All About Labor Day

For citizens of the United States and Canada, Labor Day signifies the ending of summer and school starting back up again for the year. But did you know that it was established because labor activists pushed for a national holiday to celebrate and recognize their hard work? Labor Day weekend in today’s era is a fun way to celebrate each other and enjoy an extra day off from work while going to family barbecues and spending time with one another.

When is Labor Day this year?

Every year, Labor Day is on the first Monday of September, which means this year it falls on Monday, September 5, 2022. What’s great about the timing of Labor Day is that the weather isn’t too hot, and the busyness of summer is winding down.

What is the historical meaning behind Labor Day?

Labor Day was established as a federal holiday in 1894 after many states were already recognizing it as a day to honor the achievements made by the American workers. The meaning of Labor Day stems from the significant impact that American labor workers had on the economy back in the 19^th century, which raised the standard of living tremendously. If it wasn’t for the American labor activists and the impact they had on the birth of this holiday, the United States might not have gained as much strength, freedom, or sense of leadership as they did back in those times. The history of Labor Day is a very important aspect of our nation because it signifies a time where the American people began fighting for what they believed was right to make a change.

What are some significant facts about Labor Day?

Since Labor Day has been around for a few hundred years, here are some facts that give great historical meaning to the important holiday:

1. Have you ever asked yourself “why can’t I wear white after Labor Day” and wondered where that saying came from? This expression has been said to be the result of the upper class coming home after their vacations and putting all their light-colored and white summer clothing away for the colder weather. Of course, there is no rule saying you cannot wear white after Labor Day, but considering the weather gets colder post-holiday weekend and white signifies warmer weather, people tend not to wear it in the fall months.
2. Back in the 19^th century, American workers worked 12-hour days, seven days per week due to the advancements of the Industrial Revolution. This day was very much deserved for them to celebrate, relax, and enjoy their families, especially after the long and scorching summer days.
3. Labor Day is celebrated similarly to how the workers celebrated back in the late 1800s. They celebrated their day off with picnics, fireworks, barbecues, parades, and large gatherings, which is how Americans today normally honor Labor Day.
4. Labor Day signifies the unofficial end of summer, as it marks the end of the social summer season. Children go back to school and summer vacations end.

What do people do on Labor Day?

Depending on the weather, there is a broad range of activities people do on Labor Day. If the sun is out and it’s hot, people can relax at the beach, lake, or by the pool. Since it’s also a long weekend, people have barbecues and cookouts all weekend and go to parades and celebrations for Labor Day. Ice cream and other places to get sweet treats like candy stores are a popular outing, since a lot of these places are seasonal and will be closing soon. A lot of businesses will be closed for Labor Day, but restaurants, retail stores, and some other types of businesses stay open for guests to enjoy the last few weeks of summer and to be with family and friends.

Fun Activities to Do on Labor Day

Some more ideas for Labor Day activities include going on a road trip to visit family or friends, finding a new camping spot, and inviting the neighbors, friends, and family for a cookout to celebrate. Labor Day is a wonderful time to attend a local sports game, and root for your favorite teams across the country. Of course, there are going to be parades, fireworks, concerts, and other types of community events happening on Labor Day and the few days beforehand, so be sure to check your town’s website or the local news for other Labor Day events.

Labor Day Tips

Depending on where you live or where you will be on Labor Day, there are some things you want to be prepared for. Here are some tips to make the most out of your Labor Day weekend:

• Check the weather: Make sure that you check the weather for wherever you will be on Labor Day and pack accordingly. If you will be at an outdoor event or place such as the beach or pool, be sure to have a backup plan if it rains or is too cold. Packing extra clothing if it’s cold and bringing entertainment for children if your outdoor activity gets rained out can be helpful. If the weather is hot, bring sunblock, hats, and remember to stay hydrated throughout the day. If you are having a cookout and want to supply shade to your guests, tents, and canopies are a great way to cool down and avoid the sun while still enjoying the company of others. When nighttime arrives, be sure to stock up on bug spray so you can continue the party outside without the nuisance of mosquitos flying around.
• Check traffic reports: If you’re traveling to or from a busy tourist area, always check for traffic reports and plan your travels accordingly to avoid getting delayed or stuck in traffic. Try to begin your journey during a time where traffic is low to maximize your time with friends and family.
• Make lists: If you’re having a cookout or a gathering of any kind, list out all the supplies you might need such as food, utensils, plates, and decorations as well as the stores you need to purchase them from.
• Call ahead: If you are planning to go out to a restaurant, to play mini golf, or go to the town pool, be sure to call ahead and see what the wait time is, or how crowded the place is first. If you live or are in a vacation town, activities could be very busy during specific times. Calling ahead or looking online to see when the place you want to go is most busy during the day can help avoid long lines and waiting. Being patient with people working during Labor Day is also a great tip because not everyone has the day off.

Happy Labor Day

W.B. Mason would like to wish everyone a happy and safe Labor Day weekend and would like to thank the workforce for everything they do all year round. We appreciate and acknowledge everyone, especially those on the W.B. Mason team that assist in serving our customers in all aspects, industries, and fields in our many locations across the country. From customer support, delivery, sales, and everyone in between, your hard work does not go unnoticed.