For every Federal holiday the government pays its employees a paid day of vacation, mostly it loses tax revenues for those days that aren’t big over -the -top celebrations. Ones that don’t generate income above and beyond a party and participating in or viewing a parade, aren’t economic stimuli for myriad smaller businesses that cater to celebrations and travel.

Holidays such as Thanksgiving, Christmas, Valentines, Birthdays, Weddings, and babies generate ‘excess’ revenue with its additional decorating and special meals, need for accommodations, and gift giving. Their celebration creates, in some cases, week(s) of revelry and spending atmosphere.

Most of these the government doesn’t support – even though they give a significant boost to the local and extended economy.

The Federal holidays that are celebrated are mostly recalling (dead) presidents (Presidents’) dead people (Memorial), celebration of warriors and their deaths (Veterans’), exploitation of indigenous (Columbus and Thanksgiving) and the like.

These do not lend themselves to creative exuberance. None of them have a ‘happy vibe’. They don’t generate nearly so much in festivity sales or gatherings.

It focuses the populace on losses that can’t be undone- recalling for many black holes of grief and wallowing.

All these should be done away with or renamed and reframed. (Yes, I do have ideas, or will!)

More people get drunk or overindulge reinforcing a pattern of physical consumptive self-soothing. Alcohol often brings out the worst in people. There are more hang overs the next day. Productivity is slowed for those days and the one afterwards.

For employers to pay a whole day’s wage for work that isn’t done, is a great blessing. It makes a soma feel extra-special and valued. It doesn’t often happen in other jobs. While the government wants to ‘cut back’ and save, it might want to stimulate instead.

(Memorial day – recalls famous inspiring orations; put up dioramas and vignettes reenacting them. Will sell costumes and books. Have vintage clothes sales – get everyone out and about to mingle.)

(Veteran’s day – honoring and celebrating all those who have earned new levels of proficiency and authority. This could be a big one – especially upper level ‘badges’ and certificates. Sell all kinds of cards and gifts.)

(President’s day – give the president that week off – let the vice pres do the job, along with the speaker of the house.)

(Labor day – change the name to one honoring the end of summer and middle of harvest -which this day often feels like. A great last time to honor sun’s warmth and blessing.)