Ah, Presidents Day – that glorious Monday in February when we celebrate the leaders of our nation, take advantage of some sweet deals, and try to figure out what’s actually open and closed. It’s a holiday that’s both patriotic and practical, a time to reflect on our country’s history while also snagging some bargains. So, dear readers, let’s dive into the madness and unravel the mysteries of Presidents Day.

First things first: why do we celebrate Presidents Day in the first place? Well, it all started with good old George Washington. Back in 1885, the powers that be decided that it would be a swell idea to honor our first president with a national holiday. Originally called Washington’s Birthday, the holiday was meant to commemorate the birth of the Father of our Country and all-around badass. But then along came Abraham Lincoln, another pretty important guy, and before you knew it, Presidents Day morphed into a celebration of both Washington and Lincoln, as well as all the other presidents who have graced the Oval Office.

But enough about history – let’s talk about the real reason we love Presidents Day: the deals. That’s right, folks, Presidents Day is like Black Friday’s slightly less intense cousin, with retailers rolling out the red carpet and slashing prices on everything from mattresses to appliances to cars. Need a new mattress? Presidents Day sale. Looking to upgrade your kitchen appliances? Presidents Day sale. Thinking about buying a new car? You guessed it – Presidents Day sale.

But before you grab your wallet and head out the door, it’s important to know what’s actually open and closed on Presidents Day. While many businesses and government offices close their doors in observance of the holiday, others remain open for business as usual. Banks, for example, are typically closed on Presidents Day, so if you were planning on cashing a check or making a deposit, you might want to rethink your plans. On the other hand, retailers love nothing more than a good holiday sale, so you can bet that most stores will be open for business, ready to tempt you with irresistible deals and discounts.

Of course, no discussion of Presidents Day would be complete without mentioning the true stars of the show: the presidents themselves. From Washington’s wooden teeth to Lincoln’s iconic stovepipe hat, these larger-than-life figures have captured the imagination of Americans for centuries, their faces immortalized on coins, currency, and Mount Rushmore. And while we may not always agree with their policies or decisions, there’s no denying the impact that our presidents have had on the course of history, shaping the nation we know and love today.

So whether you’re spending Presidents Day shopping till you drop, reflecting on the legacy of our nation’s leaders, or just enjoying a well-deserved day off, one thing’s for sure: Presidents Day is a holiday worth celebrating. So grab your flag, fire up the grill, and raise a toast to the red, white, and blue – it’s Presidents Day, baby, and we’re here to party like it’s 1776.