George Washington was uneasy about the idea of publicly celebrating his life. And yet the nation is once again commemorating the first U.S. president on Monday.

This year, Presidents Day 2025 falls on Feb 17. Originally dedicated to George Washington, it now honors Lincoln as well as Washington. Federal offices and banks are closed, however, shops are opened

It's a day many Americans enjoy off from work and cash in on sales. The big picture: The way the holiday is celebrated has evolved throughout U.S. history, from a day of reverence for George Washington to a retail bonanza.

Once again, Americans will once again celebrate their George Washington, their first president on Monday, but some historians say the holiday has lost all discernible meaning and lacks recognizable tr