Key Points:

• Presidents Day on February 17, 2025, is a federal holiday; many services will be closed.
• The stock market, banks, and the USPS will not operate on Presidents Day.
• Various states celebrate Presidents Day differently, some combining it with Lincoln's birthday.
• Many retailers and restaurants remain open, often with special sales.
• Protests are sometimes held on this day, highlighting its political significance.

Presidents Day, a federal holiday celebrated on the third Monday of February, will take place on February 17, 2025. This holiday honors the birthdays of two prominent American presidents, George Washington and Abraham Lincoln, but it also often serves as an occasion to reflect on all U.S. presidents. On this day, many federal and state offices will be closed, and numerous services, including the stock market, banks, and the United States Postal Service (USPS), will not operate according to Newsweek.

As a federal holiday, mail delivery will be suspended, with all major USPS services halted until normal operations resume on the following Tuesday. UPS and FedEx will continue to operate, albeit with some limitations on services, as detailed by CBS News.

On Presidents Day, most public schools and non-essential federal government offices will be closed. The day has also become synonymous with sales events across various retail sectors; many grocery stores and department stores remain operational, often putting on promotions to mark the occasion. This year's holiday also serves as a reminder of ongoing political sentiments and community actions, as seen in past years when protests have taken place under the banner of "Not My Presidents Day," highlighting dissatisfaction with political leadership and policies, as reported by India Times.

The origin of Presidents Day dates back to the late 19th century when it was first celebrated as Washington's Birthday in 1879. It was later moved to the third Monday of February to promote a three-day weekend in accordance with the Uniform Monday Holiday Act of 1968. This shift has often resulted in Presidents Day being less about Washington and more about a general celebration of the office itself. The interplay between commerce and tradition has made this holiday a uniquely multifaceted occasion in American culture, as highlighted in coverage by Newsweek.

Today, Presidents Day is viewed not just as a celebration of the past but as an opportunity to reflect on the current political landscape. While many engage in shopping, some communities continue the spirit of activism that this holiday can invoke. The juxtaposition of celebration and protest encapsulates the complexity of American democracy and the ongoing dialogue about leadership.

As we approach Presidents Day 2025, those looking to observe the holiday can expect a mix of closures and events aimed at honoring historical contributions while also engaging with today's relevant issues.

For more details on what to expect during this federal holiday, refer to this informative article by Newsweek.