The Four Milestones of Labor Day
Posted: Friday, September 03, 2010
by Terry Mitchell
http://commenterry.blogs.com
Monday is Labor Day in the United States. The holiday weekend is almost underway. But it is more than just a holiday. Over the years, four annual milestones have come to be associated with Labor Day.
For one thing, Labor Day signals the unofficial end of summer, the beginning of fall, and, of course, the impending start of school (much to the delight of parents and dismay of children, or vice versa). It is a time when many families go on the road for one last shot of vacation before school starts back. Of course, in many places, school begins several weeks before Labor Day, but it's still the last chance for families with school children to get away for any extended length of time until Thanksgiving.
In addition, Labor Day means the start of the political season. Most people don't pay a whole lot of attention to politics until after Labor Day. This year, there have been many senatorial, congressional, and gubernatorial primaries held during the spring and summer. But they over now and the parties' nominees have been selected. The general election campaigns are now starting up, as they do this time in any election year. Politicians will be bending over backwards to get everyone's attention, bombarding the airwaves with TV and radio ads. More people will now likely focus on what they are saying, and consequently begin making their choices for the November elections. Unlike before, the polls will now actually begin to mean something.
Finally, Labor Day signals beginning of the new TV season. It is a time when stale reruns and awkward summer programming are replaced with fresh new shows for the fall season. Traditionally, local stations and syndicators begin their new schedules on Labor Day itself. The broadcast networks and cable channels, on the other hand, generally wait about a week or two later. TV executives (and advertisers) understand the fact that, after Labor Day, the days are getting shorter and more people are coming in from the outdoors to tune in to primetime TV.
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Top-level comments on this article: (3 total)Oh the anticipation of Labor Day. In my house it's always a new season in a lot of ways and we welcome it with open arms. Have a good weekend and enjoy!GraceHi Grace, thanks for reading and commenting. I hope you have a great weekend, too.
I didn't realize there were so many things beginning after labor day, however, my grandchildren are glad that school is starting and the sports seasons they are involved in.Linda, thanks for reading and commenting.
labour day in Canada falls on the same weekend and day as the USat least this year the retail stores are all closed giving the workers a well deserved restTerry, the retail stores here the U.S. will be busy with sales for the holiday. The malls will be packed with back-to-school shoppers. I think I like Canada's system better. :-)
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