My Dad doesn’t like labor day.

I have to admit I understand where he’s coming from.  Mostly, I’m not sure how we are supposed to celebrate. Fourth of July we have fireworks. Thanksgiving means a great dinner. Arbor day plant a tree. Memorial Day Weekend (at least growing up in Indianapolis) means the Indy 500 and a cook out. But even firing up the ol’ BBQ doesn’t seem entirely appropriate as it’s not so special after 4 months of them. And aside from a passing reference in a Jimmy Buffet song don’t look for many answers from popular culture. 

It’s the end of summer, something that always seems more depressing that celebratory.  Especially growing up as a kid. This comic from yesterday’s paper seems to sum that feeling up:

A quick wikipedia search informed me that it all goes back to the labor unions celebrating the worker. OK being a member of a number of unions I can get on board with that. So I’m supposed to celebrate work by taking it off? I’m lost. 

I’m not against Labor Day categorically. Hey anything for a day off! I’m just a little unsure of my civic responsibilities.

So until I figure out a better plan I guess I’ll crank up “Living and Dying In 3/4 Time”, and make sure my union dues are all paid up.

So what are some of your Labor Day traditions?