Happy Labor Day to you and yours – as they say. It’s interesting because year in and year out, we celebrate these annual holidays, but sometimes I think we forget what we are actually celebrating. I’m guessing that most of us equate Labor Day with the unofficial end of summer and the beginning of a new year – school year that is.  Here are some of the events and traditions that I tend to associate with Labor Day:

• Pools often close on Labor Day

• You are no longer supposed to wear white pants or shoes after Labor Day

• People leave their summer homes and return to their primary residences on Labor Day

• The U.S. Open (Tennis) becomes televised on the major networks (CBS where we live) over Labor Day weekend as the players are advancing into the 3rd and 4th rounds

• Retailers have big Labor Day sales

• Hurricane season often makes its way up to the Northeast around Labor Day (think Hurricane Irene and now Katia)

• School starts usually just after Labor Day – though this year, the Weston Public Schools started before Labor Day

If you are like me, I thought you might be interested to know what the holiday actually stands for.  According to Wikipedia, “Labor Day is a United States federal holiday observed on the first Monday in September (September 5 in 2011) that celebrates the economic and social contributions of workers.” In essence, therefore, the name speaks for itself… On Labor Day, we are celebrating the laborers.  And we have been celebrating this federal holiday for more than 100 years – since 1894, in fact.

And so on this day, enjoy the last reminiscences of summer, embrace the fall season to come, welcome the beginning of a new school year, take advantage of the fun sales and, most importantly, remember those who have labored for us and for our country. Happy Labor Day!   xo Lisa