Do You Get School Off For Columbus Day

Let’s be honest: the first thing most of us wonder when a holiday pops up on the calendar is, “Do I get the day off?” Columbus Day is no exception. You glance at your phone, see the little flag icon, and immediately start calculating if you can sleep in or if it’s just another regular Tuesday.

For a lot of folks, the answer is a frustrating “no.” Your kids might have school, your office might be open, and the bank is probably still running. It feels like a tease—a holiday that exists but doesn’t actually give you a break.

The Great School Debate

So, do you get school off for Columbus Day? It depends entirely on where you live. In some states, like California or Oregon, schools are open and treating it like any other day. In others, like New York or Massachusetts, the kids get a day off, and parents scramble for childcare.

I remember being a kid in the Midwest and having a Columbus Day school holiday. My mom would sigh and say, “Great, now I have to find a sitter or take a vacation day.” It was rarely a relaxing break for her, just a logistical puzzle.

But here’s the kicker: even if your school district does give the day off, it’s not always called “Columbus Day” anymore. Many places now call it “Indigenous Peoples’ Day” or celebrate both. So you might get the day off, but the name on the calendar has changed.

Why Should You Care?

You might be thinking, “I don’t have kids, and I work from home—why does this matter?” Well, it matters because this holiday tells a story about who we are, and how we see our history. Think of it like a scratched DVD you keep in your car—you skip past the bad parts, but the story still has a mood.

For many Italian-Americans, Columbus Day is a proud celebration of heritage. My friend Marco’s nonna used to make a huge pot of sauce every year and tell stories about their family coming to America. It was their day, a moment to feel seen and celebrated.

NO SCHOOL: Columbus Day - Central Christian Academy

At the same time, for many Native American communities, the day is a painful reminder of colonization and loss. A friend who works at a museum told me that for her, the holiday feels like “celebrating a breakup you didn’t choose.” Both perspectives are real, and they both deserve a seat at the table.

The Real-World Trick

Here’s the practical, easy-going truth: even if you don’t get the day off, you can still use the holiday as a mini-excuse to do something fun. Maybe you order pizza for dinner instead of cooking. Or you take a 15-minute walk during your lunch break and pretend it’s a parade.

One year, my neighbor—who works at a bank that was open—decided to celebrate by watching a documentary about explorers with her kids. “We didn’t get the day off,” she laughed, “but we got a conversation.” That’s a win in my book.

And if you do get the day off? Don’t waste it on chores. I’m serious. Go to the park, reread a favorite book, or nap like a cat in a sunbeam. You earned that break, even if the reason is a little complicated.

Closed Columbus Day 2022

A Little Perspective

Let’s be real: most of us don’t wake up and think, “Gosh, I’m so glad Christopher Columbus sailed the ocean blue in 1492.” We wake up and think, “Can I stay in my pajamas until noon?” The holiday is just the excuse, not the main event.

But here’s the fun part: when you care about the “why” behind the day, you start to see your own life differently. Maybe you’ll appreciate your coworker who is Italian-American and loves the parade. Or you’ll feel a little more respect for the Native American history that existed long before any ships arrived.

It’s not about picking a side. It’s about saying, “Hey, this day matters—even if I’m at my desk.” You can celebrate a tradition and also acknowledge its flaws. It’s like loving your hometown diner even though the coffee is sometimes burnt. You don’t have to pretend it’s perfect to enjoy the booth.

So, whether you’re off school, off work, or stuck in a Zoom meeting, take a moment. Look at the date, smile, and decide what you want the day to mean. Maybe it’s a reminder to learn something new. Maybe it’s an excuse to eat a cannoli. Either way, you’re allowed to make the holiday your own.

And if you’re still disappointed about not getting the day off? Well, there’s always Presidents’ Day. Fingers crossed.