about New Years celebrations and traditions
When is Columbus Day (aka Indigenous Peoples Day)?
Columbus Day is recognized as a Federal Holiday on the second Monday in October. However, across the country there are variations on this holiday. Washington State does not recognize Columbus Day as a legal holiday for state government employees. Some cities and counties in Washington officially recognize … [Read more...] about When is Columbus Day (aka Indigenous Peoples Day)?
What is the meaning of Thanksgiving Day?
Thanksgiving Day is a federal holiday always celebrated on the fourth Thursday in November. It is a day for gathering with friends and family, giving thanks, traditional roast turkey dinners, and professional football games on television. Thanksgiving Day background The national holiday is inspired by a gathering in … [Read more...] about What is the meaning of Thanksgiving Day?
When is Veterans Day and why do we celebrate it?
Veterans Day is a federal holiday celebrated every year on November 11, a date that goes back to World War I (WWI). What is Veteran's Day about? Known as “The Great War,” World War I (WWI) began in July 1914 and officially ended when the Treaty of Versailles was signed in France on June 28, 1919. However, seven … [Read more...] about When is Veterans Day and why do we celebrate it?
When is Labor Day and why do we celebrate it?
Labor Day is a federal holiday celebrated every year on the first Monday in September to recognize workers who contribute to the prosperity of our country. What is Labor Day about? The first Labor Day holiday was celebrated on Tuesday, September 5, 1882 in New York City as proposed by the Central Labor Union. … [Read more...] about When is Labor Day and why do we celebrate it?
Where to see July 4th fireworks in the Seattle-Tacoma metro area
Here’s our list of where to see free public fireworks show in the Seattle-Tacoma metro area and other cities and communities around the Puget Sound region. At the end of the list of fireworks shows, we offer tips for photographing fireworks. And, if you are planning a private show, we offer links to fireworks … [Read more...] about Where to see July 4th fireworks in the Seattle-Tacoma metro area
Juneteenth National Independence Day in the Seattle-Tacoma area
Juneteenth commemorates the day slavery ended in the United States. It is honored every year on June 19 with a variety of community events. Listed below is a description of some of the major annual events followed by a calendar of Juneteenth events happening in the Seattle-Metro area and across the Puget Sound … [Read more...] about Juneteenth National Independence Day in the Seattle-Tacoma area
Military freebies and deals for Memorial Day Weekend
Retailers and restaurants offer many discounts and freebies over the Memorial Day weekend. So, we’ve gathered them together in a list below. Most of these deals are only for military personnel or veterans, but some are available to anyone. Still others aren’t specifically for Memorial Day and many are available … [Read more...] about Military freebies and deals for Memorial Day Weekend
Memorial Day Weekend events
Memorial Day is a National holiday observed annually on the last Monday in May. The holiday honors men and women who have died while serving in the U.S. military. To observe Memorial Day, many military cemeteries and war memorials hold commemorative events to honor and remember those who gave the ultimate sacrifice for … [Read more...] about Memorial Day Weekend events
President’s Day: history and things to do
George Washington’s birthday is the official federal holiday celebrated on the third Monday in February. Many of us know it as President's Day, Presidents Day, or Presidents' Day. All are correct. Well, all of them are wrong. The official Federal name for the holiday is Washington's Birthday, which is actually … [Read more...] about President’s Day: history and things to do
Martin Luther King Jr federal holiday
The Birthday of Martin Luther King is a U.S. federal holiday celebrated on the third Monday of January. The Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. is the only non-president to have a national holiday dedicated in his honor. Born January 15, 1929, King was assassinated on April 4, 1968 at the age of 39. In 2024, … [Read more...] about Martin Luther King Jr federal holiday
List of Holidays (by month) for 2024
Besides Federal government and Washington State employee holidays there are many other holidays, observances, and special events that occur throughout the year. Popular holidays are often recognized in communities by celebrations such as festivals, parades, shopping discounts, and other revelry. In the lists below, we … [Read more...] about List of Holidays (by month) for 2024
Federal holidays 2024: What’s closed and open
United States laws currently establish eleven public holidays for Federal employees. Since most Federal employees work a Monday through Friday schedule, when a holiday falls on the weekend, the holiday usually is observed on Friday (if the holiday falls on Saturday) or Monday (if the holiday falls on Sunday). List of … [Read more...] about Federal holidays 2024: What’s closed and open
