American Holidays

The United States does not have national holidays in the sense of days on which all employees in the U.S. receive a day free from work and all business is halted. United Statesnational holidaysUnited Statesnational holidays

There are a number of holidays in the USA which are celebrated every year. Here are some of them.

The 1st of January is New Year's Day. People do not go to bed until after midnight on December 31. They like to see the old year out and the new year in. Many people give parties on New Year's Eve.

The celebration of this federal holiday begins the night before, when Americans gather to wish each other a happy and prosperous coming year. Many Americans make New Year's resolutions The celebration of this federal holiday begins the night before, when Americans gather to wish each other a happy and prosperous coming year. Many Americans make New Year's resolutions New Year's resolutions New Year's resolutions

Popular New Year's Resolutions Check out some New Year's resolutions that are popular year after year. Drink Less Alcohol Drink Less Alcohol Get a Better Education Get a Better Education Get a Better Job Get a Better Job Get Fit Get Fit Lose Weight Lose Weight Manage Debt Manage Debt Manage Stress Manage Stress Quit Smoking Now Quit Smoking Now Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle Save Money Save Money Take a Trip Take a Trip Volunteer to Help Others Volunteer to Help Others

Labor DayLabor Day is the first Monday of September. This federal holiday honors the nation's working people, typically with parades. For most Americans it marks the end of the summer vacation season and the start of the school year. Labor Day

Father's DayFather's Day celebrates fathers every third Sunday of June. Father's Day began in 1909 in Spokane, Washington, when a daughter requested a special day to honor her father, a Civil War veteran who raised his children after his wife died. The first presidential proclamation honoring fathers was issued in 1966 by President Lyndon Johnson. Father's Day

Flag DayFlag Day, celebrated June 14, has been a presidentially proclaimed observance since Although Flag Day is not a federal holiday, Americans are encouraged to display the flag outside their homes and businesses on this day to honor the history and heritage the American flag represents. Flag Day

Mother's DayMother's Day celebrates mothers every second Sunday of May. President Woodrow Wilson, who issued a proclamation in 1914, asked Americans to give a public expression of reverence to mothers on this day. Carnations have come to represent Mother's Day, following President William McKinley's habit of always wearing a white carnation, his mother's favorite flower. Mother's Day

Earth DayEarth Day is observed on April 22. First celebrated in 1970 in the United States, it inspired national legislation such as the Clean Air and Clean Water Acts. Earth Day is designed to promote ecology, encourage respect for life on earth, and highlight concern over pollution of the soil, air, and water. Earth Day

Washington's BirthdayWashington's Birthday is a federal holiday observed the third Monday of February to honor George Washington, the first President of the United States. This date is commonly called Presidents' Day and many groups honor the legacy of past presidents on this date. George Washingtonpast presidents Washington's BirthdayGeorge Washingtonpast presidents

On Halloween, American children dress up in funny or scary costumes and go "trick or treating" by knocking on doors in their neighborhood. The neighbors are expected to respond by giving them small gifts of candy or money.

Columbus DayColumbus Day is a federal holiday celebrated on the second Monday in October. The day commemorates October 12, 1492, when Italian navigator Christopher Columbus landed in the New World. The holiday was first proclaimed in 1937 by President Franklin D. Roosevelt. Columbus Day

Memorial Day, or Decoration Day, is dedicated to those who fought in the War of Independence, in World War I or in World War II.

The 4th of July is Independence Day. It is the biggest national holiday in the USA. The Declaration of Independence was proclaimed in Philadelphia on July 4, 1776, when the American colonies were fighting for independence against England.

It is a day of picnics and patriotic parades, a night of concerts and fireworks. The flying of the American flag is widespread.

On the 11th of November there is Veteran's Day. It is I dedicated to those who fell in the two World Wars.

Thanksgiving Day is on the fourth Thursday in November. In the autumn of 1621, the Pilgrim Fathers celebrated their first harvest festival in America and called it Thanksgiving Day. Since that time it has been celebrated every year.

In the fall of 1621, the Pilgrims held a three-day feast to celebrate a bountiful harvest. Thanksgiving feast became a national tradition and almost always includes some of the foods served at the first feast: roast turkey, cranberry sauce, potatoes, and pumpkin pie.

Valentine's DayValentine's Day is celebrated on February 14. The day was named after an early Christian martyr, and on Valentine's Day, Americans give presents like candy or flowers to the ones they love. The first mass- produced valentine cards were sold in the 1840s. Valentine's Day

Christmas is celebrated on the 25th of December. People usually stay at home at Christmas time, and spend the day with their families.

Christmas is a Christian holiday marking the birth of the Christ Child. Decorating houses and yards with lights, putting up Christmas trees, giving gifts, and sending greeting cards have become traditions even for many non- Christian Americans. traditions

But Xmas is not only a religious day, it became one of the first federal holidays. On this day most offices, companies and businesses remain closed and the greatest number of workers and government employees, have the day off. Many places, shops and offices even close early on the day before.

The most popular way to celebrate Xmas is to cook a big turkey with apples and have a glass of wine with the family.

The work was done by the pupils and their teacher KulikovaZ.E. Materials from the Internet