Labor Day is a day set aside to pay homage to working beings. For more than 120 years, it has been notable as a national holiday in the United States and Canada. Celebrated on the first Monday of September, this holiday is generally seen as the last opportunity to enjoy summer. There are so many ways to celebrate; from fairs and carnivals to BBQs at the park and pool parties. Many people celebrate by doing all the things they typically do in the summer, because they know it is summers final days.

It has become more tradition for people take this time off of work to enjoy family time. Friends and families gather to relish in sitting by the pool for a pool party, barbequing for a picnic at the park, renting a boat to go to the lake, or some even head to a place like Vegas to take their chances at their luck. There are so many good deals on weekend getaways, or maybe you would like to find something more local, such as, yacht dinner cruises or other pleasant attractions.

Tasty American food favorites such as hot dogs, hamburgers, potato salads, chips and dips, and other traditional foods are very satisfying on this day as well; whether you hire a food truck or a food cart, or you decide to eat out or employ a caterer, be sure to relax on your day off. If you are having a pool party make It a tiki theme party; or if you are throwing a picnic at the park, rent out a bounce house, water or wet slide, or an obstacle course inflatable for the children, and some adults, to have fun with. Whatever you choose, you have to include some exciting activities since it is the final days of summer!

One of the most important Jewish Holidays, Rosh Hashanah recollects the creation of the world. Whether you are visiting the synagogue or listening to the Shofar from home, Rosh Hashanah is a time to reflect on God’s power and his judgement for the coming year. It is meant to be a fresh start, so reaching out to people you have any relation to, to clean the slate, is a good way to spend the weeks leading up to the holiday. Whether words or actions, making things right and making amends with people you may insulted or put down is a good start. Send those people flowers or cards.

Now for the party, which is typically held on the final day of Rosh Hashanah; you’re going to need music, decorations, and maybe a cake. Hire a band to play some Jewish classics, as you reflect and remember. Decorate with blue and silver streamers, balloon bouquets, napkins, table covers, plates, cups, and homemade dreidels, candles and banners. Prepare bowls of various fruits to use as centerpieces. Do arts and crafts with the kids, creating Stars of David using airbrushes and stencils. Cook a traditional meal; or you could hire someone to do the cooking for you or cater and prepare a large feast for the evening.

With the tradition of blowing the shofar on Rosh Hashanah, some children might not be as acquainted with Jewish practice and custom, therefore, a fun substitute for them could be to blow noise makers. Teaching kids about the holiday can be fun and creative; arrange a puppet show to express the main points of Rosh Hashanah, or hire a storyteller to bring some life into the story of the holiday.

In honoring those fallen in the September 11, 2001 attack, we observe Patriot Day as a National Day of Service and Remembrance. Another day colored with the red, white and blue. American flags will be lowered, or raised, to half-staff to mark respect to those lost during this tragedy. For those who personally lost someone close to them in this horrible attack, some may go lay flowers upon their rested loved ones. Throughout the country, many will take a moment of silence on this day for the lives that were taken.

Many may organize events in their communities, held at venues such as a park, or recreation center, where everyone can show their respects for those killed. Not too much celebration goes on, it is more a day of remembering and being thankful for the protection we have on further attacks. Schools are still in session and government offices don’t close. People observe silence at six different times of the day.

You could arrange a fundraiser to raise money to donate to charities that provide support for the survivors of the attacks. Or, if you choose to gather with close friends and family to share the moment of remembrance, or to show your gratitude for them, make it a time of comfort. Be sure to express to them how thankful you are to have them, maybe organize a dinner with a little bit of everything; pizza, pasta, burgers, hot dogs. Caterers and food trucks are available to you to rent for the evening.