Labor Day is the first Monday in September and an American holiday! It is supposed to be a national tribute to the contributions and achievements of American workers made to this country. It was established abut one hundred twenty years ago. It usually signaled the end of summer and children return to school. The last weekend to get away or relax before school starts. What does Labor Day mean to you?
Interesting when unions are getting smaller and less influential, we celebrate their impact on the country. I think in most cases, there Labor Day in most cities may have a parade or some other public display of celebration. In many parts of the country, it may be an excuse to get together with friends and family to barbecue, visit the beach, attend a baseball game or some other outdoor activity. It is also a huge retailing sales event! It is a great time to buy a car, summer clothes or even school supplies.
It is a national or federal holiday for many, except for retailing! It is a holiday that honors labor, but many are working. For most of us, Labor Day is just the end of summer, a long weekend or excuse for sales. For those of you who consider shopping as an avocation, you can celebrate because there are plenty to attract you to the mall. Be careful to buy only what you need because it is only a bargain if it satisfies a need! Often these sales start before Labor Day and continue after, so there is no urgency.
If the Labor Day sales just draws you in to spend more than have or earn, do not go! For too many, sales of any kind are an Olympic event. Sales draw crowds and shoppers that is why retail stores use these opportunities to mark down things and lure customers to their business. We are a consumer society and it helps the economy! Maybe Labor Day sales actually honor the worker because products are sold that are made by workers. It is different now because many, if not most of these are made overseas.
Final thoughts
Enjoy the last weekend of summer no matter what you do. You may barbecue, go to the beach, buy a car, take advantage of the sales or just relax. It doesn’t really matter, but don’t let the sales make you overspend. Personally, I try to avoid big sales days because of the crowds. I would spend the day with family and friends enjoying the weekend. How will you spend the Labor Day holiday?
Photo by: Flickr
I hate how it’s the last weekend in summer everywhere but in the South East. I recently moved up north and hate this saying. Then again, in the SE, it’d be beach temperatures until October!
Jay
There are regions of the country that still have summer temperatures such as Los Angeles. When I lived in New York, Labor Day was definitely the end of summer.