1. American Holidays and traditions By Anton Chernov Group 416

2. January 1, New Year's Day We think about what we want to do differently and make New Year's resolutions that will begin on January 1. Lots of people resolve to improve their lives – by exercising, getting things done on time, learn a new skill, get a new job, or do better in school. This day in America is celebrated by the viewing of many (4 or more) football games in the playoffs to find out the best college team of the year.

3. February 14, Valentine's Day This holiday which is especially popular in the United States, England, France, and Canada is all about love. Giving your heart to someone meant giving him or her the most important part of yourself.

4. March 17, St. Patrick's Day On this day, no businesses are closed. Instead, especially for the Americans who have Irish heritage, it is time for great celebrations – with parties, drinking beer, and having a lot of fun. Those of us not of Irish descent, often have a meal of corned beef and cabbage. Green is the color or Ireland so we wear green clothes, green jewelry, and have green decorations.

5. July 4, Independence Day The reason for this holiday is the signing of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776. The Fourth of July is a noisy, joyous celebration. Most towns have Fourth of July parades with bands, marching community groups, and lots of flags. Families have picnics and barbecues. Everyone has a lot of fun – particularly with fireworks. Many areas have banned private fireworks (so many people get burned or hurt), so instead cities usually have a big fireworks displays that all the citizens can watch.

6. October 12, Columbus Day The is a day off from school to celebrate the life of Christopher Columbus who discovered America. Actually he was not looking for America, he was looking for a western route to Asia and believed he had landed in Asia when he got here. His reports of what he had found prompted many others to said west from Europe because his voyages had truly opened a new world to Europeans and hanged the course of history.

7. October 31, Halloween The phrase “Trick or treat!” means “Give me a treat or I'll play a trick on you”. Some pranks were drawing on people's windows with soap or greasing the doorknob of someone's house so it would be impossible to turn. This celebration is for children, but they are not out of school for this event. Instead, they can often dress in costumes on October 31 and have a party with cakes and candy at school. When it turns dark that day, they go out in costumes from door-to-door in their neighborhood to collect candy bars and other treats from neighbors. The colors of Halloween are orange (pumpkins) and black (witches and cats).

8. December 25, Christmas The celebration of Christ's birth is celebrated throughout all of Christianity. This is a holiday for everyone. Families usually get together for scrumptious feasts. Gifts are given between family members. Part of the celebration can also take place on Christmas Eve (December 24). Some businesses are closed part or all of Christmas Eve in preparation for these feasts.