Summertime is fun, but it is also a very busy time for a lot of people. Sure the kids are off from school but then there are the camps, and the sports, and the play dates with friends, and the going to and fro—not to mention your everyday responsibilities of work, home and family. We have a tendency to keep on keepin’ on and sometimes we need a reason to cease from the daily grind and the constant go, go, go. 

And this, friends, is one of the reasons holidays were created. We need them! Not only as a form of remembrance and appreciation of our national history, but also as a much needed break. 

Lucky for you, Labor Day is just around the corner, so now is the perfect time to seize the day. While we know that the origin of Labor Day as a national holiday is a tribute to the contributions American workers have made to the strength, prosperity, and well-being of our country—it is also a day to stop, reflect and appreciate—which brings us to today’s post. 

Here are 5 things we think every Labor Day should have. Whether you’re spending it here with us on the gorgeous Gulf Coast of Florida or at home wherever you are, try to make these five things a part of your Labor Day holiday. 

How many are already on your Labor Day list?

1. Rest and Relaxation

Yes, this should most definitely should be on your Labor Day list of things to do. Or maybe you should have a not-to-do list? However you phrase it, allow for some much needed R-and-R in your day. We always seem to be busy doing something or going somewhere, but sometimes we just need to stop. Breathe in. Breathe out. Be in the moment and forget about yesterday and don’t worry about tomorrow. Take a look at where you are now, savor what you’re thankful for, and by all means take a nap if you want to. 

2. Family and Friends

When most everyone has the same day off, there’s a tendency to gather with friends and family. That’s a tradition we love about holidays. It doesn’t have to be a big, hectic event but some quality time with those you love the most, your family and friends, is always a welcome addition to any day, but particularly a holiday. Whether you go out to dinner, get together for a family barbecue, or just all sit down at the table together for a change, make family and friends a priority this Labor Day.

3. Good Food, Drinks—and Desserts

What’s a holiday celebration without some good eats? We love any opportunity to whip up a festive feast filled with our favorite things. How about you? What’s on your Labor Day menu? Whether you’re firing up the grill or staying cool indoors, we hope you enjoy some festive food and drinks, along with good company. If you need some ideas for easy desserts (no baking required!) you should check out our previous blog post for some of the simply best, no-fuss dessert recipes that are sure to please. 

4. Fun and Festivities

Add some holiday fun and festivities into your day. Whether you’re on vacation at the beach, going out somewhere special, or staying home and enjoying a family movie night—do something that will give your Labor Day some good memories to look back upon. Maybe you have a family tradition that you do every year or perhaps you do something you love like playing golf, kayaking, hiking, or watching U.S. Open tennis. Do something that makes the day special and different from the rest!

5. Time Away

Since you probably have the time off of work anyway, we think a Labor Day getaway is the ideal way to do all of the above-mentioned things we just listed. Of course we’re partial to a beach vacation on Florida’s Gulf Coast. But wherever you choose to go, we hope you get some downtime where you can get away from life’s responsibilities if only for a day and truly savor the symbolic end of summer for another year. The good news is that you can always start planning for next year’s Labor Day holiday and spend it on the coast of somewhere beautiful—like right here!