Holidays in American Culture

"July 4th." History.com. A&E Television Networks, n.d. Web. 21 Oct. 2015. QUOTE- John Adams quote.

"...John Adams wrote to his wife Abigail that July 2 'will be celebrated, by succeeding Generations, as the great anniversary Festival" and that the celebration should include "Pomp and Parade...Games, Sports, Guns, Bells, Bonfires and Illuminations from one End of this Continent to the other.'"

"Thanksgiving Traditions." Thanksgiving Traditions. N.p., n.d. Web. 22 Oct. 2015. QUOTE- After dinner activities.

"After the feast families often do additional activities. Some like to take walks after eating such a large meal. Some people take naps. Others sit down together to play board or card games together."

"About the USA Holidays Christmas." About the USA Holidays Christmas. N.p., n.d. Web. 21 Oct. 2015 QUOTE- Generosity in America at Christmastime.

"Christmas is also a time when most Americans show great generosity to other less fortunate than they. They send money to hospitals or orphanages or contribute to funds that help the poor."

"July 4th." History.com. A&E Television Networks, n.d. Web. 21 Oct. 2015. QUOTE- First celebrations of Independence Day.

"Festivities including concerts, bonfires, parades and the firing of cannons and muskets usually accompanied the first public readings of the Declaration of Independence, beginning immediately after its adoption. Philadelphia held the first annual commemoration of independence on July 4, 1777, while Congress was still occupied with the ongoing war. George Washington issued double rations of rum to all his soldiers to mark the anniversary of independence in 1778, and in 1781, several months before the key American victory at Yorktown, Massachusetts became the first state to make July 4th an official state holiday."

"Independence Day in United States." Independence Day in United States. N.p., n.d. Web. 22 Oct. 2015. QUOTE- Celebration customs.

"Independence Day is a federal holiday. If July 4 is a Saturday, it is observed on Friday, July 3. If July 4 is a Sunday, it is observed on Monday, July 5. Government offices and schools are closed. Some businesses may be closed as well."

"Independence Day in United States." Independence Day in United States. N.p., n.d. Web. 22 Oct. 2015. QUOTE- Common Independence Day activities.

"Many people display the American flag outside their homes or buildings. Many communities arrange fireworks that are often accompanied by patriotic music. The most impressive fireworks are shown on television. Some employees use one or more of their vacation days to create a long weekend so that they can escape the heat at their favorite beach or vacation spot."

"About the USA Holidays Christmas." About the USA Holidays Christmas. N.p., n.d. Web. 21 Oct. 2015 QUOTE- Christmas has become an American tradition.

"Naturally Christians observe Christmas according to the traditions of their particular church. Besides the strictly religious traditions, however, other common Christmas practices are observed by people who are not religious or who are not Christian. In this way, some Christmas traditions have become American traditions."

"Holiday" Worldbook, Volume 9, 2009, Print QUOTE- Holidays where businesses do not close.

"Schools and organizations often observe days known as traditional holidays, although schools and busninesses do not close then. These days include Valentine's Day (February 14); Saint Patrick's Day (March 17); and Halloween (October 31)."

"Holiday" Worldbook, Volume 9, 2009, Print QUOTE- Lack of national holidays in America.

"Sunday is the only holiday recognized by common law. Congress has at various times set aside special holidays, such as V-E and V-J days to celebrate the end of fighting in World War II (1939-1945). However, there are no national holidays as such. Each state as the authority to specify the holidays it will observe."

"Thanksgiving Traditions." Thanksgiving Traditions. N.p., n.d. Web. 22 Oct. 2015. QUOTE- Traditional Thanksgiving foods.

"Traditional foods are a large part of Thanksgiving celebrations. Many families include the entire family in the food preparation. Traditional foods include turkey, stuffing, gravy, sweet potatoes, cornbread, mashed potatoes, and cranberry sauce. Many people serve pie for dessert at the end of the meal. Popular pie flavors are pumpkin, pecan, sweet potato, and apple."

"Holiday" Worldbook, Volume 9, 2009, Print Summary of all American holiday customs.

A holiday is any day on which people lay aside their ordinary duties and cares. The U.S. has many specific policies on holidays. Not all holidays are celebrated the same way.

"Independence Day in United States." Independence Day in United States. N.p., n.d. Web. 22 Oct. 2015. Summary of American Independence Day.

