Ever wonder why some of the holidays are on our calendars? I sure do. It doesn't make sense that some of them get a special place on the calendar. More so, I wonder why some of us engage in celebrating. What are we really celebrating? I've concluded that some holidays have no reason, and some are there just because people need an excuse to party. Honestly, who doesn't like a good party or a day off from work? Take a look and see what I mean.

Labor Day's representation as a holiday is quite confusing. It is a sign that the kids are going back to school because summer is over, and it is now an official fashion faux pas to wear white. The ones who really deserve the recognition are the workers, the laborers of the world. Hell, I'll give them mad respect because I am one of them, but what about those who still have to work on Labor Day? Not everyone in this country gets the day off. It's really cool how the important people who work in the hospitals and the Uni-marts get shafted and have to go to work anyway. Do we point our fingers at them and laugh "ha-ha" while we are relaxing, spending the very last weekend of summer at the beach? It was a good idea back in the day when an entire town could afford to close down everything, but now it is unfair, unjust.

Another fall holiday that is quite ridiculous is Christopher Columbus day. It should be called "The guy who got lost and got lucky and found this land that was already discovered by the Indians and killed them off to get all of the credit" day. This dude was paid to venture off to find China and instead ran straight into our country and is now viewed as an American hero. I didn't know the definition of an American hero is man who makes a huge mistake, but talks his way out of it and destroys many lives in the process. Does he really desire a national holiday and how do you personally pay tribute to Chris?

The 4th of July clearly represents my other point. I am as American as apple pie and damn proud of my freedom, but I don't think that is why anyone is truly celebrating on the 4th. The day is full of barbecues, red-white-and-blue paper plates, beer, volleyball games and hot dogs. But last time I checked, no one whipped out a Declaration of Independence to recite what our country is all about. I'm sure our forefathers are rolling over in their graves thinking this holiday should be called, "Beer-be-que" day.

The Irish have a day all to their own, the third Wednesday in March. St. Patrick's Day is well-recognized. I'm not sure why. Heck, I'm not even Irish and about half the people who celebrate with me aren't either. I don't understand why this culture gets a holiday. According to my very Irish best friend, St. Patrick's day is "a great excuse to party." So you're Irish, you want a medal? No, you want a holiday and a Guinness, and it better be green! But by celebrating in this manner, I'm sure all the Irish folk reflect on their heritage with much pride. I bet all their ancestors are smilin'.

New Year's Eve is another fun let's get drunk holiday. Ever think that New Year's Day was declared a holiday so people could party hardcore the night before and not worry about being hungover? I don't think anyone is raising their cups to the "new year," rebirth, the hope for a better future, happiness and success. I think the reason everyone is rejoicing is because they know they can get wasted out of their minds and won't have to see their boss's face the next day.

Now, please do not get me wrong. I am not condemning those who celebrate. If I were, just call me Scrooge on Christmas. But my point is, why oh why do we honor these days? Some just seem so ridiculous and stupid. All I am asking is, next time you roast your 4th of July hot dog or drink your green beer, please think about what you are truly celebrating.