Labor Day: The Working Man (& Woman’s) Holiday

August 29th, 2008, 3:14 PM

It may not feel like it just yet, but the arrival of September marks summer’s swan song. Temperatures may still be sizzling, but the calendar nudges us into a new sense of purpose. As the season draws to a close, lazy days at the pool are replaced by back-to-school shopping and preparations for the crisp activities of fall. But that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy one last soiree to bid farewell to summer.

History of Labor Day

Falling on the first Monday of every September, Labor Day has become synonymous with the transition from the dog days of summer into the early days of autumn. First instituted by the Central Labor Union in New York City in 1882, it originated as a day of recognition for blue-collar workers. In 1894, Congress decreed Labor Day to be a federal holiday for all employees.

In its attempts to get the holiday approved, legislators had drawn up a proposal that included the specific ways in which it should be celebrated: a street parade consisting of all labor unions, and a subsequent festival for all of the workers and their families. The modern-day celebrations we take part in today closely mirror the original intentions of those early lobbyists.

In 1909, the American Federation of Labor decreed the Sunday before Labor Day as “Labor Sunday,” intended to observe the social and economic achievements of the labor movement.

There has been some controversy as to who first created the Labor Day holiday. Some attribute the credit to Peter J. McGuire, co-founder of the American Federation of Labor. Others claim it was Matthew Maguire, a machine worker who later served as secretary of the Central Labor Union, who suggested the holiday.

What makes Labor Day so different from other national holidays is that it’s not devoted to any one single person, race, gender, or battle. It’s simply an all-encompassing tribute to all of the country’s workers, spanning all industries, sectors, and classes. Our country would not enjoy the freedoms and strengths it boasts today if it weren’t for the millions of citizens who have devoted their time and effort each day to their trade of choice.

Modern-Day Celebrations

Today, every state in the USA observes Labor Day as a state holiday. Typically, a majority of American families celebrate with cookouts, picnics, parades, and fireworks. The festivities generally stretch through the entire three-day weekend. Many areas also host cultural events, such as public art festivals and music festivals. Water sports are also highly popular activities—Labor Day weekend sees a significant spike in boating, waterskiing, canoeing, and swimming. It’s also a major travel weekend, as many families take advantage of the holiday to enjoy a mini-vacation or visit family.

For football enthusiasts, the Labor Day holiday indicates the swing into football season, as the NFL and NCAA gear up for its pre-season games.

Public events often include appearances by prominent politicians and local celebrities. When it happens to be an election year, Labor Day festivities are more politically motivated, as candidates who are running for office use the opportunity to address potential voters.

Fall into Fashion

For hundreds of years, style etiquette has decreed Labor Day as the cut-off point for wearing white clothing. After the Labor Day weekend, it’s generally considered a fashion faux pas to wear pure white, although “winter white” is acceptable. In recent years, however, this restriction has become less widely observed, as more and more contemporary fashion designers flout the rule by promoting white ensembles well into fall and winter.

International Observances

Labor Day is celebrated in many other countries on May 1st. These international celebrations often include speeches and demonstrations of a more political nature than here in the USA.

Ways to Celebrate Labor Day

  • Throw a block party. What better way to bid goodbye to summer than throwing a street-wide celebration? It’s a fun, easy way to turn passing acquaintances into built-in friends, and to form family connections that will endure for seasons to come. Gauge the neighbors’ interest, and then assign tasks to each participating family.
  • Throw a parade. You can incorporate this with your block party. Set a time for a good old-fashioned parade. It doesn’t have to be particularly elaborate—have the kids decorate their bicycles with red, white, and blue streamers and balloons, deck out a few cars, put on some patriotic music, and send the convoy slowly down the street. To make your parade even more fun, consider including pets, a school marching band, baton twirlers, hula hoop experts, unicycles, cheerleading squads, and more. The only limit to any street parade is the neighborhood’s collective imagination!
  • Let Old Glory wave. Don’t forget to fly the venerable stars and stripes to commemorate this patriotic holiday. Our country’s flag always has a place outside any American home, but it’s especially fitting around Labor Day.
  • Don’t forget the music. No summer party is complete without a soundtrack. For Labor Day, patriotic tunes are fitting. Increase the energy level with such stirring favorites as The Star Spangled Banner, God Bless America, and America the Beautiful.
  • Perfect your swan dive. Most public pools officially close after Labor Day, so take advantage of one last opportunity to get in some splashing and sunbathing. If you have a pool, consider hosting a pool party. Whether you’re relaxing in the backyard with a small, inflatable pool or entertaining guests on the deck of a luxurious, in-ground swimming pool, adding a little water to your Labor Day events can instantly boost the festivity level.

