Ah, Presidents Day. That glorious third Monday in February when you might be tempted to sleep in, shop for discounted mattresses, or binge-watch your favorite TV show. But before you settle into full relaxation mode, let’s take a moment to explore what this holiday is all about—because it’s more than just a three-day weekend.

Wait, Isn’t It Washington’s Birthday?

Technically, yes. Officially, the federal government still calls it Washington’s Birthday. The holiday was established back in 1885 to honor George Washington, the first U.S. president and the guy who probably wouldn’t have believed his face would end up on both the dollar bill and Mount Rushmore. His actual birthday is February 22, but thanks to the 1968 Uniform Monday Holiday Act (a mouthful of a law designed to give us more long weekends), the celebration was moved to the third Monday of February.

Here’s where it gets interesting: while Congress debated renaming the day to include Abraham Lincoln—whose birthday is February 12—they ultimately decided against it. But retailers and the general public weren’t about to let that stop them. Over time, “Presidents Day” became the unofficial name, and now we use it as a catch-all celebration for all U.S. presidents, from Washington to whoever’s currently in office.

Corona Folks, What’s Open and What’s Not?

If you’re in Corona, California, you need to know that federal offices like the post office will be closed. Banks? Also closed. Schools? Most likely, giving students a day off. But don’t panic—your favorite grocery store will probably still be open, and retail stores will be more than happy to lure you in with Presidents Day sales.

So yes, you can grab that new gadget or piece of furniture at a discount. Just don’t expect to mail your thank-you note until Tuesday.

Fun Presidential Facts You Didn’t Learn in School

Let’s spice things up with some trivia you can casually drop into conversations:

• Did you know Gerald Ford was once a park ranger? Yep, before becoming president, he worked at Yellowstone National Park.
• Theodore Roosevelt has more national parks named after him than any other president. Considering he practically invented modern conservation efforts, that tracks.
• Jimmy Carter was a peanut farmer before diving into politics. Imagine going from peanuts to nuclear disarmament talks!

If you’re feeling adventurous this Presidents Day, consider visiting one of the many national parks dedicated to our past leaders. While California doesn’t have a presidential birthplace park (that honor belongs mostly to states like Virginia and Kentucky), we do have plenty of other historic sites worth checking out.

Why Celebrate Presidents Day Anyway?

Sure, seeing this holiday as just another day off work or school is easy. But take a moment to reflect on its deeper meaning. Presidents like Washington and Lincoln didn’t just hold office—they shaped the nation during its most critical moments. Washington set the standard for leadership when no playbook existed for being president. Lincoln held the country together during its darkest hours and ended slavery.

Even if history isn’t your thing, it’s hard not to appreciate how these leaders influenced everything from democracy to national parks (thanks again, Teddy Roosevelt). So whether you’re barbecuing in your backyard or hiking through one of California’s stunning landscapes, remember that this day is about more than just relaxation—it’s about legacy.

How Corona Can Celebrate

For those looking to do something special in Corona this Presidents Day:

• Host a History Movie Night: Pick films like Lincoln or 1776 for some presidential drama.
• Visit Local Landmarks: While not presidential per se, Corona has its own rich history worth exploring.
• Volunteer: Honor the spirit of service by giving back to your community.

Or hey, just enjoy that extra day off guilt-free—you’ve earned it!

Sources: britannica.com, nationalparks.org, livemint.com
Header Image Source: Jalen Hueser on Unsplash