My parents worked for the federal Gov't, and it was the one day, when I would walk home from school, and they were at the house.
Most often, my father would be prepping the house for winter (caulking windows, etc) and mom would be cooking raisin cake.
I have very few distinct memories of coming home from elementary school, but because of this holiday, I do have memories.
Remember this?
In fourteen hundred ninety two
Columbus sailed the ocean blue
One does not tear things down, whether it be statues or holidays or beliefs.
Life is additive, life is fruitful.
Add in new holidays, new statues, new rites and rituals to represent the now.
If the old gods and old ways die, so be it.
Do not push the river.