All About Presidents Day: A Fun Guide for Kids (and Parents!)
All About Presidents Day: A Fun Guide for Kids (and Parents!)
Hey families! Presidents Day is coming up and if your kids have been asking “Why do we even have a day for presidents?” you’re in luck. Here’s the lowdown; history, fun facts, why this day actually matters, and yes, a little humor too. (You know I love this stuff!)
What’s Presidents Day Anyway?
Presidents Day is a holiday that celebrates all the presidents. Sure, we usually think of George Washington and Abraham Lincoln because their birthdays are in February but really, it’s a day to honor the office of the presidency and all the leaders who have shaped our country. Think of it as a “presidents hall of fame” day; minus the medals and giant statues in your living room.
When Did We Start Celebrating and Why?
We started with Washington’s Birthday in the 1800s to honor George Washington because he helped create the United States. Later Lincoln got added because he helped hold the country together during the Civil War. In 1971, the holiday was moved to the third Monday in February to give everyone a long weekend and now we use it to honor all presidents; not just Washington and Lincoln. Celebrate those Aquarians!/Pisces!
A Quick History Lesson (But Fun, Promise!)
The holiday started out to honor George Washington our first president. People began celebrating it in the 1800s shortly after his death in 1799 because he was such an important figure in creating the United States. Later, Abraham Lincoln’s birthday on February 12 got added because he helped keep the country together during the Civil War.
In 1971 the government moved the holiday to the third Monday in February. Why? To give everyone a long weekend! Because nothing says “let’s remember history” like a little extra sleep and maybe pancakes for breakfast.
Why Do We Celebrate It?
Now....Presidents Day today celebrates all U.S. presidents, not just George Washington and Abraham Lincoln. Presidents Day is a chance to remember the contributions of our nation’s leaders and think about values like honesty, courage and service. And let’s be real; it’s also a great excuse to talk about history with your kids without putting them to sleep. Families often turn it into a fun learning day; reading biographies, watching kid-friendly history videos or even making crafts about the White House.
Fun Facts for Kids (and Parents Who Want to Look Smart)
- George Washington never lived in the White House!
- Abraham Lincoln was really tall; 6 feet 4 inches. That’s taller than most doorways!
- Presidents Day isn’t just history; stores have sales too. But hey, learning about history is cooler than a new pair of sneakers right?
- Some states used to celebrate only Washington or Lincoln but, now it’s a day for all presidents.
- Washington was the 1st president of the United States.
- Abraham Lincoln was the 16th President of the United States.
- As of today, there have been, there have been 46 presidencies. (But only 45 people because one guy, Grover Cleveland, was president two times! Lincoln was number 16 and Trump was number 45)
- George Washington served 2 terms.
- Abraham Lincoln was elected for 2 terms but, was assassinated early in his second term.
- Franklin D. Roosevelt served 4 terms. (the only president to serve more than 2)
- Barack Obama, Dwight D. Eisenhower, Thomas Jefferson .... 2 terms each. Trump, I guess, counts as 2 too.
- George Washington’s birthday: February 22, 1732
- Abraham Lincoln’s birthday: February 12, 1809
More FUN STUFF:
George Washington
Fun Facts:
- He was the first President of the United States and served from 1789 to 1797.
- He never lived in the White House; it wasn’t finished until after his presidency.
- He was a general and led the Continental Army to victory in the American Revolutionary War.
Truths and Myths:
- Myth: He had wooden teeth.
Truth: His dentures were made of ivory, gold, and other materials, but not wood.
2. Myth: He chopped down a cherry tree as a child and said, “I cannot tell a lie.”
Truth: This story was made up by a biographer to show his honesty; it’s not actually true.
Abraham Lincoln
Fun Facts:
- He was the 16th President and served from 1861 to 1865.
- He led the country during the Civil War and worked to end slavery in the United States.
- He was very tall; 6 feet 4 inches, making him the tallest president in U.S. history. (Trump a close 2nd at 6'3")
Truths and Myths:
- Myth: He was born in a log cabin and lived there his whole life.
Truth: He was born in a log cabin, but as an adult he lived in towns, cities and finally the White House.
2. Myth: He freed all the slaves by himself.
Truth: The Emancipation Proclamation was issued by Abraham Lincoln on January 1, 1863. . It freed slaves only in certain states; ending slavery completely required the 13th Amendment passed by Congress. (The 13th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, which abolished slavery in all states. It was passed by Congress on January 31, 1865 and ratified by the states on December 6, 1865.)
Ways to Celebrate With Kids
- Make a timeline of all the presidents and mark your favorites. Bonus points if you give them silly nicknames.
- Read a kid-friendly biography of George Washington or Abraham Lincoln.
- Visit a museum or historic site nearby. Nothing like seeing history in real life!
- Do a craft; maybe a paper “Presidential Medal” or decorate a mini White House.
Presidents Day is more than just a day off from school. It’s a chance to connect with history, inspire your kids to learn about leadership and maybe even have a little fun trivia along the way: “Who was the first president? Who freed the slaves?” You might be surprised how much your kids already know or how much they’ll want to learn.
So this February, celebrate, laugh and maybe sneak in a little history lesson while no one’s looking.
