The Shift Toward Presidents Day Unsplash While Washington's Birthday remained the official holiday for nearly a century, changes were set in motion in the 20th century that would broaden its focus.

The meaning of Presidents Day has changed dramatically, from being mostly unremarkable and filled with work for Washington in the 1700s to the bonanza of consumerism it has become today.

President's Day, the next federal holiday on the calendar, is rapidly approaching. The holiday, which is celebrated annually on the third Monday of February, commemorates the births of two great ...