Labor Day, celebrated on the first Monday of September, is more than just the unofficial end of summer and a long weekend. It’s a day that honors the contributions and achievements of American workers, reflecting the country’s commitment to the rights and dignity of labor.
The origins of Labor Day can be traced back to the late 19th century, a period marked by the Industrial Revolution in the United States. This era saw a dramatic increase in factory jobs, which, while providing employment, also exposed workers to harsh conditions—long hours, low wages, and unsafe work environments. The growing discontent among workers led to the rise of labor unions, which began organizing strikes and rallies to demand better conditions and fair pay.
The first Labor Day was celebrated on September 5, 1882, in New York City, organized by the Central Labor Union. The idea quickly gained popularity, and by 1885, Labor Day was being celebrated in many industrial centers across the country. In 1894, following the Pullman Strike—a nationwide railroad strike that resulted in violent clashes between workers and federal troops—President Grover Cleveland signed a bill into law making Labor Day a national holiday. This legislation was seen as a conciliatory gesture toward the labor movement, which had become a powerful force in American society. (BONUS: If you’ve read this far, you have the answer to one of this month’s Fact Funhouse quiz questions!)
Leisure Day—A Few of Our Favorite Things
As the holiday evolved, Labor Day became associated with leisure and recreation, reflecting a growing emphasis on work-life balance. Today, many Americans celebrate Labor Day with barbecues, get-togethers, and a last summer hurrah. In this month’s issue of our SmartTips online magazine, we’ve devoted an entire feature to spicing up your backyard barbecue experience with the latest grilling trends. Smoked margaritas, anyone?
Turns out, backyard grilling is a perfect companion for another September observance…
National Hispanic Heritage Month
September 15 to October 15 the country marks a celebration of the histories, cultures and contributions of American citizens whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean and Central and South America. And did we mention food? There’s a contribution we’d celebrate every day. Check the end of this article for a couple of our new favorite grilling recipes inspired by Latin American cuisine.
September Tax Deadlines
How’s that for a quick buzz kill? And just when we were talking about leisure and good food. Well, life isn’t all fun and games, and mid-September brings fall tax deadlines to remember:
- September 10: Deadline for employees to report tips to their employers. Tips earned over $20 per month must be reported to employers using IRS form 4070. Find details here.
- September 16: Quarterly estimated tax payments are due. This applies mainly to the self-employed or people whose regular payroll withholdings are insufficient to cover their tax obligation. In addition, if you receive dividend income, capital gains, alimony, gambling winnings or other miscellaneous income, you may be required to make quarterly estimated payments using IRS form 1040-ES by mail or paying online. Check here for more information.
Remember there are deadlines coming next month, too. October 15 is the deadline for filing extensions on 2023 returns. If you are filing under an extension, it’s also the last day to withdraw excess IRA contributions to avoid penalties and the last day to contribute to a solo 401(k) plan or simplified employee pension (SEP), if you’re self-employed.
Make the Most of Your September Holiday
Whether you’re laboring over a smokey backyard grill, working on your golf game, browsing an outdoor festival or just chilling out with friends and family, our team wishes you the very best Labor Day weekend, and we hope all your labors continue to prosper as we head into the home stretch of 2024.
“It’s a day that honors the contributions and achievements of American workers and our commitment to the rights and dignity of labor.”
Try These on Your Grill
Looking to change-up your grilling game? Here are a couple of recipes we’ve discovered that will infuse some Latin American inspired flavors to your next backyard bash. For more grilling trends, see this month’s lifestyle feature, too!
Grilled Stuffed Avocados
This unusual treat is built around a favorite creamy-fleshed fruit (yes, avocados are a fruit). Buttery-textured, smokey and healthful, it’s a fantastic dish that surprises!
Ingredients:
- 3 ripe avocados, halved and pitted
- 1 cup cooked and shredded chicken (optional, can be substituted with black beans for a vegetarian option)
- 1/2 cup diced tomatoes
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or your favorite)
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 lime, juiced
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional toppings: sour cream, salsa, hot sauce, or jalapeños
Preparation:
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
- Scoop out a small portion of the avocado flesh from each half, creating a larger cavity for the filling. Set the scooped avocado aside in a mixing bowl.
- Filling: In the mixing bowl with the scooped avocado, add the shredded chicken or black beans, diced tomatoes, red onion, shredded cheese, and fresh cilantro.
- Drizzle the mixture with lime juice and olive oil, then season with salt and pepper. Mix everything together until well combined.
- Stuff the Avocados: Fill each avocado half generously with the prepared mixture, pressing it down gently to ensure it’s secure.
Grilling:
Place the stuffed avocados directly on the grill, cut side up. Close the grill lid and cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the avocados are slightly charred on the bottom. If you prefer a smokier flavor, you can also grill the avocados cut side down for 2-3 minutes before stuffing them, then flip and fill them on the grill.
Serving:
Carefully remove the avocados from the grill and place them on a serving platter.
Add any optional toppings like sour cream, salsa, hot sauce, or sliced jalapeños.
Serve immediately, either as a main dish or a hearty appetizer with tortilla chips or a fresh salad on the side. For extra flavor, sprinkle with crumbled bacon, or add a dollop of guacamole.
Classic Mexican Street Corn (Elote)
This traditional recipe is a must-try, featuring corn on the cob taken to the next level with a creamy, tangy sauce and sprinkled with cheese and spices. It’s an easy, delightful treat.
Ingredients:
- 4 ears of corn, husked
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup crumbled cotija cheese (or feta as a substitute)
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)
- Lime wedges, for serving
Preparation:
- Grill the Corn: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Grill the corn directly on the grates, turning occasionally, until it’s charred in spots and cooked through, about 10-12 minutes.
- Prepare the Sauce: While the corn is grilling, mix the mayonnaise, sour cream, lime juice, chili powder, and smoked paprika in a small bowl.
- Assemble the Elote: Once the corn is done, brush each ear generously with the mayo-sour cream mixture. Sprinkle with crumbled cotija cheese and chopped cilantro if desired.
Serving:
Serve immediately with lime wedges on the side for an extra burst of citrus.
