I believe North American national holidays and other celebratory days that are not 'official' holidays were established to curb overproduction brought on by mass production and the industrial revolution. For example:

Too much turkey because no one really eats them all year round = thanksgiving
Too much gunpowder left over from war, so fireworks are used = Victoria Day (here in Canada), or any given day of the week in the USA.
Too many pumpkins because no one eats them = Hallowe'en
Too much chocolate and flowers = valentine's day
Too many items on shelves = boxing day

Go fly a kite, now.