Holidays and Celebrations in the United States Lesson Two By Brooke Zhang

There are many holidays that people in the United States celebrate! People often throw parties or get together for many different holidays. People often throw parties or get together for many different holidays. For some of these holidays, government services close, stores close, and school might close as well. For some of these holidays, government services close, stores close, and school might close as well. Celebrating holidays is very important in the United States, and each holiday has a history and its own characteristics. Celebrating holidays is very important in the United States, and each holiday has a history and its own characteristics.

Do the United States and China celebrate any of the same holidays? What do you all think?... Type your answer!

Federal holidays (on these holidays all government offices, banks, and schools are closed)  New Year's Day  Birthday of Martin Luther King, Jr.  Washington's (President’s Day) Birthday  Memorial Day  Independence Day  Labor Day  Columbus Day  Veterans Day  Thanksgiving Day  Christmas Day

Other Observations and Celebrations  Valentine's Day  April Fool’s Day  Easter Sunday  Mother's Day  Father's Day  Halloween  Teacher’s Work Day

 Celebrates beginning of the year. This is a time for people to make new “resolutions”  Resolutions are goals for them to reach in this new year.  Common resolutions are exercising more, getting a better job, living more happily New Year’s Day  Unlike Chinese New Year, New Year’s Day is on January first (January 1 st )

 The Ball Drop at Times Square in New York City has become a national celebration  Many Americans watch it on TV (Television) is they cannot see it in New York City  Festivities include counting down to 12:00 midnight on the night before, New Year’s Eve, often with big fireworks.

Independence Day Celebrates the signing of the Declaration of Independence Also called the Fourth of July. Fourth of July Barbecues and Parties Fireworks celebration are held in many cities throughout the nation. On July 4 th

Thanksgiving Day Fourth Thursday in November Traditionally celebrates the giving of thanks for the autumn harvest. Includes the sharing of a dinner with turkey. Traditionally celebrates the giving of thanks for the autumn harvest. Includes the sharing of a dinner with turkey. Harvest holiday for the fall season

A long time ago, people from Europe (we call them “pilgrims”) arrived in the Americas. When they arrived, they met the native americans. The native americans helped the pilgrims start a colony and they all celebrated with a feast to thank each other, and show how grateful they were for their help.

Celebration of the rebirth of Jesus (resurrection of Jesus) in most Western Christian churches. Easter (Sunday) Sunday following the Paschal full moon, the date changes Many Americans decorate hard-boiled eggs and give baskets of candy, fruit, toys and so on, especially to children.baskets

Christmas December 25 The most widely celebrated holiday The most widely celebrated holiday Christmas is observed as the birth of Jesus in Christianity. Christmas is observed as the birth of Jesus in Christianity. During this holiday, there is a “Christmas feeling” in the air, and it is a holiday of kindness, and warm feelings, joy, and celebration!! During this holiday, there is a “Christmas feeling” in the air, and it is a holiday of kindness, and warm feelings, joy, and celebration!!

This is a very, very popular holiday! Everyone who celebrates this holiday puts up festive decorations of common symbols of Christmas, listens and sings to Christmas music, and enjoys being together in the winter season.

How to Make a Christmas Tree!

Sing (and follow) these Classic Christmas Songs! #1: Santa Claus is coming to town You better watch out, you better not cry You better not pout, I'm telling you why Santa Claus is comin' to town Santa Claus is comin' to town Santa Claus is comin' to town Santa Claus is comin' to town He's making a list and checking it twice Gonna find out who's naughty and nice. Santa Claus is comin' to town Santa Claus is comin' to town Santa Claus is comin' to town Santa Claus is comin' to town He sees you when you're sleeping He knows when you're awake He knows if you've been bad or good So be good for goodness sake

Sing (and follow) these Classic Christmas Songs! (Top 3) #2: Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree Rocking around the Christmas Tree at the Christmas party hop Mistletoe hung where you can see Ev'ry couple tries to stop You will get a sentimental feeling When you hear voices singing "Let's be jolly; Deck the halls with boughs of holly" Rocking around the Christmas Tree Have a happy holiday Everyone's dancing merrily In a new old fashioned way

Sing (and follow) these Classic Christmas Songs! #3: We Wish You a Merry Christmas We wish you a Merry Christmas; We wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Good tidings we bring to you and your kin; Good tidings for Christmas and a Happy New Year. Oh, bring us a figgy pudding; Oh, bring us a figgy pudding and a cup of good cheer We won't go until we get some; We won't go until we get some, so bring some out here We wish you a Merry Christmas; We wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

What is your favorite holiday to celebrate? Tell me a good reason why What is your favorite holiday to celebrate? Tell me a good reason why

Do you have any questions? Comments? Ideas?