...Then no-one is

It is a simple line in the cartoon movie "The Incredibles". Every look at that statement from the viewpiont of Holidays?

First: Any idea what the word "Holy" means?

Most people would say that it has a religious connotation. In some cases that might be correct but it actually means "set apart". Typically set apart to make it special.

What are Holidays? Well, typically they were days that were special for one reason or another and often times (especially in the past) with a religious connotation. Christmas and Easter would be good examples of "Religious Holidays" in Canada. However, other holidays like Canada day are non-religious and celebrates the founding of our country. Remembrance Day is a day to remember those who have died in armed combat. As I get older it seems that there are more holidays added to the calendar to be observed. Two of the newest are Family day and Truth and Reconciliation day.

Meaning behind the days

Now "Truth and Reconciliation" day is a day to remember past injustices, to acknowledge past wrongs, and think of a way to reconcile going forward. Honestly, not a bad idea. If you can't face the past and move on then old hurts weaken you going forward.

Then there is "Family Day". Unlike Mothers Day and Fathers Day it is actually a paid holiday from work. Now I have nothing against venerating the family but... The primary reason for the holiday was to give February a paid day off. What a weak excuse. Even worse, Family day in my province is different than other provinces. That's crazy! When they have family day, I'm working, and can't contact or order anything from them. When we have family day? Same problem for them. At least make the date the same so everyone has a day off at the same time.

How much is too much

If you look at the Roman Empire at its peak... Or perhaps at it its nadir.... It had over 200 holidays annually. There were more days off than days working.

Party Central

But if everyone is partying who is working?

Well, I suppose it was the slaves who were working. Sure there were 200+ Holidays but the only one the slaves were pretty much guaranteed off was Saturnalia.

Of course if you were a farmer? Well, you have to look after the animals every day. No days off for you. Work just doesn't stop and livestock don't forget to eat just because a calendar changes a date.

Now I would have a hard time telling you how any holiday days people should have in a year. Honestly I think it would depend on the person. Some people just hate sitting idle. Other people need time off to re-energize and think. However, there is one ancient tradition that I think is a good idea.

Remember the Sabbath to keep it holy

One of the original Ten Commandments from the Bible is to keep the Sabbath day holy. Holy day - Holiday. Work six days, but on the seventh day, rest. Set side a day each week where everyone can just take a step away, enjoy important things, re-energize and focus on things more important than work.

Yes, there are things more important than work.

It wasn't so long ago in Canada that stores were closed on Sundays. Very few worked on Sundays. Sunday was a time for families to spend time together, people to get together, people to enjoy a day. It wasn't good for business though ... so any corporate run store is open on Sundays and many smaller stores are also open 7 days a week.

I kind of wish that we did have one day that was "set aside" once a week, every week. Focus on what is important.

Too many days off and things don't get done. Too many days off and you don't appreciate the time. But a little special time makes all the difference.

What leads me to that conclusion?

My 30 minute lunch break.

No, really

When I am having a rough day at work. When things are chaos all around me. When I'm tired, frustrated, pushed, and generally stressed... Those 30 minutes of peace at lunchtime when I can sit in my car, close my eyes, eat some food and listen to some music? Those are the best 30 minutes of my day. It is planned in advance, it is something to look forward to, and it is meaningful. Those 30 minutes are worth more than any 30 minutes on vacation or on any regular day.

A "holy" 30 minutes you could say.

I think life is stressful enough that a once a week Holyday is an important addition.

... and most things aren't so important that they couldn't be skipped for just one day.

Then again, my dog might disagree ;) ... and going back to the title of this piece. If everyone is super then no-one is. If every day is a holiday then a holiday really has no meaning. The 30 minutes off for lunch in my workday is special because it is set aside, my entire day off is nice but nearly as special as that 30 minute lunch.

Thanks for reading.