Little Ben Day

You probably didn’t know or have long since forgotten that March 4th is Benjamin Harrison Day. Who you say? Exactly!

Benjamin Harrison, our 23rd President, was often referred to as ‘Little Ben’ because he was only five foot, six inches. But man could he rock a beard with presidential panache. And he set the festive trend by being the first president to grace the White House with a Christmas tree. Talk about a multitasking leader – decorating for the holidays and running the country!

So, let's celebrate Harrison's legacy, a legacy that extends beyond facial hair and Yuletide cheer - can you imagine the joy on his face as he adorned that inaugural Christmas tree, thinking, "Move over, Washington – we've got a new tradition in town!" OK, I’ll admit that when it comes to Harrison's policy prowess, it's hard to pinpoint his greatest hits. Did he usher in a new era of groundbreaking legislation? Well, not exactly. But hey, he did oversee the passage of the Sherman Antitrust Act, because nothing says "progress" like trying to keep big businesses in check while still wearing Milburn Pennybags’ (Mr. Monopoly) top hat.

Sure, his policy achievements may not have been the stuff of legends, and his presidency may have been sandwiched between two servings of Grover Cleveland, but Harrison knew how to deck the halls and spread some presidential cheer. And in the grand tapestry of history, being the first president to bring Christmas trees into the White House is a shiny bauble all its own - give that back Jackie!

So, here's to Benjamin Harrison, the facial hair trendsetter, the sandwiched statesman, and the holiday decorator extraordinaire. May your legacy continue to sparkle like tinsel on a tree, reminding us that even in politics, a touch of festive flair goes a long way.

Cheers to you, Mr. Harrison, for being the president who left us wanting more! No seriously, we wanted more.