The Americans are crazy about relaxation, they indulge in all sorts of activities which provide both good exercise and mental relaxation at the same time. The Americans are very ingenious at spending their time in amusement. They pursue hobbies, take part in sports activities, watch movies and television, listen to music, and read books and magazines. These and other activities contribute to the richness and diversity of American life. American culture offers opportunities for various leisure activities.
American holidays are numerous, they are strikingly different in origin but generally are celebrated in the same manner.
The most interesting national holidays of the USA are Washingtons Birthday (February 22), Memorial Day (May 30), Independence Day (July 4), Labor Day (First Monday in September), Thanksgiving Day (Fourth Thursday in November), Christmas Day (December 25), New Years Day (January 1). Some of them are religious, some are connected with American history. The early colonists brought with them from England, Holland, France, Germany and many other countries the holiday customs of their homelands. These old world traditions, transplanted to new world soil gradually assumed a character more or less unique to the various regions of the USA.
WASHINGTONS BIRTHDAY is a great day for shoppers in addition to commemorating the birth of the USs first President. The department stores of Washington, D.C., started a national tradition of sales marked by unusual bargains. In some states it is observed on the third Monday of February.
MEMORIAL DAY is a day honoring the dead of Americas wars. Schools, offices, and banks close for the day. On May 30 Cemeteries are decorated, flags are put up on the graves of army, navy and airmen, solemn services are held. It is often marked by parades that are very colorful in small towns and baseball competitions. This day is observed in some states on the last Monday in May.
The fourth of July is the US Independence Day. The biggest national holiday of the US is celebrated as the birthday of the country. Parades, tours through historical monuments, outdoor shows, boat races take place everywhere. The nation celebrates its founding with spectacular firework displays and speeches praising Americanism, democracy, free enterprise, etc.
LABOR DAY comes on the first Monday of September. It means to common Americans the end of summer, back to school, vacation over, fall clothes, prepare to winter. It marks the end of summer and the beginning of autumn. People go to the beach or mountains on picnics to enjoy the fine weather at the end of summer holiday season.
THANKSGIVING DAY was first celebrated in 1621 by English settlers. Their first winter in America was very hard, over half of the settlers died. They had planted corn, the Indians showed them how to plant maize and they got a rich harvest in autumn The colonists decided to make a holiday dinner, their leader proclaimed a day of Thanksgiving unto the Lord for the rich harvest. A national Thanksgiving came only after the foundation of the USA. It is the fourth Thursday in November.
CHRISTMAS is usually a one day official holiday. It is celebrated on December 25 as the birth of Christ. It is preceded and followed by festive parties and marked by special church services. Christmas is a family holiday. Little children hang up their stockings on Christmas Eve. They believe that when they are asleep, Santa Clause comes to visit them. Usually the whole family Has a big dinner which is distinguished by a plum pudding dessert.
NEW YEARS DAY is a time for merriment. Most Americans spend the end of the old year and the beginning of the new year celebrating with friends. One popular New Years Eve drink is eggnog a thick, yellow mixture of eggs, milk or cream and sugar. Champaign is often served for the midnight toast on New Years Eve.
New Years Day has traditionally been the occasion for starting new programs and giving up bad habits. People talk about turning over a new leaf.
