Another long weekend is upon us.  Family Day will take place on Monday Feb 18, and I know I’m looking forward to a little down time!

I was wondering where the holiday came from so I did some research.  There is a website called TimeAndDate.com that has all sorts of information.  Family Day originated in Alberta in 1990 and the purpose was to get back to family values that were instilled many generations ago by giving people a day off.  Saskatchewan started to recognize this holiday in 2007, followed by Ontario in 2008.  2013 marks the first year that BC is taking part, though they chose to do it on Feb 11, a week earlier than Alberta, Ontario and Saskatchewan.

I also had a look at what will be closed on Monday.  It appears that banks, schools, provincial government offices will all be closed, while things like malls, restaurants, museums, movie theatres will all be open.  Well I guess that makes sense, doesn’t it?  If we are being given a day dedicated to spending time with your family, why not go to a movie, out for lunch, to a museum?

I also think it’s a nice way to break up the time between Christmas and Easter.  And I’m thrilled that my daughter’s reading week overlaps Family Day…we have a great excuse to spend some quality time together!

So my advice to you is to try to plan something for Monday.  Get on the internet or check the newspapers, talk to your kids and find out what they’d like to do, and do it!  Get outside and enjoy the weather, get some exercise, buy local…or stay in your PJ’s all day and watch movies while eating junk food!  Whatever you do, enjoy and have fun.