Get ready to embrace the long weekend because Presidents Day is just around the corner! Mark your calendars for Monday, February 17, 2025, because while you might be trying to escape capitalism’s grasp for a day, the services you need (and, let’s be honest, some that you don’t) will still be at your beck and call.

So, what’s the deal with this holiday anyway? Originally a day to celebrate George Washington’s birthday (yes, the guy on the dollar bill), Presidents Day morphed over the centuries to become a tribute to all U.S. presidents, including our favorite rail-splitter, Abraham Lincoln. Established as a federal holiday in 1879, it got a little makeover in 1971 thanks to Congress wanting to spice up our Mondays and create those much-needed long weekends.

As you contemplate sleeping in or binge-watching Netflix, let’s dive into what’s actually open and closed this Presidents Day.

For the essentialists out there, mass transit and airports will be operating like it’s just another Tuesday in the Bay. Grocery stores and major retailers are ready for your last-minute shopping needs, so whether you’re stocking up on snacks or trying to find the perfect item to distract you from life’s overwhelming realities, you’ve got options!

Here’s a brief list of retailers keeping their doors open: Walmart, Target, Trader Joe’s, Macy’s, and Best Buy will be ready to service your shopping whims. If you get a hankering for takeout, worry not, chains like Chipotle, Starbucks, and even Domino’s are in it for the weekend rush, while places like IHOP will welcome you with open arms and pancakes galore.

Now, the bummer side: U.S. postal services, banks, public schools, and even the stock market will all be taking a breather. So, if you were hoping to send a sassy letter to that out-of-touch relative or do some economic trading on the day, you’ll have to put those plans on hold.

So, as you prepare for the holiday, remember that Presidents Day is more than just another excuse to shop; it’s a reminder of this country’s history (in both good and bad ways) and a chance to reflect on the leaders who shaped it, whether they did good or simply found new innovative ways to uphold capitalism. Either way, enjoy the long weekend!