Layers of Monday

Many Americans aren’t working today because it’s Columbus Day. For some, particularly Italian Americans, the day remains a celebration of heritage, marked by parades, community gatherings, and tributes to Italian culture and contributions to the United States. These celebrations date back to the late 19th century when Italian immigrants sought to honor their ancestry and gain broader acceptance in American society.

However, across much of the country—including here in Vermont—the day is now observed as Indigenous Peoples’ Day, a time to honor and celebrate the history, culture, and resilience of Native peoples. The holiday serves as a reminder of the deep and complex history of this land long before European exploration and colonization, and it’s meant to center on Indigenous voices and stories that were too often ignored or silenced.

My university doesn’t officially recognize Columbus Day—or Indigenous Peoples’ Day—as a holiday, so while many Americans might have the day off work, I don’t. For most, it’s simply an excuse for stores to hold big sales anyway. I actually went shopping this weekend for some winter clothes. With the weight I’ve lost, I didn’t have a coat or much in the way of cold-weather clothing, and the temperatures are already dropping fast. So, I treated myself to two new coats—one casual and one more formal—and several new sweaters to help keep me warm. I’m very happy with my purchases.

Losing weight has felt great, but it does mean buying an entirely new wardrobe, which gets expensive quickly. Still, I’ve always enjoyed shopping for clothes, so I can’t complain too much.

Anyway, enough babbling for today. Whether you’re enjoying a long weekend, are retired and free from the Monday grind, or—like me—are working through the holiday, I hope you have a great day and a wonderful week ahead. Here’s hoping it’s less aggravating than last week!