Celebrating President's Day

Officially President's Day honors George Washington. When the observance was changed from his actual birthday to the third Monday in February, it became known as President's Day. Many observances include Lincoln's birthday which is also in February as part of President's Day.

Many people consider the observance as a three-day weekend, an extra day off work. On holidays such as Independence Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas, we prepare special meals and foods to celebrate the day. On President's Day, we generally have the same food as any other day.

Why not do something different?

You can prepare a meal based on a colonial style meal. There are a number of resources on the Internet where you can find recipes that will fit the theme. You can create a festive atmosphere by hanging red, white, and blue streamers. You could consider having a theme costume party. You can also research games and activities that would have been available during colonial times. Sitting around the fire reading is a good way to pass the day with your family.

Of course, one of America's favorite meals is the cook-out. If you have a barbecue specialist in your family or one of your friends feels they are the best, they may not mind firing up the grill in the cold weather and possibly snow.

Do not limit yourself to the foods you can prepare. Good, hearty American fare such as a beef roast or a pork roast with vegetables is a good way to celebrate the day. In fact, you can prepare you roast ahead of time and serve it buffet style.

Since President's Day is observed in the winter, you may consider other hearty fare such as a beef stew, vegetable soup, chicken and dumplings, roasted chicken with vegetables, and a nice Virginia ham.

Make this President's Day different from the way you usually celebrate it. Have fun with family and friends.