Holidays and otherwise

It is likely, this may be the most unpopular article I have ever written … and that’s saying something! Let me begin by stating my primary point for this page: there are too many official (and unofficial) holidays we Americans are expected to observe. I realize saying that out loud likely makes me sound like a cantankerous old curmudgeon, and maybe I am? But it is my contention, there are just too many man-made observances on our calendars. I don’t really mean the nationally recognized holidays, as much as the unofficial fabricated celebrations, which in my opinion, have just gotten out of hand. 

To be clear, I am all for setting aside time to recognize the major historical events in U.S. history, such as Independence Day, more commonly called July 4^th. Grateful Americans also insist it is proper each year to pay homage to those who have served our nation by commemorating Veterans Day. We should also annually revere Memorial Day, and those who paid the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom. And on a more light-hearted note; who could be opposed to celebrating New Year’s Day and Thanksgiving (especially if we all stopped pretending we like cold dry turkey?)

Yet, did you know there are 12 federal holidays on the 2025 calendar?! I am not implying dedicated workers don’t deserve a break; however, I have never understood why many Americans get a paid day off on “Labor Day?!” Even as I write this article, banks and post offices are closed, and “non-essential” federal employees are enjoying an annual 3-day weekend for Columbus Day. Well, okay … not sure what to say about that? Way to go, Chris! You did good discovering the New World … even if it was by accident! So, to celebrate that, let’s all take off the second Monday in October!? Doesn’t make much sense to me, but what do I know? I’m just a party-pooping grumpy Grinch. 

Yet, if these federally mandated Holidays were all there were, that would be one thing, but that is just the beginning! There is also Mother’s Day and Father’s Day … Groundhog Day, April Fool’s Day, Earth Day – and don’t even get me started on Valentine’s Day. Which (in my cynical opinion) is nothing more than a made-up holiday that guilts men into buying expensive flowers, overpriced Hallmark cards, and yucky Russell Stover chocolate. And if any man dare challenges the societal norm, he is branded a heartless neanderthal! Yeah, yeah, I know … I am just a penny-pinching Scrooge. 

Further still, with the advent of social media, it seems like every single day is some kind of unofficial holiday. I open Facebook and suddenly discover today is “Daughters Day,” or “Sons Day,” or “Grandkids Day.” And now, I feel shame and guilt for not sharing pictures of my kids! Obviously, I must not love them because I didn’t post pictures of them on this newly fictitious holiday?

In the words of that old informercial, “But wait, there’s more!” Beyond the official and unofficial holidays we are expected to observe, there are also countless “fun days” that some people insist should be a part of everyday life. Let me give you a few examples; January 8 is “National Bubble Bath Day.” March 10 is “National Napping Day.” (I don’t hate that observance, to be totally honest). 

April 7 is “National No House Work Day.” I dare not say anything about that! July 5 is National Bikini Day … don’t think I will voice my opinion on that one either. June 16 is “Take Your Cat To Work Day.” September 8 is “Star Trek Day.” February 9 is “National Pizza Day.” Now, that is a celebration I can get behind! Or later this week is “National Pasta Day” on October 17. And perhaps the most underrated of all the unofficial holidays is December 23 … A “Festivus” for the rest of us!! (If you know, you know). 

I realize these are just silly days were people’s personalities and unique interests often shine through. And well they should. All joking aside, we ought to be thankful that we live in a country where we have the freedoms to be ourselves and celebrate those things we enjoy. Even if it is something as silly as, “National Mascot Day” on June 17. 

Having said all that, and at the risk of being a complete hypocrite – October is Pastor Appreciation Month. More specifically the second Sunday in October is often set aside to honor ministers and members of clergy. As self-serving as it sounds, and as hypocritical as it may make me … I think this is an observance worth keeping. Over the next couple of weeks, it is my intention to use this space to explain why it is right and proper for Christians to honor those who serve them through pastoral ministry. 

To be sure, Mother’s Day should be celebrated, as well as Father’s Day. And we should acknowledge our military and veterans and observe President’s Day, and Juneteenth and Nurses Week, and First Responders Day and Suicide Awareness Day, and other significant dates and events. Yet it is also fitting to honor those who serve us spiritually, by taking some measure of time to give thanks to our pastors and church leaders. 

There is Biblical principle and many practical reasons for setting aside specific days to honor major moments in history. Candidly, we Americans have short memories and need annual reminders of world-altering events. For example, Jesus the Messiah was born, and that is worth celebrating! He suffered and died for His people, and Christians commemorate that by observing Communion. But Christ also rose from the dead, and born-again believers celebrate that powerful event not only at Easter, but every single Sunday! 

So, in closing, and at the risk of blatant hypocrisy, churches should set aside a time every year to give thanks to those serve them spiritually. We need not call it a holiday, official or otherwise. But congregations ought to have an annual time in which they honor those who are charged with the unpopular task of preaching the Gospel to a lost world opposed to God and His Son. I promise you; it is not an enviable role. And in case you want some Bible to back this up, I submit; 1 Thessalonians 5:12-13 “And we urge you, brethren, to recognize those who labor among you, and are over you in the Lord and admonish you, and to esteem them very highly in love for their work’s sake.” 

If we can set aside a day every year to honor pizza and pasta, surely we can take a day to honor pastors!