Celebrate Everyday

Can you really flash a group of 70 tourists

with cameras

at the Lincoln Memorial?

Our little buddy David did.

It's President's Day.

Over time, as with many federal holidays,

few Americans actually celebrate Presidents Day,

and it is mainly known as a day off from school or

work (except my husband).

We are still in our p.j.'s and it is 11:00am.

It is time to head out for some President's Day celebration

fun with the kids.

Nope we are not going shopping,

join me, Mrs. La-Cheap-a for the day

by celebrating around your

home or out in town by doing things with little expense.

Here are a few steps for those near and far

to help make the holiday more meaningful

(if you have the will and energy).

Celebrate Washington’s Birthday

Step1

Bake a cherry pie. Or just eat one.

Washington may not ever have chopped down that cherry tree,

but why waste a good story—and a chance to eat great pie?

Step2

Attend the Birthnight Ball in Alexandria, Va..

In British tradition, the birthday of the ruling monarch

was celebrated with a ball.

After the Revolution, George Washington’s birthday

was celebrated with a Birthnight Ball for several years,

and the tradition lives on in Alexandria's Gadsby's Tavern Museum,

with costumed actors, a period-inspired meal, and

18th-century-style dancing in the historic ballroom.

It's on my wish list for next year.

Step3

For all the Texans out there,

celebrate at the oldest and largest

Washington Birthday Celebration in the world.

It’s held for a whole month each year in Laredo, Texas.

Step4

Learn to dance a Virginia line dance.

Celebrate Lincoln’s Birthday

Step1

Read the Gettysburg Address

in the quiet of your home

or volunteer to read the Gettysburg Address at a celebration.

Then read more of Lincoln’s writing.

Lincoln was a powerful writer and orator.

Step2

Come visit us so you can visit the

Lincoln Memorial and Ford’s Theater in Washington, D.C.

Take a tour of the Capitol and visit some of the other sites

associated with Abraham Lincoln.

Step3

Visit a Civil War battlefield.

Gettysburg is the most well-known (i haven't been yet, but would love to go),

but there are many other national monuments

that honor the soldiers who died during the Civil War.

Step4

Make a Lincoln penny pendant.

Wear it to celebrate Lincoln’s birthday.

Celebrate Presidents Day

Step1

Hold a Presidents Day coloring contest at work or for family night.

Award prizes to the winners.

Step2

Browse the virtual museum or view the video archives at

C-SPAN’s "American Presidents" series at the American Presidents Web site.

Step3

Read the inaugural addresses of all the presidents. Or check out the virtual White House.

Step4

Hold a "Favorite Presidents Election" at home for family night or at work.

What did you do on President's Day?