Most people know who Christopher Columbus was. They even know he sailed the ocean in 1492 because they had to learn the annoying song in kindergarten. But is Columbus Day really a holiday?
There are those who say it shouldn’t be a holiday. I mean, sure, he found the New World by accident, and while he did some pretty bad things, such as genocide, but he did find the place, and he did prove the world was not flat. So, why wouldn’t we keep honoring someone who put us on the map?
Those who don’t want Columbus Day to be a holiday probably are more concerned about their pocketbooks. Most popular holidays have become a sale season for companies. On the Fourth of July, we spend hundreds of dollars on fireworks to blow them up. In October, we buy pumpkins, loads of candy and costumes. The following month, we buy turkey and all the other food we eat. Then we rush to the stores to get ready for Christmas.
Christmas has become the king of all corporate holidays. People who don’t even believe there is a God, participate in the present-swapping holiday. Before you say you are one of those people who understand the meaning of Christmas, compare the amount of time and effort you spend finding gifts, lights and trees to the amount of time you spend with your family.
Columbus Day should remain a holiday. The accomplishments of Christopher Columbus are worth our recognition whether it serves corporate America or not.