Presidents Day 2012: What’s Open, What’s Closed

On Presidents Day 2012, many wonder what businesses and stores are open or closed for the holidays. While this federal holiday is not heavily celebrated as perhaps Memorial Day, it is no less important.

Although today has culturally morphed into Presidents’ Day over the years, the official holiday is George Washington’s birthday — even though Washington was born on February 22.

Originally meant to celebrate the legacy of the ‘Father of our Country,’ Washington’s birthday was the first federal holiday selected to honor an American citizen in 1879.

Now, the holiday is considered to also honor Abraham Lincoln, whose birthday was Feb. 12, and our country’s presidents throughout history in general.

Here is a list of what’s open and what’s closed for Presidents’ Day 2012:

• Post offices are closed, so if you’re waiting for that big IRS refund check, you won’t be getting it in your mailbox on Monday.
• Most retail stores are open for the big Washington’s Birthday sales that have been advertised all weekend. Additionally, car dealers have big sales on Monday and restaurants are open if you get hungry when you’re shopping.
• The stock market is closed on Presidents Day.
• Schools and libraries are typically closed and libraries won’t be open either.
• Banks: Most banks are closed, but some will be open limited hours on Washington’s birthday, including banks that have “in-store” branches. For the most part, banks are closed with access only to ATMs and on-line banking.

Finally, if there is a particular business or facility that you are unsure about being opened or closed on Presidents’ Day 2012, it’s always best to call ahead before you leave your house.