USA Holidays and Traditions Hat
Celebrating holidays is one of the most effective approaches to exploring and understanding any culture, especially the American one. Having some understanding of the culture’s holidays and the associated practices can make one feel included and avoid cultural shocks.
Thanksgiving (Thursday, November 4)
Tradition: Families gather to have a big meal which includes turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, and pumpkin pie.
Many international students are requested to either host Thanksgiving dinners for their families or attend classes together with their peers. I remember the worry I had with "crashing a Thanksgiving dinner," but the family was inflexible, and it turned out to be one of my favorite experiences in the US.
Tip: As a guest, it is best to offer at least a small contribution in the form of a dessert. It will be appreciated.
July 4th, also called Independence Day
Tradition: Commemorates American independence with outdoor events, barbecues, parades, and fireworks.
On my first Independence Day, I had a picnic with some friends at the lake, where fireworks display was the highlight. It was a fantastic sociable and patriotic experience that helped me feel connected to the wide America.
Tip: Due to high attendance, it is best to come with a set plan for how to get to the event and the surrounding area.
December: Christmas and New Year
Tradition: Christmas is a holiday celebrated both culturally and religiously, often associated with elaborate meals, gift-giving, and decorations.
Celebrations often incorporate fireworks as well as countdown parties, especially on New Year’s Eve.
In the case of this particular custom, the campus does, however, tend to feel a lot quieter, as a large proportion of students return home. I coordinated a “potluck Christmas dinner” with some international students I knew, and the event was very unifying and helped in building strong and lasting friendships.
Easter (spring, date varies)
Tradition: Although Easter is a religious holiday for Christians, many people celebrate it culturally by having family dinners and Easter egg hunts.
October 31, Halloween
Costumes, pumpkin carving, children's trick-or-treating, and student-themed parties are all traditions.
I initially believed that costumes were only for kids, but after witnessing classmates go all out, I changed my mind. I felt immediately at home on campus after I joined with a basic do-it-yourself costume.
Memorial Day and Labor Day( May / September )
Tradition: Memorial Day commemorates fallen soldiers, and Labor Day signals the end of summer.
Both are public holidays. Both are extended weekends filled with traveling, shopping, and barbeques.
Tip:
Great opportunity for short student trips or bargain shopping.
Celebrating holidays helps you remember the friends you have, both foreign and American, and helps you appreciate American identity.
