Labor Day

Labor Day marks the unofficial close of summer in the United States and honors the workers whose contributions power the nation. Observed on the first Monday in September, it balances reflection on the labor movement with time for rest, family gatherings, and community celebrations. Whether you’re hosting a cookout, considering Labor Day sales, taking a quick getaway, or planning a quiet wellness day, this guide explores the holiday’s history, traditions, and simple ways to make the most of the Labor Day weekend.

History and Origins

Labor Day emerged from the late 19th-century labor movement, a period defined by rapid industrial growth, long shifts, hazardous conditions, and minimal protections. Workers organized for fair pay, safer workplaces, and the eight-hour day, leading to strikes, rallies, and a surge in union activity. National demonstrations in the 1880s and the 1894 Pullman Strike underscored the urgency of reform. You may also see the term day labor in historic accounts, referring to workers hired by the day who helped galvanize change.

In 1894, Congress established Labor Day as a federal holiday, and President Grover Cleveland signed it into law. Early September set the U.S. observance apart from May 1, International Workers’ Day, while still honoring labor’s role. Early celebrations featured parades, speeches, and community picnics. Credit for the holiday’s creation is often shared between Peter J. McGuire of the American Federation of Labor and Matthew Maguire, a machinist and union leader—reflecting a movement shaped by many voices, including day labor advocates.

Your Labor Day Plans? We Recommend Doing Less.

Labor Day was created to celebrate hard work. But if you ask us, there’s another way to honor the holiday: do a little less of it.

You’ve earned the long weekend. Instead of filling every hour with errands and one more task (or scrolling Labor Day sales), make room for something more restorative: a slower morning, a longer shower, your favorite skincare ritual, or an afternoon spent doing absolutely nothing productive. Sometimes, the most luxurious thing you can give yourself is time.

Consider This Your Official Permission Slip to Slow Down

Your skincare routine doesn’t have to feel like another task. This holiday weekend is the perfect excuse to turn it into a ritual you look forward to. Benefit first, product second: choose textures and scents that help you exhale and restore your nervous system.

• Start with a cleanser that feels indulgent. ELEMIS Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm cushions skin as it melts from a rich balm into a silky oil, sweeping away makeup, sunscreen, and daily buildup while leaving skin soft and comfortable.
• Let your body have its moment. Draw a bath and add ELEMIS Skin Nourishing Milk Bath for a creamy, comforting soak that leaves limbs velvety and calm.
• Seal in moisture with ELEMIS Frangipani Monoi Body Oil. Warm it between your palms and smooth over damp skin for a satin finish and a delicate floral scent that lingers.
• Enhance your relaxation time with a mask that brings targeted results. Wear the Elemis Red Light Mask for just 10 minutes for a professional at-home treatment.

The Long-Weekend Ritual

1. Put your phone somewhere you can’t see it. Your notifications can wait.
2. Make your bathroom feel like a private spa. Dim the lights, play your favorite music, and run a beautifully scented bath.
3. Give your skin extra attention with a facial mask, nourishing body treatment, or silky moisturizer for a labor day weekend glow.
4. Stay awhile. Linger over the final step and let the ritual be the point.

A Little Spa Time, Without the Appointment

You don’t need an elaborate routine to make it feel special. A few thoughtful products can change the experience: a balm that melts into skin, a warm bath with a soothing scent, and a body oil that leaves skin soft and luminous.

At TimeToSpa, we curate professional-grade products inspired by the spa—so you can bring that restorative feeling home. No appointment required. No complicated routine. Just time for you. If you’re browsing Labor Day sales, know that we’ve already done the research—the curation advantage is yours.

This Labor Day, make “nothing” part of the plan. Rest isn’t something you have to earn. Although, after everything you do, we’d say you’ve earned it anyway.