Celebrating Labor Day

August 22, 2023

By: Danny Bradbury

Labor Day is fast approaching — taking place on September 4, 2023 — and while for many, the first Monday in September will just be a day off to mark the end of the summer, it has so much more meaning. Created over a century ago, Labor Day is a way for Americans to acknowledge the contribution of workers across the country.

According to the U.S. Department of Labor, the observance of Labor Day began as a grassroots effort, with municipalities recognizing it in the mid-1880s. It made its way into state law in Oregon in 1887, followed by Colorado, Massachusetts, New Jersey, and New York. Congress recognized it as a federal holiday in 1894, reserving a place for workers throughout America on the calendar every year.

How can we honor U.S. workers while relaxing and enjoying the day? Consider these options.

Throw a Party

Labor Day heralds the end of summer, so now’s the time to put your backyard or local park to full use by throwing a party for friends and family. You can hold a potluck to spread the effort and ask for food around a historical or U.S. theme to give it a traditional Labor Day feel. Consider providing snacks, soda, bottled water, and other goodies for your guests.

You can also honor the occasion with a red, white, and blue pinata and perhaps a U.S. trivia game. Try historical headbands, in which everyone writes the name of a U.S. historical figure on a headband and puts it on the head of the person next to them. Then, each person tries to guess who’s listed on their head while the rest of the crowd helps.


Go on a Farm or Factory Tour

What better way to celebrate America’s labor than to learn about the work that goes into producing our food and other products? Many farms and manufacturing facilities host tours that help teach families about what it means to produce the things we use every day.

For those with children, it’s a great way to combine something tactile with discussing why Labor Day is important. However, consider doing this just before or after Labor Day so that factory and farm workers can spend time with their own families on this important holiday.

Bake Cookies for Local Workers

Every day, millions of civic employees work to keep us safe and healthy. How about creating a little something to say thank you? Baking cookies for local firefighters, police officers, or health care workers can be an excellent way to express gratitude.

Getting young children to help can teach them the value of civic duty and help families bond.

Volunteer

By giving back to local communities, families can instill positive values in their children and teach them the importance of charitable work. Create the Good by AARP has a search tool that allows you to find family-friendly volunteer engagements in your community. The Doing Good Together network also has plenty of family-focused opportunities.

Labor Day is more than just a day off. These are just some ways to honor workers across America while bringing families together and maybe even creating new traditions.


About the Author 

Danny Bradbury has been writing about technology and business since 1989. His clients have included the Financial Times, the Guardian, and Canada's National Post.

All content provided herein is for educational purposes only. It is provided “as is,” and neither the author nor Office Depot warrants the accuracy of the information provided, nor do they assume any responsibility for errors, omissions, or contrary interpretation of the subject matter herein.