Taking time off from work on Labor Day
Labor Day is always celebrated on the first Monday of September. Today many Americans see Labor Day as time off from work, an opportunity to enjoy a barbecue with friends and family and a final moment of summertime relaxation before the fall season begins.
Of course, the history behind this celebration is much more complex. The idea of Labor Day emerged in the late 19th century out of the organized labor movements. In September 1882, unions in New York decided to throw a parade to celebrate workers and to win support and recognition for their contributions.
The windows and roofs and even the lamp posts and awning frames were occupied by persons anxious to get a good view of the first parade in New York of workingmen of all trades united in one organization. (The New York Tribune)
Even though workers had to give up a day’s pay to attend, more than 20,000 people showed up to this parade of historic proportions. In 1894, 12 years after the first labor parade in New York, President Grover Cleveland signed an act establishing Labor Day as a federal holiday.
Sit back, relax and celebrate Labor Day
Still, the original spirit of honoring the work force remains, and Labor Day is a paid holiday for most American workers. According to the U.S. Travel Association, more than half of all working Americans don’t use all of their paid vacation days. In a country that works so much, having a day off is an ideal way to celebrate and recharge for the fall.
Overwhelmed with work, we might forget how young we are (or feel) and how to have fun in the most sincere manner possible, just like kids do. It’s probably time to cut something out and paste something else back in. How we spend that (little) spare time we have is the key to feeling alive. So let’s just focus on all the things (big and small) that we like, that make us enthusiastic, that bring us pleasure. All those childhood resources we’ve got there inside our hearts, let’s remember and reuse them to become loveable to others, connect, create meaningful relationships, and catch up with our hobbies. And leave room for love. Life is too short to spend it only working.
Have a weekend break to remember. Invest in your free time as much as you invest in your work! And in case you need us with your chit-chats, we are here, offering you the best deals, just like you deserve.
