Holidays

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One thing that's bound to be different between America and wherever you're from is their holidays. Americans have a distinct set of holidays, many of which are different from what you may be used to. Here are a few holidays that Americans celebrate.

1 January: New Year's Day - New Years is a big deal in the U.S. It is often celebrated with New Year's Eve parties on December 31st and fireworks at midnight. It is traditional for couples to kiss at midnight to welcome in the New Year.

3rd Monday in January: Martin Luther King, Jr. Day - Commemorates the birthday of an African-American civil rights leader.

14 February: Valentine's Day - Celebrates love and romance. Cards, candies, gifts, and other tokens of affection are exchanged.

3rd Monday of February: President's Day - Honors America's past presidents.

17 March: Saint Patrick's Day - This holiday is for the patron saint of Ireland. It is usually celebrated with parades and parties decorated in green. You're supposed to wear at least one thing green on Saint Patrick's Day or you may get pinched.

1 April: April Fool’s Day - This is a day for harmless jokes. Keep a good sense of humor as people repeatedly joke with you.

Last Monday of May: Memorial Day - In remembrance and honor of the men and women who died while serving in the U.S. Armed Forces.

4 July: Independence Day - In memory of the day in 1776 when the 13 original colonies declared their independence from England. This is usually a day for picnics, fireworks, and lots of American flags.

1st Monday in September: Labor Day - Honors all American workers.

2nd Monday in October: Columbus Day - This day is in memory of Christopher Columbus, the man traditionally thought of as the discoverer of the Americas in 1492.

Last Thursday in November: Thanksgiving Day - Similar to the first thanksgiving feast that the first settlers, the Pilgrims, had, Americans usually feast on this day. It is a day for counting their blessings and giving praise to God. Turkey is often served at the thanksgiving dinner along with such American favorites as pumpkin pie.

25 December: Christmas Day - Celebrates the birth of Christ. There are too many traditions associated with Christmas to list them all but it is generally a time for exchanging gifts and getting together with friends and family.

There are many other American holidays including Mother's Day, Father's Day, Secretaries Day, Halloween, and Hanukkah, you may consider doing some research into American holidays and traditions before you come to the states.