Labor Day is a day set aside to recognize hard working Americans. It's always the first Monday in September. Labor Day symbolizes that the summer has come to an end. It's a day to relax, enjoy good food and friends and traditionally your neighborhood will have a parade to celebrate the relaxing day.

Food - Generally people celebrate Labor Day with a BBQ. The weather is usually pleasant and people want to be outside as much as possible because the summer is coming to an end and the frigid weather is right around the corner. Traditional BBQ food will be perfect if you are hosting a Labor Day party. Throw some hot dogs, hamburgers and corn-on-the-cob on the grill and call it a party. Remember this is a day to celebrate not working so you will want to relax as much as possible on this day so keep the food simple.

Activities - The children and adults will all be out of school and work on this day. Usually your neighborhood or city will put on a Labor Day parade. This is a good time to get the kids together to decorate their bikes for a bike parade of their own after the big parade. The kids are occupied for hours decorating and planning, while the parents are sitting back relaxing and sipping on lemonade. Some other good back yard games great for the children to play are an egg or water balloon toss or games along the lines as Red Rover.

Decorations - If you are hosting this wonderful end-of-the-summer soirée, you want to capture every last moment of summer with your decorations, so focus on bright summer colors. Keep the decorations fun and casual. Again, this is a "no work" day so keep it simple while still looking fun and entertaining. Use paper products for easy clean up such as: paper plates, plastic silverware, paper napkins and paper table cloths. Set out big bowls of chips and dip and set the food up as a buffet. Setting the food up as a buffet will set the tone of "come and get it," hence, less work for you!

American's work hard for everything they have. Your hard work should be celebrated with a day to relax and close out your summer. The only problem with this day is there is only one! Follow these simple suggestions and never forget to KEEP IT SIMPLE, and you are ready to relax and have a great Monday!