Christmas

Christmas is a Christian holiday that celebrates the birth of Christ. Because it is a religious origin it is not an official holiday. However most Americans celebrate it. Many businesses are closed and the majority of population have a day off. There are many traditions associated with Christmas that individual families brought with them when they came to the United States. Americans bring evergreen trees trimmed with lights and ornaments into their homes.

Gift-giving is so common at Christmas time that for most stores it means an increase in sales. Many religious people even complain that it has become more commercial than religious. Despite the criticism, Christmas shopping is a major activity

of many Americans in December. Gifts are given to children, members of the family and close friends. They are given to people who have done favours to others or who work for them. Some people bake cookies or make candies or other special food

treats for friends and neighbors. Many businesses give their workers a Christmas "bonus" — gifts of extra money — to show appreciation for their work. Christmas is also a time when most Americans show great generosity to other less fortunate people.

They send money to hospitals or orphanages or contribute to funds that help the poor.

Americans send greeting cards to their friends and family at Christmas time. Besides the many religious ceremonies and songs celebrated throughout the country, many American children wait for Santa Claus to arrive on Christmas Eve and leave

presents under the Christmas tree. Many Americans wish its goodwill could continue throughout the entire year.

Valentine's Day

Saint Valentine's Day is a day that is set aside to promote the idea of "love". It is celebrated on February 14th. People send greeting cards or gifts to the loved ones and friends to show them that they care.

Easter

Easter is a major Christian holiday that commemorates the resurrection of Jesus Christ. It is celebrated on a Sunday between March 22 and April 25. The 40 days leading up to Easter are observed as Lent. Besides the religious aspects of Easter, people also celebrate spring or the signs of new life. Flowers are seen everywhere. There are often Easter Parades such as the one in New York City where people dress up in their new spring clothes. Children receive Easter baskets filled with candy Easter eggs, chocolate bunnies and jelly beans! The dying of eggs with food colour is also an Easter tradition in many American families.