America's Independence Day is celebrated on July 4th. It is a federal holiday and is celebrated with traditions like cookouts, baseball games, parades, and most predominantly, fireworks. The holiday celebrates the American ideals of political freedom and is a day for people to express their thanks for their liberties and freedoms that were won by the first generation of the American people.

"Thanksgiving Traditions." Thanksgiving Traditions. N.p., n.d. Web. 22 Oct. 2015. American Thanksgiving traditions.

Americans celebrate Thanksgiving on the fourth Thursday of November. There are a few general traditions, but most families have their own traditions. Many people travel to be with the members of their extended or immediate family. Food is an important part of Thanksgiving.

"About the USA Holidays Christmas." About the USA Holidays Christmas. N.p., n.d. Web. 21 Oct. 2015 PARAPHRASE- American Christmas decorations.

Americans decorate for Christmas using a Christmas tree, which can either be a real evergreen tree or an artificial one. The tree is decorated with small string lights and ornaments. More string lights, as well as wreaths, are used to decorate the outside of the house.

"About the USA Holidays Christmas." About the USA Holidays Christmas. N.p., n.d. Web. 21 Oct. 2015 A summary of the American Christmas.

Christmas is a Christian Holiday that is widely celebrated in America. America has created many traditions for the holiday. These include things like gift giving, donating or volunteering, and decorating with string lights and evergreen trees. Because of these customs, Christmas is an American tradition.

"Thanksgiving Traditions." Thanksgiving Traditions. N.p., n.d. Web. 22 Oct. 2015. PARAPHRASE- Annual turkey pardon.

Every year, the President of the United States is given a live turkey and several alternates (in case something happens to the original). A ceremony is then held where the President "pardons" the turkey and the alternates, letting them live on a farm for the rest of their lives.

"Independence Day in United States." Independence Day in United States. N.p., n.d. Web. 22 Oct. 2015. PARAPHRASE- American Independence Day traditions.

Fireworks are an American favorite, with many people attending fireworks shows or watching them on television. Some people celebrate with activities such as a baseball game, hot dog eating contests, or three legged races.

"About the USA Holidays Christmas." About the USA Holidays Christmas. N.p., n.d. Web. 21 Oct. 2015 PARAPHRASE- The tradition of gift giving at Christmas time.

Gift giving is one of the most common American customs at Christmas. People give gifts to friends and family. Most gifts are bought rather than made, which leads to a large increase in sales in December.

"Holiday" Worldbook, Volume 9, 2009, Print PARAPHRASE- Who decides which districts will celebrate what holidays.

Governors choose the holidays for the state. The government and Congress choose the holidays for the District of Columbia and federal employees in the country.

"Thanksgiving Traditions." Thanksgiving Traditions. N.p., n.d. Web. 22 Oct. 2015. PARAPHRASE- Common Thanksgiving activities.

Many people volunteer at soup kitchens or donate canned goods to those less fortunate for their Thanksgiving dinners. One of the most popular modern traditions is the New York City Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, which includes marching bands, songs and performances from Broadway musicals, large helium balloons, and floats. Another common activity is watching or participating in football games.

"July 4th." History.com. A&E Television Networks, n.d. Web. 21 Oct. 2015. PARAPHRASE- Federal history of the holiday.

The Fourth of July was declared a federal holiday in 1870. It was made a paid holiday for all federal employees in 1941.

"July 4th." History.com. A&E Television Networks, n.d. Web. 21 Oct. 2015. Summary of American Independence Day.

The Fourth of July, or Independence Day, is a celebration of the United States winning their freedom from Britain in the late 18th century. Although the Federal importance of the holiday has decreased, it is still an important national holiday and a symbol of patriotism.

"July 4th." History.com. A&E Television Networks, n.d. Web. 21 Oct. 2015. PARAPHRASE- History of Independence Day celebrations.

The first celebration of Independence Day was in Philadelphia in 1777. A few people celebrated with larger rations or other small things like that over the next few years. Massachusetts was the first state to make July Fourth an official state holiday in 1781. By the end of the 18th century, it was widely celebrated throughout the United States.

"Independence Day in United States." Independence Day in United States. N.p., n.d. Web. 22 Oct. 2015. PARAPHRASE- Purpose of Independence Day.

The holiday celebrates the American ideals of political freedom and is a day for people to express their thanks for their liberties and freedoms that were won by the first generation of the American people.

"Holiday" Worldbook, Volume 9, 2009, Print PARAPHRASE- Federal Holidays.

There are ten legal federal holidays in the United States. They include New Year's Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, and Independence Day, among others.