Genealogists have been looking forward to this release as they would a national holiday, as have thousands of historians, economists and demographers.

CNN: Why the huge interest in the 1940 Census?

Sunday marks the secular national holiday on which much of this country takes the day off from being outdoors, eating healthy and watching "60 Minutes" in order to celebrate two American pastimes, violent competition and television commercials.

NPR: Really Important Football Game Coming

The National Retail Federation is projecting 5% growth in holiday spending this year.

FORBES: Wal-Mart's Trailing The Pack

Some observers expect an announcement this week because a weeklong public holiday begins Oct. 1, China's National Day.

WSJ: Chinese Court Sentences Ex-Police Chief Wang Lijun to 15 Years

Despite a national unemployment rate of 9.6%, the National Retail Federation is forecasting a 2.3% increase in holiday sales this year and analysts expect consumers to purchase at least one or two trendy gadgets.

FORBES: Will Electronics Shortages Cause Holiday Retail Crisis?

The National Retail Federation found that 53% of consumers are planning to shop on their smartphones this holiday season and tablet owners are more likely than mobile shoppers to use their device for holiday shopping, with more than one-third (34.8%) planning to make a purchase with their device.

FORBES: Apps to Beat the Black Friday and Cyber Monday Rush

Upward of 36 million prepackaged heart-shaped boxes will be sold this Valentine's Day, making it the most popular gift of the holiday, according to the National Confectioners Association.

FORBES: The Procrastinator's Guide To Valentine's Day