The Victoria Day long weekend is fundamental to our Canadian culture. It has been synonymous with fun since 1845, when the Canadian government decided we should celebrate Queen Victoria’s birthday on May 24.
It has become the unofficial start to summer (even though, technically, it is still spring) and a collective excitement for a day off work. For the most part, we Canadians are easy to make happy, eh?
That’s exactly what I plan to do this long weekend: make myself happy. I don’t have a personal connection to Queen Victoria, but I’m going to celebrate her birthday like a queen. This weekend, I’m only going to do what I want to do when I want to do it, without apologies to anyone. Wish me luck.
That doesn’t mean I don’t have a list of things I need to accomplish, but it does mean I don’t care if I get to half of them. The dirty dishes will linger on the counter a little longer. The vacuum? Silent. Laundry? It can sort itself. Don’t care. I will clean the things that bother me and ignore the rest. I’ll be living my best long weekend life.
I can’t wait to see the reaction of my family when I plant myself in my orange Muskoka chair in the backyard to read my favourite Canadian author for as long as it takes me to finish his latest novel. Days. It’s going to take me days. I’m bringing water, sunscreen, snacks, a hat and bug spray. That’s it. Parked with purpose.
I’m bringing my phone with me though to text my family to bring me things like lunch, tea, more snacks, etc. I’m confident they won’t enjoy that. I’m going to do it anyway. Why? Because it makes me laugh to know they will be unamused by my amusement, which makes me happy, and, as stated above, that is the goal.
I also plan to stay up late every night and sleep-in every morning. I know, you’re thinking, ‘whoa Kelly, slow down on all this excitement.’ Don’t worry, I was built for sleep.
My highlight will be Saturday night’s televised playoff lacrosse game between the Toronto Rock and Buffalo Bandits. I’m making it a date night. The Carpenter’s thrilled (she says sarcastically). He doesn’t love lacrosse. He’s a flawed man.
Too bad. I don’t love NFL football, but I’ve sat patiently, spending hours that I can’t get back watching a game that has more stops and starts than my bladder on a long car ride, so this is what marriage counselors call “compromise.” Looks like TSN is a relationship-saver this weekend. Time will tell.
Queen Victoria would have loved lacrosse. I just know it.
Whatever you do with your time this weekend, I hope it makes you happy. I hope you relax and let go of all the should-dos and pursue the let’s-do-it things instead. Surely, we’ve learned there is no time like the present. So be present. Make good memories.
Cheers to Queen Victoria.