However you choose to spend Labor Day weekend, be sure to obey one rule of thumb: relax! After a long, hot summer, you deserve one last laid-back weekend before the hustle and bustle of fall begins.

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Back-to-School Tips

August 18th, 2008, 3:22 PM

As summer winds to an end and the number of daylight hours begins to dwindle, many parents wish they could cram a few extra hours into each day. The start of a new school year is looming in the not-so-distant future, but there’s no need to fret. Being fully prepared will alleviate back-to-school mania, and will ensure your child has everything he or she needs for a smooth transition. Let’s take a look at some simple tips and helpful suggestions to ease the stress of beginning a new school year:

  • Forms, Forms, Forms: The start of school means homework for parents. It’s important that we complete all paperwork thoroughly and accurately, as these documents will be the school personnel’s first line of defense should an emergency arise. Creating a “tip sheet” ahead of time will facilitate the form completion process, and will ensure that the information you provide is accurate. On your tip sheet, write the name, address, and telephone number of your child’s doctor and dentist, the home, work, and cell phone numbers for each of your emergency contacts, and your child’s social security number. (If you’re apprehensive about carrying your child’s social security number with you, you can disguise the number by writing it backwards, or by adding your house number at the beginning or end of the digits.) Slip the tip sheet into your wallet or billfold, and use it as your reference when completing forms. Make a copy of the tip sheet for anyone else that may be filling out forms on your child’s behalf.
  • Health Screenings: Schools require that students have up-to-date immunization records and medical forms on file, and may also require a vision screening. Before the start of the school year, schedule your child for a preventative health care examination and eye examination, and verify that your child is current with all immunizations. To enter kindergarten, you child will likely need to be vaccinated for diphtheria/tetanus/pertussis and MMR (measles, mumps, rubella); some states also require the Varicella (chicken pox) vaccine. Additional vaccinations will likely be needed when your child enters sixth grade.

    • If your school requires a particular form for exam results or immunization records, make certain that you have the form with you at the time of your child’s appointment. It’s a great idea to make a copy or scan all medical records and keep them in a safe place in the event that your child’s records are lost or misplaced.

  • Clothes Shopping: Unless your child has had a recent growth spurt, it’s not necessary to purchase an entire back-to-school wardrobe. A few weeks prior to the start of school, begin the task of tackling your child’s closet. Have your child try on clothes to check for a proper fit, and inspect items for stains, rips, broken zippers, or missing buttons. Items that are too small may be donated or, if in excellent condition, re-sold on consignment. If items still fit but need a few simple fixes, gather your sewing and mending supplies and make repairs while watching TV. If your child’s shoes still fit, freshen them up by washing, polishing, or adding new laces.

    • That said, it’s nice to have a few new back-to-school outfits, and also a nice picture-day outfit ready for the camera. If you do find that your child needs clothing, keep in mind that excessive buttons, snaps, or straps may be cumbersome for little fingers. Also, if you plan on shopping without your child, it’s a good idea to have your child’s waist and inseam measurements and a ribbon-style tape measurer with you while you shop. Taking a few simple measurements can save you the hassle of returning items that do not fit.

  • Supplies Shopping: Your child’s school will likely provide a supply list. Carry the list with you, and as you pick up items cross them off of your list. If you come across exceptional bargains, you may wish to purchase extra items to donate to your school, or to keep on hand at home for art projects. Take advantage of back-to-school sales to replenish home office supplies and purchase organizational materials. Keepsake artwork and school papers can be three-hole punched, then neatly stowed away in binders, and two-pocket folders with prongs are terrific for organizing receipts and tax-related paperwork.
    High-quality, durable backpacks are more expensive initially, but will likely save money in the long    run.Character or theme backpacks made of flimsy material are likely to rip or fade in appeal. Opt for hard-wearing, neutral backpacks that will last through several school years.
  • Transportation: If your child will be riding the bus, provide a refresher on bus stop safety. Advise your child to approach the bus only after it has come to a complete stop, and to always walk at least ten feet in front of the bus to ensure visibility to the driver. Remind your child not to play or run at the bus stop, and to always remain on the sidewalk. Keep in mind that winter mornings and rainy mornings are dark, so it’s best to select outer gear with reflective piping or stripes. Brightly colored hats also increase your child’s visibility.

    • If your child will be picked up from school by grandparents or other family members, make certain that proper safety measures are in place. If your child needs to be in a booster seat, be sure the car used to transport your child is properly equipped. Educate whoever will be transporting your child so they understand proper restraint techniques.

