In February we honor George Washington, our first President. The holiday's official name is Washington's Birthday. Many people call it Presidents' Day and honor all the Presidents.
Key idea
The holiday is on the third Monday in February. Washington was born on February 22, 1732.
Why it works
Washington led the army that won independence and then became the first President, so the country wanted a day to remember him. For many years the holiday was on his real birthday, February 22. Starting in 1971, a law moved it to a Monday, so families could have a long weekend. Abraham Lincoln was born in February too (February 12), so many people honor both.
Common mistake
Some children think the holiday is on Washington's real birthday. Not anymore! The third Monday in February always lands between February 15 and February 21, so it never falls on the 22nd.
For the grown-up: Look at a February calendar together. Find the Mondays, count to the third one and circle it. Then find February 22 and see how far apart they are this year. More about Washington is in George Washington.