Labor Day is the unofficial end of summer.
The end of summer!
That’s no fun.
Or, is it?
For most families, the long holiday weekend is the last chance to relax and enjoy each other’s company without the stress of homework, scheduled sporting events and other school-related functions. However, if you are trying to keep a handle on your spending habits, Labor Day may not be the time to splurge on an expensive getaway. Fortunately, you can have a blast bidding summer a fond farewell, bond with your family and preserve your budget, all at the same time. Here’s how:
Show Your Appreciation: Labor Day was created as a tribute to the contributions workers make to strengthen the well-being of the United States of America. It is believed that Peter J. McGuire, co-founder of the American Federation of Labor and the general secretary of the Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners, initially proposed the holiday, while others credit Matthew Maguire, the secretary of the Central Labor Union of New York as the holiday’s founder. Regardless, not everyone gets time off of work on Labor Day, so why not gather the family and take time to show your appreciation for those laboring on the holiday. Consider celebrating the day with a trip to your local firehouse or police station. Help your kids make a few thank-you cards or bake cookies to show your gratitude for the brave men and women who keep our communities safe.
Community Service: Logging a few hours of work on Labor Day can be fun, especially if it is for a good cause. Consider organizing a neighborhood clean-up project where various families help beautify sidewalks and streets by picking up litter. You could also help elderly neighbors spruce up their yards. Then, when the work is done, celebrate with a neighborhood picnic. The communal potluck can include inexpensive hot dogs and hamburgers, plus some affordable salads, and roasted marshmallows for dessert.
Visit a Nursing Home: We owe a debt of gratitude to all of the hardworking men and women who toiled in factories and on farms long before labor laws were introduced. To show your respect for these dedicated men and women, consider visiting a nursing home on Labor Day. Most elderly residents would be thrilled to share stories with you and your children about what it was like working in a bygone era.
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