  • Finding Your Groove: Establishing a routine for bedtime, bath time, homework time, and mealtime will make your days flow more smoothly. Designate a special spot in your home for books, backpacks, and school papers, and carve out a distraction-free, well-lit area for homework and reading. It may be easiest to tackle homework as soon as your child arrives home, or you may find that after dinner works best for you. Find what works, and stick to it.

    • Keep in mind that school-aged children require about ten hours of sleep each night, so adjust bedtime accordingly. Helping your child pick out the next day’s clothes, organizing their backpack the previous night, and having easy breakfast items on hand will save time in the morning.

Incorporating some of these simple steps will help alleviate back-to-school anxiety, and will make the start of the new school year feel like an exciting event rather than a source of tension. Save the stress for your child’s wedding day…it will be here before you know it!

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Olympic Themed Party Ideas

August 8th, 2008, 3:33 PM

Opening ceremonies for the 2008 Summer Olympic Games begin tonight and we are excited. You don’t have to be a professional athlete—or even an amateur one—to enjoy the Olympics. An Olympic-themed party is a fun, interactive way to commemorate the celebrated event and create gold-medal memories for your guests. And the best part is, you won’t need four years of planning to pull off a party of Olympic proportions.

A Little Olympian History

The first Olympic Games were held in Olympia, Greece, a sacred site revering the Greek gods. The games began in 776 BC and were celebrated every four years until 393 AD, when Roman emperor Theodosius I, a Christian, terminated the competitions because of their believed pagan influence. This era of the games is referred to as “Ancient Olympic Games.” The first Olympics featured a single competition, the stadion (origin of the word “stadium”), where runners would race across the 190-meter length of the arena. The competitions of the Ancient Olympic Games grew to include the events such as boxing, discus, equestrian events, wrestling, running, jumping, and javelin, many of which are still popular in the modern-day competition.

Following their abolishment in 776 BC, the Olympic Games lay dormant for 1500 years until Frenchman Pierre de Coubertin worked to spark their revival. Coubertin’s efforts in re-establishing the Olympic Games were fruitful, and in 1896 the first Modern Olympic Games were held in Athens, Greece. With the exception of 1916 (World War I), 1940, and 1944 (World War II), the Olympic Games have been held every four years since 1896.

Olympic-worthy Game Ideas

Modern and Ancient Olympic Games can be easily modified for every skill level and incorporated into your Olympic-themed party. Select a few representative countries, and then pick names from a hat to make up each country’s team. Next, let the games begin!

  • For relay races, participants can hand off lit flashlights to one another and be timed for speed. For an added challenge, use lit candles rather than flashlights, and have competitors try to cross the finish line with their flames still burning.
  • Cycling events can be held by setting up simple obstacle courses, or by having a slow race where whoever crosses the finish line last without letting their feet touch the ground is the winner.
  • Field hockey events can be modified with a croquet set, and balls can be kicked around poles or cones for slalom races.
  • Wagons make terrific bobsleds, where helmeted children can be pulled through obstacle courses and then hop out for a foot race, followed by a jumping competition for an authentic Olympic triathlon event.
  • Frisbees can be used for discus events, where participants toss them through hula-hoops or into baskets.
  • Medals made of ribbon and decorated with candy coins can be awarded to the first, second, and third place winners of each event, and small gifts such as flags, sunglasses, or sweatbands featuring various county colors can be given to all participants as party favors. For added fun, have a Polaroid camera handy and take pictures of winners as their ribbons are awarded, then give the photos to guests as keepsakes.

Festive Party Decorations

Red, white, and blue streamers and balloons can be hung as Olympic party decorations. The American flag, the Olympic flag, and flags from your team’s countries can also be displayed.

Hula-hoops painted blue, yellow, black, green, and red can represent the Olympic flag, and can be hung from a porch, fence, or swing set.

A tiki torch can be used to represent the ever-burning Olympic Flame. Traditionally, the Olympic Flame is lit by the sun and is kept alight throughout the Olympic Games. You can light your torch when your guests arrive, and extinguish the flame with the conclusion of the games.

Award-winning Fare

One fun idea is to serve your guests traditional dishes from the hosting country’s cuisine, or offer a combination of party foods from your team’s countries. For example, if your team’s locales are USA, China, Italy, Mexico, and Greece, a sample menu may include hamburgers, egg rolls, pizza, burritos, pita with hummus, and baklava. An Olympics Ring cake is a snap to make, and is sure to serve as a winning dessert for your guests.

Incorporating some of these ideas with your own original inspirations will help ensure your Olympic party will be a hit. After just one, it will likely become a family party or block party tradition. Take turns hosting the event by “passing the torch” to a family member or neighbor. Four years from now, you may win the gold in the wagon slalom; for now, revel in your victory as a gold-medal party planner.

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