But it's the middle of the week?
Wednesday started great. Your mental health was thriving after a luxurious 4-minute shower. It's quiet. No child in sight. Upon your first sip of coffee, your phone prods you with the news:
"Remember. No school today. Don't forget!"
You forgot. Tomorrow is Thursday, and then it's Friday. They are all workdays. And you have no childcare.
The state board has been planning this for years. The school official gave you plenty of notice. The teacher sent no fewer than three messages via the “portal”. Whether the kids are in primary school, secondary school, or high school, your young person has a day off today. Attendance is a remembrance. Missing school with an excused absence.
Why are the kids really off today?
But we're not here to talk about those random teachers' work days that sneak up on the parents. I'm talking about the holidays. There were actual people, events, and sacrifices that made our country what it is today.
In the United States, the school year starts off right by celebrating New Year's Day with the promise to make this the best one yet. A spectrum of child, young adult, and parent. All celebrating a day that brings them together.
Then a reminder that the school district understands you, Monday will once again rival Friday for the most non-workday workday. The first of a welcomed run of non-work Monday's kicks off with MLK Day, honoring quite possibly the most courageous individual to ever grace this Earth. Then the Presidents, our brave soldiers who died, and the workers who built this country.
Other holidays confirm we just need a longer break. From high school students to elementary school students, Spring Break couldn't come sooner. The prologue to the end of school. Summertime will be here soon. Extracurricular activities to keep you sharp. Fireworks and cookouts for the Fourth of July. Just when the heat becomes a little too much, it's Autumn, and time to give thanks and cherish what brings us together.
As the candle of the calendar begins to flicker, trees and lights and silver and gold bring together young and old. Music, presents, and an annual feast.
All celebrating peace.
The Songbook
"Why are you out of school?" explains each American holiday, the significance, and historical figures we honor, and the REAL reason they are out of school!
It’s a Songbook. A book and a song. Notes are provided in case the reader wants to play/sing.
Produced entirely in the United States by family and friends for family and friends.
Let's explore what makes the U.S. well… US! And celebrate the days that bring us together.
Get the Songbook here.
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